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We often think of ED as a problem of hormones or blood flow\u2026 and that\u2019s true in a way.<\/p>\nWe often think of ED as a problem of hormones or blood flow\u2026 and that\u2019s true in a way.<\/p>\n
But according to a new study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences<\/em>, there\u2019s an undercurrent that causes these problems\u2026 causing ED.<\/p>\n And if you correct this undercurrent, you\u2019ll heal your ED.<\/p>\n And that may be easier to do than you think.<\/p>\n You see, normally, oxygen is calm and helps us live.<\/p>\n But sometimes, some oxygen molecules become a bit “wild” or “damaged.”<\/p>\n These “wild” oxygen molecules, called reactive oxygen species (ROS), are missing a tiny piece \u2014 an electron.<\/p>\n Because they’re missing this piece, they become very eager to grab it from other important things in our cells, like our DNA or proteins.<\/p>\n This grabbing can damage and eventually kill cells by stealing away their electrons.<\/p>\n So the researchers theorized that ROS might play a big part in ED.<\/p>\n And indeed, they were right.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what they found:<\/em><\/p>\n 2.\tEndothelial cells<\/strong>, which line blood vessels, are key players in erection. ROS damage these cells, making erections weaker and more difficult to maintain.<\/p>\n 3.\tROS reshape the penis\u2019 biology<\/strong> by increasing inflammation and making smooth muscle cells multiply so fast that it impairs the structural ability of the penis to hold an erection.<\/p>\n 4.\tMain sources of ROS<\/strong> in the body include mitochondrial dysfunction (the energy factories of our cells breaking down), NADPH oxidase activity, xanthine oxidase, and an uncoupling of nitric oxide synthase enzymes \u2014 which should produce helpful nitric oxide but, under stress, churn out damaging ROS instead.<\/p>\n 5.\tThese major internal sources of ROS amplify one another<\/strong>. When one gets activated, others follow, creating a vicious loop that accelerates oxidative damage.<\/p>\n 6.\tLifestyle factors<\/strong> like smoking, obesity, poor diet, and psychological stress all increase ROS production in the body.<\/p>\n 7.\tPsychological stress<\/strong> activates stress hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline), which increase inflammation and ROS production. In fact, stress-induced ROS can even damage brain areas related to arousal and sexual response, like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.<\/p>\n 8.\tHigh blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, gout, and low testosterone<\/strong> all produce ROS\u2014which is why men with ED tend to have these.\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n The good news is that you can help your body fight off ROS and the oxidative stress they cause.<\/p>\n The simplest way is to get enough physical exercise, practice mindfulness and meditation to combat stress, and eat antioxidant-rich foods like colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and dark chocolate.<\/p>\n But while all these things will help with your ED, it\u2019s a long game \u2014 and they won\u2019t cure it today.<\/p>\n\n