Think back to the times of our ancient ancestors. Do you think cavemen ever had a hard time getting it up? Probably not. Heart disease was unheard of. And with no processed foods, their testosterone levels stayed high. And they had the advantage of eating a high protein, low-carb diet. Protein is essential for the production of sex hormones.
To get the maximum amount of protein, focus on the "big five:" meat, wild fish, eggs, dairy, and nuts.
Red meat: I consider beef to be among the most nutritious foods. The protein is complete and it's a good source of creatine. Creatine makes you stronger and more energetic. Red meat is also the best source of the nutrient CoQ10, which is essential for heart health. And knowing that there's a strong connection between ED and heart disease, it makes sense that CoQ10 also plays an important role in sexual health. I recommend eating grass-fed beef. It has 20 times more of the important omega-3 fatty acids than commercial beef and none of the hormones.
Wild fish: You've probably heard that fish can be a source of mercury and other toxins. However, you can minimize these risks and enjoy the benefit of this rich source of omega-3s by choosing wild Alaskan salmon, mackerel, trout, or sardines. Chose wild over farm-raised and small over large fish. The highest levels of mercury are in swordfish, shark and king mackerel and tuna.
Eggs: Eggs are the perfect food. I eat them every day. Sure, they contain cholesterol. They don't even raise your blood cholesterol. Sure, eggs contain cholesterol. The developing embryo needs it to produced sex hormones-and so do you. But just because they contain it, doesn't mean they'll raise your cholesterol levels. The bottom line: Eggs do not cause heart disease. In fact, there was never any evidence they did.
Egg yolks have all required fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), iron, and heart healthy omega-3 fat. The whites have all the water-soluble B vitamins and are the source of the highest quality protein on the face of the planet. (For free range eggs and free range chickens, go to the list of organic shops link, and check the address of Bee Natural and Bunalun shops)
Dairy: Dairy is "liquid meat," and full of good protein. Cheese and whole milk are a great source of calcium and vitamin D. Raw, organic milk is best.
Nuts: Nuts are rich in healthy monounsaturated fat. Walnuts and almonds among the most nutritious with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, fiber, potassium, and other minerals. Other good choices are pecans, macadamias, cashews, and brazil nuts. Enjoy them as a snack instead of chips or crackers.
Other factors like excessive drinking and smoking also have a profound effect on both your performance and stamina.
A few drinks will put you in the mood, but too many will make you useless. And smoking? Let's put it this way: the Marlboro Man doesn't see much action these days. A solid erection requires blood vessels that are flexible and able to expand. Smoking will tighten your blood vessels making them too narrow to channel the amount of blood you need for an erection.
Reignite Your Desire and Get Back in the Game
Western drugs can help you get an erection, but loss of desire is not something western science is equipped to deal with. Sure, your doctor may give you an anti-depressant, but that will only make the problem worse. You may not realize it, but many of the active ingredients in popular anti-depressants actually suppress your libido.
When I was in India, a discovered an ancient remedy they've been using since antiquity. Ashwagandha is a member of an elite group of herbs called adaptogens. These enigmatic plants have the power to normalize and balance various functions in your body. They can eliminate fatigue and help you to handle stress.
Recent studies confirm that ashwagandha helps your body make nitric oxide (NO).2 NO relaxes smooth muscle tissue and improves blood flow. The blue little pill works on the same principle.
What's more, new research shows ashwagandha may help with anxiety and depression. In a clinical trial, doctors found that patients who took ashwagandha for 5 days experienced the same level of anxiety relief as those who took the prescription drugs Ativan (anti-anxiety) and Tofranil (antidepressant).3
Ashwagandha is the root of the Withania somnifera plant. Most ashwagandha products are standardized extracts of withanolides - the active components. The most common standard is 5 percent.
Ashwagandha can potentiate the effect of barbiturates.4 If you are taking a sedative or sleeping pill, you should check with your doctor before using ashwagandha.
As a capsule, I usually start with 250mg a day. I use it every day for about 4 to 6 weeks, then stop for a month. Most herbs will lose their effectiveness if you take them continuously without a break. Then, you can continue another cycle.
4 Libido-Pumping Herbal All Stars
Ashwagandha is a great place to start. But having other strategies is important when you're using herbs. Here are a few more options for you:
Tribulus Terrestris: This reliable herb has been used in Europe for centuries to boost sex hormone levels and has been clinically proven to restore and improve libido in men. Recommendation: 250 mg of Tribulus Terrestris daily.
Muira Puama: Recent scientific studies confirm the powerful aphrodisiac qualities of this herb. In 1990, men suffering from ED or loss of libido took Muira Puama extract. 62 percent of those with loss of libido reported improvement. More than 50 percent of those with ED reported improvement.5 Recommendation: 100 mg of Muira Puama extract daily.
Yohimbe: This herb is from the inner bark of a tree, which grows in Africa. At one time, the drug made from yohimbe, yohimbine was the only medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of ED. Recommendation: 250 mg of Yohimbine extract daily.
Korean Red Ginseng: This supplement is widely taken to help your body deal with stress. Ginseng also increases stamina and energy. It can even improve your testosterone levels. When you consider it also has a positive effect on blood flow, it's easy to see why ginseng would be valuable to maintain an erection. Recommendation: 250 mg of Korean Red Ginseng daily.
A word of caution: I don't recommend taking herbal supplements continuously over a long period. Use them for 4 to 6 weeks and then take a break.