Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common male sexual disorders characterized by the inability to attain to sustain an erection during sexual activity.
For millions of men with ED, the little blue pill Viagra (sildenafil) is usually the first drug of choice. Some men use Cialis (tadalafil), while some use Levitra (vardenafil).
However, a new study has found that many men with poor erections could still achieve the Viagra-like effect simply by following intermittent fasting. All they need to do is skip their lunch or dinner at least two to three times a week, according to the study.
The study, published in the journal Urology, has shown that intermittent fasting substantially reduced a man’s risk of ED.
Researchers at the University of California Irvine found that those who regularly missed meals were more likely to have a healthy sex life. They believe that occasional calorie restriction could reduce damage to the body’s circulation, which can further help men to perform well in bed.
ED is common in middle-aged and older men, according to the CDC, as many as 30 million in the United States have it. Men with diabetes are three times more likely to have ED, the CDC says.
Although ED drugs such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra have revolutionized treatment, nearly 35 percent of men who take them experience no improvement.
The researchers looked at more than 270 middle-aged and older men and compared their dietary approaches to understand how they affected their sexual health.
The participants’ erectile function was analyzed based on their diet, who were vegan, who relied on organic foods, who ate whole foods or low-fat diets, and those who fasted regularly.
In recent years, many people, including those with diabetes and obesity, have started following intermittent fasting, with promising results.
The findings revealed that men who indulged in intermittent fasting were twice as likely to be ED-free than men who were vegan, or ate whole food or low-fat diets.
The researchers said they are not sure whether fasting is the secret to healthy erections.
However, they added, “Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve blood sugar control, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes – a common cause of erection problems. It may also boost testosterone.”
Chairman of the British Society of Sexual Medicine Dr. Geoff Hackett said intermittent fasting for a couple of weeks is unlikely to help. He said, “It may depend on how long you do it for and it may also be more likely to work if you intermittently abstain from alcohol as well.”
