Natural Awakenings Twin Cities June 2023

She, too, considers sexual health an integral
component of overall wellness and gives
patients the tools to achieve their desired
sexual potential. “While every person is
different, optimal sexual health usually
means that men wake up with a morning
erection, desire intercourse on a daily basis
and can reach an erection without stimulation
or genital contact,” she remarks.
Making mindful choices that prioritize
nutrition will naturally improve sexual
health. “Nourish yourself with a whole
food, plant-based diet rich in nutrients,
including nitrate-rich foods and foods rich
in vitamin C and folate, which boost nitric
oxide, the main compound that increases
blood flow,” Forbes says. “Beans, citrus
fruits, beets, celery, cruciferous vegetables
and leafy greens boost nitric oxide or its
bioavailability to improve blood flow.
While getting nutrition from food is ideal,
supplements such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin
D and boron can help regulate sex
hormones. Avoid certain medications, including
over-the-counter medicine such as
NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs] like Advil, acid blockers and even
mouthwash, which blocks nitric oxide.”
Forbes also recommends engaging in
high-intensity exercises and weight resistance
that help increase testosterone and blood
flow to the penis. Reducing environmental
toxins is another important step, she notes, as
plastics, pesticides and other chemicals can
rob men of their testosterone, which not only
affects blood flow but also libido.
Forbes cautions that while erectile
dysfunction drugs work in the short-term,
Allistair F/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock.com
they can produce unwanted consequences.
“Viagra does work to help men achieve an
erection by stimulating blood flow to the
penis. However, it can cause troublesome side
effects including headaches, vision problems
and nasal congestion. Non-pharmaceutical
alternatives can provide good results without
undesirable repercussions. Low-intensity
shock wave therapy, a non-invasive outpatient
procedure, uses targeted sound waves to
improve blood flow to the penis and can be
done once or in a series of treatments. Platelet-rich
plasma injections use the patient’s
own plasma to stimulate new tissue growth
in the penis, which can lead to larger and
more frequent erections,” she explains.
Forbes says that by having an open dialogue
with their medical professionals and
exploring holistic treatments, men at any age
can feel sexier and more energetic than ever.
“Talk about your concerns with your doctor,
who may offer referrals to other specialists
until the issue is solved. A physical therapist
can teach men to strengthen their pelvic
floor with Kegels and other exercises. Sexual
therapists help men work through mental
and psychological issues, which can be as
debilitating as physical ones. A psychologist
can offer tools for managing depression and
anxiety, both of which can contribute to
sexual dysfunction, including low libido and
performance anxiety,” she says, noting that if
a man does not feel comfortable talking with
their doctor, it may be time to find a new one.
Many factors contribute to sexual health,
and every man’s needs and desires are
different. By addressing physical, hormonal,
neurological and mental wellness with a
combination of conventional and holistic
treatments, men can experience sexual
performance and enjoyment at any age.
“There’s more awareness than ever before
about sexual health, and men don’t have
to compromise this integral part of their
overall wellness,” says Forbes.
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance
writer and frequent contributor to Natural
Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie
JacksonWrites.com.
16 Twin Cities Edition NAtwincities.com