Erectile dysfunction (ED) might be one of the few outside indicators of high blood pressure. The inability to achieve or sustain a quality erection is not only frustrating but a sign of how blood is moving through your body.
One study found that nearly half of men between 40 and 79 with high blood pressure had ED. Another noted that 68% of men with high blood pressure had some form of ED. It’s possible that boosting nitric oxide (NO) can reduce impotence.
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Nitric oxide is found in every cell in the human body and is an extremely important molecule for blood pressure and blood flow. It causes blood vessels to relax so they can widen and allow more blood through. Just what you need if quality erections are elusive.
ED is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection suitable for sex. NO can help relax the arteries responsible for carrying blood to penis so it can get fuller, harder, and ready for action.
The key to activating NO in the bloodstream is not necessarily getting more NO itself. Instead, it is the compounds known as precursors that stimulate production.
Three useful NO precursors are L-citrulline, L-arginine, and a plant compound called Pycnogenol. Research has found that all three can improve erection hardness.
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One study found L-citrulline was enough to improve erection hardness in men with mild ED, although not as effectively as name-brand pharmaceuticals. Other work has found that a combination of L-arginine and Pycnogenol significantly improved sexual function.
So, where do you get these precursors? They are found in small amounts in food, but for faster results, you’ll want higher doses found in supplements. They are all safe and well-tolerated.
Using other tools to improve blood flow can also help. Getting more exercise, losing weight, and eating a healthy diet can all help to lower blood pressure and encourage better circulation.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
