OH SANTA
From Brussels sprouts to Turkey – the 5 Christmas leftovers that can boost your sex life
When to seek help for erectile dysfunction and how it's treated
AFTER gorging on Christmas dinner, puddings and cheeseboards, it's unlikely that many of us are feeling frisky.
Add booze to the equation and any bedroom escapades will most likely end in failure.
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If you suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), problems with intimacy might not just be a product of the season.
Having trouble getting or staying hard is extremely common, particularly in men over the age of 40.
Oftentimes, stress, tiredness or a few too many beers are the culprit, so struggling to maintain an erection is nothing to worry about.
But if this is happening on a regular basis, it's worth speaking to a GP about it as ED could be a sign of another health condition requiring treatment - such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes or depression.
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It's safe to say that many components of your Christmas spread won't do you any favours between the sheets.
But that doesn't mean you need to throw away all your leftovers.
Some festive foods are just fine to pick at in the days afterwards - and they may even give your sex life a boost if you have ED.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical Advisor at said: "It’s important for men to be aware of the top festive foods that can help relieve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
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"While the condition is extremely common, many lifestyle factors can increase or decrease the risk of issues with genital function, including our diets - with some foods acting as natural treatments."
From sprouts to turkey and a cheeky piece of chocolate - here are five festive foods that may help relieve ED symptoms.
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1. Turkey
Chances are you won't have eaten all your roast turkey on Christmas Day.
And lucky for you, this festive fowl could give your sex life a boost.
Dr Grant said: "Firstly, due to the presence of arginine, turkey is a great festive option for men with ED.
"This amino acid promotes better circulation and blood vessel health while the meat’s zinc content is effective at boosting testosterone.
What is erectile dysfunction?
ERECTILE dysfunction - also known as impotence - is very common, especially in men over 40.
Erectile dysfunction is when you are either:
- Unable to get an erection
- Unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex
Depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times, such as when you wake up.
Sometimes you might also have low sex drive.
It's not usually the sign of something serious but you should speak to a GP about it, especially if it's causing you distress.
Possible causes include stress, tiredness, having too much booze, as well as some medicines.
But if your ED is persistent, it might be caused by:
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Depression or anxiety
- Hormone problems
"It’s also low in fat, meaning men won’t have to worry about unnecessary weight gain.
“With turkey being a staple of Christmas dinners around the UK, it’s reassuring to learn about its benefits for men suffering from erectile issues.
"This meat contains all the proper nutrients needed to improve genital function."
2. Brussels sprouts
These pungent little vegetables certainly aren't everyone's favourite Christmas side dish.
But according to Dr Grant, they offer a number of health benefits many even support the health of your penis.
"As the vegetable is anti-inflammatory, it can improve men’s chances of getting and maintaining an erection - as a result, it’s a brilliant option to consider if an individual suffers from genital issues.
“Brussels sprouts are also high in vitamin C and folate."
3. Leafy greens
Christmas dinners are heavy, what with the roasties, Yorkshire puds and meat.
But it's worth making room for some greenery on your plate - you'll thank yourself later, according to Dr Grant.
"Leafy greens, often included in Christmas dinners, are incredibly effective for managing or reducing the risk of ED over the festive period," he said.
"Foods such as spinach, kale and cabbage are rich in nutrients such as folic acid, nitrates and antioxidants, which can benefit blood flow and blood pressure, aiding ED.
“Therefore, I strongly advise men to incorporate leafy greens into diets throughout Christmas, allowing their bodies to receive a nutritional boost that could protect against ED."
4. Dark chocolate
There's plenty of chocolate left over after Christmas.
If it's dark, there's no harm in munching on it, Dr Grant said, as it can do "wonders for men experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection".
"This is due to the presence of flavonoids which are effective for improving blood flow and reducing pressure, making it easier for men to become stimulated," he explained.
“Whether it’s a hot chocolate or some truffles, this is definitely a treat option to prioritise over the festive period, helping improve circulation.
"However, like any food, it’s important to consume dark chocolate in moderation to avoid other issues such as weight gain."
5. Berries
From berry-studded trifles to mousses and pavlovas - strawberries, blueberries and raspberries will likely have made an appearance in your festive desserts.
Though tiny, these mighty little fruit are an excellent food to have to ward off ED.
"These fruits contain the antioxidant anthocyanin, which is proven to improve blood vessel health, making it easier for men to become erect.
“The berries can be included in festive meals in various ways, including pavlova or fruitcakes, allowing men to get all the benefits without amending their Christmas diet," Dr Grant said.
He added: “Other, less festive foods that can improve genital function and relieve symptoms of ED include nuts, apples and pumpkin seeds.
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"Anyone struggling to achieve an erection should seek further advice from their GP who can advise on lifestyle factors and potential treatments.”
How is erectile dysfunction treated?
The main treatments are medicines that increase the blood flow to your penis, called PDE-5 inhibitors.
These include:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Avanafil (Spedra)
You can get sildenafil on prescription or buy it from a pharmacy.
You need a prescription for the other types.
If your ED is being caused by specific health issues, treating these may ease your symptoms.
For example, you may be prescribed medicines to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol and hormone problems or your doctor may switch you to a different medicine if it's causing your ED.
You may also be referred fo counselling and therapy if your erection problems are linked to emotional or mental health problems – but there can be a long wait for these services on the NHS.
Source: NHS
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