Erectile dysfunction is pretty common in old age. But lately, many youngsters are also reporting the problem. It’s a cause of concern when a young person cannot sustain an erection during sexual activity. In young people, the disease could be due to an accompanying health condition or psychological factors. There are medications to treat erectile dysfunction, but patients can also manage the ailment by adopting the lifestyle changes and natural remedies mentioned here.

1. Exercising
Erectile dysfunction usually occurs when there’s poor blood circulation in the pelvic muscles and penis. Exercising is the quickest way to improve good blood flow. Being overweight can also prevent an erection, and exercise can help with that too. If a person’s waist measures 42 inches or more, they’re at risk of erectile dysfunction, and exercise can be the right thing to do with double benefits.

2. Eat nitric acid-rich food
Eating healthy can delay the onset of the condition. One should have fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and nitric acid. The latter helps relax blood vessels, allowing better blood flow to the penis. Spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, grapes, strawberries, and raspberries are best for boosting nitric acid production. Watermelon is another fruit with compounds that can relax blood vessels. Doctors also suggest a Mediterranean meal plan to deal with the symptoms.

3. Stop smoking
The risk of erectile dysfunction is comparatively higher in smokers than non-smokers. The chemicals in cigarettes severely damage the blood vessels’ lining and impact blood flow to the reproductive organs, leading to low sexual function.

4. Limit alcohol
Alcohol isn’t a mood lifter like most people believe. Instead, it affects a person’s reflexes, making them incapable of becoming aroused for sexual activity. Long-term alcohol intake can increase estrogen levels in men, causing depression, infertility, and erectile dysfunction. Hence, one should reduce alcohol to manage the condition’s symptoms.

5. De-stressing
Work pressure, fatigue, and exhaustion are common factors that men generally tend to overlook. A lack of proper rest and rejuvenation can affect a person both physically and mentally. Therefore, patients should plan their day well to clock in around seven to eight hours of sleep every day. In addition, 30 minutes of meditation, music, reading, art, or any activity can help relax the mind further. Individuals should talk to their spouse about the problem so that it can reduce anxiety for both. Sex isn’t just physical, and stress-free life can help reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

It’s important to note that the benefits of these natural remedies and lifestyle changes can take time to kick in. Doctors may also suggest using medication along with these natural methods depending on the cause of erectile dysfunction and how bad the problem is.