Alcohol-Induced Erectile Dysfunction – How the “Hard Stuff” Can Make You Go Soft
Alcohol and sex create a great, often unfortunate pairing. Considered the oldest aphrodisiac, it spurs detrimental effects on penile functionality. As Shakespeare famously said, “it provokes the desire, but takes away the performance.”
• Chronic fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Poor memory
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Sleep disturbance or poor sleep quality
• Erectile dysfunction
What’s Going On, Pathologically
Here’s how an erection works: first the nervous system relaxes and dilates blood vessels. Next, nitric oxide, a chemical used for stimulation, spreads throughout body, while testosterone, a necessary sex hormone, increases to fuel the sex drive.
But alcohol decreases nitric oxide production and induces testosterone-estrogen conversion. It proceeds to inflame the liver and causes a release of aromatase, a chemical that increases the testosterone-estrogen conversion rate. These chemical conversions stimulate the pituitary gland to release prolactin, while minimizing levels of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone”. The reduction of all of these chemical interactions leads to impotence.
Getting Hard Again
First, you’re going to want to do something about the damage alcohol does to your liver. Herbs like Milk Thistle, Bupleurum, Chinese Tumeric, Fo Ti and Panax Ginseng make up a potent blend that enhances bile production and liver detoxification. Recent research has found that herbs, such as Bupleurum, contain powerful compounds known as saikosaponins, which stimulate liver repair.
Cnidium and Tongkat Ali both improve nitric oxide production to improve the quality of your erections.
Next, change your diet. Keeping blood sugar levels steady can fight alcohol impotence by restoring bile production to repair liver damage. Eating more complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, while avoiding simple carbs, like crackers, white bread and potato chips, can improve erectile strength.