Men suffering from erectile dysfunction or ED may believe that there only option helping them overcome this problem are common pharmaceuticals that may have serious side effects. Side effects include headaches, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, prolonged erections, and the list goes on and on. What most men aren't aware of are the natural alternatives that reduce the need for pharmaceuticals.
Erectile dysfunction or ED is a common problem affecting many men and can have numerous causes. These causes can include but are not limited to physical or psychological factors, bad habits, trauma or injury. Some of the physical causes may include heart disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, obesity, nervous system diseases, fungal overgrowth, heavy metal or chemical toxicity, or any microorganism infestation. Psychological factors such as stress, depression, anxiety, and bad habits such as smoking, alcohol and drug use can also contribute to this problem.
Balancing the endocrine system is an important factor in helping men with erectile dysfunction. The endocrine system in men consists of the pineal, hypothalamus, pituitary, parathyroid, thyroid, thymus, adrenals, and testes. Testosterone levels can affect the ability of men to achieve and sustain an erection. Low testosterone levels can affect sexual desire and libido.
Each gland can have a direct effect on testosterone levels. If the adrenals are not balanced and cortisol levels are too high than a man's testosterone levels will be compromised. If the pituitary gland is not functioning properly than its secretion of prolactin may cause an imbalance of testosterone levels.
The adrenals are essentially the motor to the thyroid, so if the adrenals are not working properly than the thyroid may affect the pituitary gland producing too much or too little prolactin, which can affect testosterone. The hypothalamus is the conductor of the entire endocrine system. It coordinates most of the endocrine system to secrete hormones and tells which gland to produce certain hormones to achieve homeostasis in the body.
An imbalance in the hypothalamus can also have an affect on testosterone levels. The endocrine system is a finely tuned interplay of hormones, with each gland working in synergy to achieve balance and well being in the body. It is important that the entire endocrine system is balanced to achieve optimum sexual functioning.
There are certain herbs that can help to boost testosterone and lead to helping men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Tribulus is an herb that helps to balance testosterone levels through its action on the hypothalamus. The efficacy of the herb is very important as many companies that make it do not have a quality herb that tests well on patients. Standard Process's tribulis is remarkably effective and potent. A combination herbal formula that helps men with this problem is ginseng along with rhodiola.
The standard process rhodiola and ginseng complex product tests very well among a cross section of male patients. This product also helps to balance the endocrine system which helps libido and blood flow to the penis. Core maca by the company energetix is an herb that tests quite well for some patients. Maca's action is through the hypothalamus/ pituitary axis. The Core maca formula can be assimilated quite well for patient's that have digestive issues or problems absorbing supplements as it is in liquid form.
Other contributors of erectile dysfunction may include imbalances in the liver and kidneys, diabetes, circulatory problems and heart disease. Each individual may have a particular organ, system, or gland that may need to be addressed to help with this problem.
Emotional stress may play a role in ED and it is important to test for supplements that may help with emotional balancing to enable the body to handle heightened stress and anxiety. Flower essences can be a good option for certain individuals. They help to calm and soothe the nervous system allowing for an increased sense of well being.
Certain supplements work to increase nitric oxide output from the brain which relaxes the smooth muscles in the penis encouraging increased blood flow. Knowing the right supplements and combination of supplements to take is the most important factor in helping with erectile dysfunction.
The synergy of supplements is an important factor that must be considered as certain supplements may block key actions of others. If a supplement is taken and is not needed by the body it may cause other imbalances as well as not helping with the intended purpose. Muscle testing enables a practitioner to clearly determine what supplements are best to help with ED. It eliminates the guessing game and the waste of valuable time and money.
Healthfully yours,
Dr. Lou Granirer
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