Nutritional Strategies for improving blood flow and the erectile process

[BreastLuvr]

For those of us who are interested in keeping the internal plumbing in tip-top condition, but don’t want to feed the pharmaceutical industry anymore than is utterly necessary, it dawned on me that a fascinating topic for discussion would entail nutritional strategies for optimizing blood flow and the erectile process. In proposing this topic, it goes without saying that you cannot expect dramatic results from simply consuming a few “superfoods” and/or supplements while otherwise maintaining a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. Before commenting on specific foods which contribute to the desired effect, it should be noted that the real battleground upon which the physiological production of an erection is won or lost is the endothelium: the innermost lining of blood vessels, which is only a few cells thick, and produces nitric oxide, a short-lived compound which functions as a vasodilator and contributes directly to the erectile process. Keeping the endothelium teflon-smooth is the desired goal. As its integrity is breached through vascular damage or the accumulation of plaque deposits, its ability to produce nitric oxide becomes increasingly impaired.

This post will be long enough, as it is, without examining the relationship between exercise and nutrition, so I will limit my remarks to the nutritional/supplementation side of the equation. I will be most interested to read your opinions and findings on this topic. In my opinion, the following nutrients should be in the arsenal of anyone interested in improving not only their health but their sex life:

Fish oil. The cardiovascular benefits of fish oil consumption are well chronicled, including their ability to drastically slash triglycerides and forestall the fatal arrthymias that often occur in the course of heart attacks. Although it is certainly beneficial to ingest omega-3s by actually eating fish, "pharmaceutial-grade" fish oil supplements concentrate EPA and DHA, the essential fatty acids contained therein, at levels significantly higher than they naturally occur in fish, while eliminating the impurities found in mercury and other toxins, through a process known as molecular distillation. Be sure to refrigerate fish oil supplements after opening them; omega-3 fatty acids are extremely sensitive to heat, light and oxygen. (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nakBMTZEJcQ for a brief video by Dr. Christine Milrod, a Ph.D.-credentialed sexologist, entitled “Food that will increase your Sex Drive,” which emphasizes the role of fish oil in stimulating blood flow.)

Alpha-lenolenic acid (ALA), another omega-3 fatty acid that occurs abundantly in flax seed and, I presume, chia seeds as well, can be converted into the aforementioned omega-3s but the human body is very inefficient in doing so. Chia seeds and flax seed actually have complementary properties to the benefits derived from fish oil consumption, notably soluble fiber and the anti-bacterial role of lignans.


Cocoa polyphenols. Onbe of the most astounding properties of cocoa polyphenols is their status as one of the exceedingly few nutrients known to significantly improve beneficial HDL levels, something that I have personally experienced. You can certainly obtain cocoa polyphenols by regularly consuming high-quality dark chocolate, but that option carries an undesirable “price tag” in terms of calories and fat, not to mention the self-discipline required to consume it only in moderation, something which I personally do not possess. A healthier option is to regularly consume a standardized cocoa polyphenol supplement. For those of you who may be interested in knowing what an appropriate dosage is, the Life Extension Foundation recommends, tentatively, 100-130 mg a day. For an overview of the research on cocoa polyphenols, consult http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/ss2007_report_aging_arteries_0 1.htm ).

Almonds (1 ounce daily, which works out to about 24-25 almonds). Almonds contain the most favorable unsaturated:saturated fat ratio of any nut and are also one of the richest naturally occurring sources of arginine, an amino acid necessary for the synthesis of nitric oxide, which, as previously noted, is a short-lived compound essential to the erectile process. For information on a study testing the effect of arginine supplementation on nitric oxide production and erectile function, see http://www.dietaryfiberfood.com/l-arginine-benefits.php .

Pomegranante juice/extract. Research studies have proven that pomegranate consumption, typically in a juice or standardized extract form, is quite effective in stimulating nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme necessary for nitric oxide production. An Israeli study of elderly patients at high risk for the development of stroke discovered that daily consumption of pomegranante juice (1.7 oz), over the course of 12 months, resulted in a 35% drop in carotid artery thickness, which was indicative of an actual reduction in existing plaque deposits, as well as a marked drop in blood pressure. (For additional information on this study and other research findings which document the effectiveness of pomegranate consumption, see http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/feb2007_report_pomegranate_01. htm ). Diabetics or persons with impaired insulin sensitivity should not, consume, any fruit juice with impugnity because of its high sugar content. A standardized, pomegranate extract supplement would be a much more appropriate option for persons suffering from these conditions.

I hope that I have not taxed your patience excessively with the length of this post. I also look forward to your insights. After all, who doesn’t appreciate information which can lead to an improved sexual experience?

[London Rayne]

Listen up old folks...lmao~

Thanks Breastlover! A lot of good info.

[BreastLuvr]

You are most welcome, London. I can honestly say from personal experience that my internal plumbing works as well or better than it did 20-25 yrs. ago. Having an intimate knowledge of the effects of good nutrition on male physiology does have its benefits.

[favoriteman]

Nothing is better than diet and exercise with a healthy lifestyle. I never knew about pomegranante so one more addition for me. Thanks Bluvr

[Chica Chaser]

Good info BreastLuvr. Of course, the one time I tried it, 50mg of Viagra makes you pay much closer attention to that warning "if you have an erection that lasts 4 hrs seek medical attention"

[rrabbit6926]

What does the Dr. give you if you have an erection that last 4 hours?

[London Rayne]

A picture of Rosanne Barr naked.

[rrabbit6926]

That will do the trick

[BreastLuvr]

Originally Posted by London Rayne

A picture of Rosanne Barr naked.

London, that could be classified as "overkill." After that experience, the south might never rise again.

[Sweet N Little]

Originally Posted by rrabbit6926

What does the Dr. give you if you have an erection that last 4 hours?

My address

[Chica Chaser]

Originally Posted by London Rayne

A picture of Rosanne Barr naked.

Ewwwww!

[rrabbit6926]

Originally Posted by Sweet N Little

My address

Hmm so you have the remedy SNL what kind of special treatment do you offer? . Wow just hit 800, long way from you post whores...

[Brasky]

Good info. Diet and excercise are key. Also, I read, Men's Health I think, that Zinc, Magnesium (sp?), and Vitamin A are good too. Plus, salmon is high in all three! Eat your salmon guys!

[biomed1]

Ah Yes!

Salmon, the Other Pink Meat!

Be Careful & Enjoy!

Biomed1

[the.namssa]

LMAO......good one!

Originally Posted by biomed1

Salmon, the Other Pink Meat!