When a man suffers from erectile dysfunction, his first move often is to reach for the “little blue pill.” But contrary to TV commercials, Viagra is not a perfect solution.
For one in three men, it simply doesn’t work.
And others don’t like the uncomfortable side effects, which include headaches and a stuffy nose.[1]
In rare cases, the side effects can be much worse than an inconvenience.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles analyzed 1,473 adverse medical events involving Viagra (sildenafil).
They included 522 deaths. Most involved heart attacks. The men typically died within five hours of taking a 50 mg dose. And the majority of deaths were in men under 65.[2]
The researchers concluded that there “appears to be a high number of deaths and serious cardiovascular events associated with the use of Viagra.”
4 Drug-Free Remedies for Male Bedroom Woes
Studies show that natural remedies for erectile dysfunction can work just as well as pharmaceuticals. Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and other ED medications dilate blood vessel. This increases blood flow to the penis. Natural treatments can achieve the same thing.
Researchers have found that certain supplements can help many men get back the sexual performance they had in their younger years:
1.) L-arginine and pycnogenol
L-arginine is an amino acid. It increases nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide improves flexibility of the artery walls. This increases vasodilation. Blood vessels open wider. In turn, this helps erections.[3]
Pycnogenol is a supplement derived from pine bark. It improves blood circulation.[4]
In a study published in the Journal of Sexual and Marital Therapy, researchers tested a combination of the two supplements on 40 ED sufferers. At the end of three months, over 90% of the subjects no longer had ED.
Study participants took 1.7 grams of L-arginine once a day and 40 mg of pycnogenol twice a day.[5]
Both supplements are widely available in health food stores and online.
2.) Ginkgo biloba
This herb has been used for thousands of years to treat anxiety and dementia. It dilates blood vessels, which promotes blood flow.
Columbia University researchers found it was particularly helpful for men suffering ED as a side effect of taking antidepressant drugs. The typical dose is 200 to 240 mg of ginkgo daily.[6]
One note of caution: Men who take blood thinners should opt for another natural treatment. Ginkgo can increase bleeding when combined with anti-clotting drugs.
3.) Red ginseng
Red ginseng promotes production of nitric oxide, similar to L-arginine.
Several studies have shown it reduces ED.
One study divided 119 men with mild to moderate ED into two groups. One took 350 mg of red ginseng four times a day. The other group took a placebo.
After eight weeks, those taking the supplement experienced significantly better sexual performance. Those on the placebo showed no improvement.
Even the mainstream American Academy of Family Physicians recommends red ginseng for ED.[7] [8]
4.) DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a natural hormone. It is produced in the adrenal glands. The body converts it to testosterone. As men age, they produce less DHEA. By age 60, they produce only 5-15% as much DHEA as they did at age 20.[9]
That’s one reason many men suffer from “low-T” by middle age. Researchers have found that DHEA supplements improve sexual function and energy levels. Several studies, one published in the journal Urology, have found it increases sexual performance.[10]
Take 50 mg once a day. Most men taking this dosage report no side effects. The most common one is acne.
If you suffer from ED, talk to your doctor about these supplements. They offer safe, natural solutions to a better love life.
Editor’s Note: If you’re worried about medication side effects, there’s something else you should know…
Eighty percent of U.S. medications are made in Asian factories with abysmal quality control. The result? Some 128,000 Americans a year die from the effects of prescription drugs.
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[1] http://neilbaum.com/articles/when-viagra-doesnt-work
[2] http://www.thebody.com/content/art32246.html
[3] http://www.medicaldaily.com/nitric-oxide-beads-beat-out-viagra-treating-erectile-dysfunction-258683
[4] http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1019-pycnogenol.aspx?activeingredientid=1019
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12851125
[6] http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ginkgo/dosing/hrb-20059541
[7] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316096.php
[8] http://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0201/p305.html
[9] http://edguidance.com/dhea-as-a-treatment-for-erectile-dysfunction/
[10] 10http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316082.php