Better Sex, Mediterranean-Style
Can't get no satisfaction? Forget the oysters. Toss the Viagra. Eat a Mediterranean diet.
Around 30 million men in the USA and 100 million men worldwide have erectile dysfunction (ED).
Female sexual problems, such as low sexual desire or inability to achieve orgasm, are just as or even more prevalent, with some research estimating 3 out of 4 women have concerns about their sexual function. (Bachmann G. J Sex Med. 2006 Jul)
Research investigating sexuality among 3,005 older Americans (57 to 85) and 27,500 men and women in Brazil aged (40-80) found that, in both populations, about half of both men and women reported at least one bothersome sexual problem. (Lindau ST, Schumm LP, et al. N Engl J Med 2007 Aug; Moreira ED Jr, Brock G, et al. Int J Clin Pract. 2005 Jan)
Dooming half of us to sexual frustration for the majority of our (potentially) sexually active lives doesn't seem fair, nor does it appear to be a good way to ensure the perpetuation of the species. So, what's going on here?
Turns out that way more often than not, a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction - male or female - is associated with metabolic syndrome, defined as the clustering of several of the following key symptoms: insulin resistance, a fat belly (central obesity), high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Research indicates the metabolic syndrome affects between 10 and 25% of adults worldwide. (Esposito K, Ciotola M, et al. Int J Impot Res 2005 May-Jun; Ahmed MH, Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2007 Mar)
Several studies have found an association between metabolic syndrome and diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Now, strong evidence links the risk of ED in men and sexual problems in women with the metabolic syndrome.
Men with the metabolic syndrome are more than twice as likely to have ED (26.7% versus 13%) and higher blood levels of C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation that greatly increases risk of cardiovascular disease), compared to controls. (Esposito K, Giugliano F, Martedì E, Diabetes Care 2005 May)
As C-reactive protein levels increase, so does likelihood of ED along with the number of symptoms indicating the metabolic syndrome, including endothelial dysfunction (lack of elastic responsiveness in blood vessels that promotes high blood pressure). In fact, researchers now believe common vascular pathways (involving nitric oxide activity) underlie both ED and endothelial dysfunction. (Ahmed MH, Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2007 Mar)
In rating their sex life, premenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome have a 33% lower overall score, half the satisfaction, and almost 3 times the amount of C-reactive protein in their bloodstream, compared to controls. (Esposito K, Ciotola M, et al. Int J Impot Res. 2005 May-Jun).
After switching to a Mediterranean diet - high on the fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts (especially walnuts) and olive oil, and very low on the red meat, refined grains, and processed foods - both men and women score way higher on standardized indices of sexual function.
In men, the test is called the International Index of Erectile Function. The lowest score is 5, the highest 25. A score of 22 or more translates to a 2% or less chance of having ED. A score of 21 or less indicates a 93% chance of having ED. After 2 years on a Mediterranean-style diet, 13 out of 35 men with metabolic syndrome reported an IIEF score of 22 or higher. In the control group, 28 out of 30 men (who had remained on their former diet) had a score of 21 or less. (Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano F. Int J Impot Res. 2006 Jul-Aug; Bandolier Journal, Diagnostic tool for erectile function. August 2001; 90-6; http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/band90/b90-6.html)
Other research has shown that even one-third of obese men with ED can regain their sexual activity after 2 years of adopting a Mediterranean-style diet and getting regular exercise. (Giugliano D, Giugliano F, Public Health Nutr 2006 Dec)
In women, the comparable questionnaire is the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and eating Mediterranean-style had comparable beneficial effects on sexual vitality in a study of 59 women with metabolic syndrome and diagnosed female sexual dysfunction. (www.fsfiquestionnaire.com; Esposito K, Ciotola M, et al. Int J Impot Res. 2007 Aug)
In the 31 women eating a Mediterranean-style diet, after 2 years, FSFI scores improved from an average of 19.7+/-3.1 to a mean post-treatment value of 26.1+/-4.1. (The maximum score on the FSFI is 36.) No improvements were seen in the 28 women in the control group. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were also significantly reduced in the Mediterranean-diet group. And everything improved (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain), not just one single sexual domain.
The better sex solution? Enjoy a Mediterranean-style diet. Women and men in the Mediterranean-style diet groups consumed more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains and olive oil, compared with men and women on the control diet.
Inspired to try a sexier way of eating? Check out The World's Healthiest Foods for everything you need to know to make a Mediterranean-style diet easy on your time and wallet as well as your taste buds.
References
Ahmed MH. Metabolic syndrome and endothelial dysfunction and associated high proportions of erectile dysfunction in men: innocent bystanders or accessories to the crime? Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2007 Mar;75(3):370-1. Epub 2006 Aug 21. PMID: 16920218
Bachmann G. Female sexuality and sexual dysfunction: are we stuck on the learning curve? J Sex Med. 2006 Jul;3(4):639-45. PMID: 16839320
Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano F, et al. Mediterranean diet improves sexual function in women with the metabolic syndrome. Int J Impot Res. 2007 Aug 2; [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 17673936
Esposito K, Ciotola M, Marfella R, et al. The metabolic syndrome: a cause of sexual dysfunction in women. Int J Impot Res. 2005 May-Jun;17(3):224-6. PMID: 15716979
Esposito K, Giugliano F, Martedì E. High proportions of erectile dysfunction in men with the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Care 2005 May;28(5):1201-3. PMID: 15855589
Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano F, et al. Mediterranean diet improves erectile function in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Int J Impot Res. 2006 Jul-Aug;18(4):405-10. Epub 2006 Jan 5. PMID: 16395320
Giugliano D, Giugliano F, Esposito K. Sexual dysfunction and the Mediterranean diet. Public Health Nutr. 2006 Dec;9(8A):1118-20. PMID: 17378950
Lindau ST, Schumm LP, Laumann EO, et al. A study of sexuality and health among older adults in the United States. N Engl J Med. 2007 Aug 23;357(8):762-74. PMID: 17715410
Moreira ED Jr, Brock G, Glasser DB, et al. Help-seeking behaviour for sexual problems: the global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors. Int J Clin Pract. 2005 Jan;59(1):6-16. PMID: 15707457
(written by Lara Pizzorno, MA, MDiv, LMT, reviewed and edited by Dr. Joe Pizzorno, ND)
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: sex, Mediterranean diet, erectile dysfunction, ED, integrative medicine, health and wellness
Around 30 million men in the USA and 100 million men worldwide have erectile dysfunction (ED).
Female sexual problems, such as low sexual desire or inability to achieve orgasm, are just as or even more prevalent, with some research estimating 3 out of 4 women have concerns about their sexual function. (Bachmann G. J Sex Med. 2006 Jul)
Research investigating sexuality among 3,005 older Americans (57 to 85) and 27,500 men and women in Brazil aged (40-80) found that, in both populations, about half of both men and women reported at least one bothersome sexual problem. (Lindau ST, Schumm LP, et al. N Engl J Med 2007 Aug; Moreira ED Jr, Brock G, et al. Int J Clin Pract. 2005 Jan)
Dooming half of us to sexual frustration for the majority of our (potentially) sexually active lives doesn't seem fair, nor does it appear to be a good way to ensure the perpetuation of the species. So, what's going on here?
Turns out that way more often than not, a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction - male or female - is associated with metabolic syndrome, defined as the clustering of several of the following key symptoms: insulin resistance, a fat belly (central obesity), high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Research indicates the metabolic syndrome affects between 10 and 25% of adults worldwide. (Esposito K, Ciotola M, et al. Int J Impot Res 2005 May-Jun; Ahmed MH, Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2007 Mar)
Several studies have found an association between metabolic syndrome and diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Now, strong evidence links the risk of ED in men and sexual problems in women with the metabolic syndrome.
Men with the metabolic syndrome are more than twice as likely to have ED (26.7% versus 13%) and higher blood levels of C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation that greatly increases risk of cardiovascular disease), compared to controls. (Esposito K, Giugliano F, Martedì E, Diabetes Care 2005 May)
As C-reactive protein levels increase, so does likelihood of ED along with the number of symptoms indicating the metabolic syndrome, including endothelial dysfunction (lack of elastic responsiveness in blood vessels that promotes high blood pressure). In fact, researchers now believe common vascular pathways (involving nitric oxide activity) underlie both ED and endothelial dysfunction. (Ahmed MH, Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2007 Mar)
In rating their sex life, premenopausal women with the metabolic syndrome have a 33% lower overall score, half the satisfaction, and almost 3 times the amount of C-reactive protein in their bloodstream, compared to controls. (Esposito K, Ciotola M, et al. Int J Impot Res. 2005 May-Jun).
After switching to a Mediterranean diet - high on the fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts (especially walnuts) and olive oil, and very low on the red meat, refined grains, and processed foods - both men and women score way higher on standardized indices of sexual function.
In men, the test is called the International Index of Erectile Function. The lowest score is 5, the highest 25. A score of 22 or more translates to a 2% or less chance of having ED. A score of 21 or less indicates a 93% chance of having ED. After 2 years on a Mediterranean-style diet, 13 out of 35 men with metabolic syndrome reported an IIEF score of 22 or higher. In the control group, 28 out of 30 men (who had remained on their former diet) had a score of 21 or less. (Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano F. Int J Impot Res. 2006 Jul-Aug; Bandolier Journal, Diagnostic tool for erectile function. August 2001; 90-6; http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/band90/b90-6.html)
Other research has shown that even one-third of obese men with ED can regain their sexual activity after 2 years of adopting a Mediterranean-style diet and getting regular exercise. (Giugliano D, Giugliano F, Public Health Nutr 2006 Dec)
In women, the comparable questionnaire is the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and eating Mediterranean-style had comparable beneficial effects on sexual vitality in a study of 59 women with metabolic syndrome and diagnosed female sexual dysfunction. (www.fsfiquestionnaire.com; Esposito K, Ciotola M, et al. Int J Impot Res. 2007 Aug)
In the 31 women eating a Mediterranean-style diet, after 2 years, FSFI scores improved from an average of 19.7+/-3.1 to a mean post-treatment value of 26.1+/-4.1. (The maximum score on the FSFI is 36.) No improvements were seen in the 28 women in the control group. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were also significantly reduced in the Mediterranean-diet group. And everything improved (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain), not just one single sexual domain.
The better sex solution? Enjoy a Mediterranean-style diet. Women and men in the Mediterranean-style diet groups consumed more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains and olive oil, compared with men and women on the control diet.
Inspired to try a sexier way of eating? Check out The World's Healthiest Foods for everything you need to know to make a Mediterranean-style diet easy on your time and wallet as well as your taste buds.
References
Ahmed MH. Metabolic syndrome and endothelial dysfunction and associated high proportions of erectile dysfunction in men: innocent bystanders or accessories to the crime? Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2007 Mar;75(3):370-1. Epub 2006 Aug 21. PMID: 16920218
Bachmann G. Female sexuality and sexual dysfunction: are we stuck on the learning curve? J Sex Med. 2006 Jul;3(4):639-45. PMID: 16839320
Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano F, et al. Mediterranean diet improves sexual function in women with the metabolic syndrome. Int J Impot Res. 2007 Aug 2; [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 17673936
Esposito K, Ciotola M, Marfella R, et al. The metabolic syndrome: a cause of sexual dysfunction in women. Int J Impot Res. 2005 May-Jun;17(3):224-6. PMID: 15716979
Esposito K, Giugliano F, Martedì E. High proportions of erectile dysfunction in men with the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Care 2005 May;28(5):1201-3. PMID: 15855589
Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano F, et al. Mediterranean diet improves erectile function in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Int J Impot Res. 2006 Jul-Aug;18(4):405-10. Epub 2006 Jan 5. PMID: 16395320
Giugliano D, Giugliano F, Esposito K. Sexual dysfunction and the Mediterranean diet. Public Health Nutr. 2006 Dec;9(8A):1118-20. PMID: 17378950
Lindau ST, Schumm LP, Laumann EO, et al. A study of sexuality and health among older adults in the United States. N Engl J Med. 2007 Aug 23;357(8):762-74. PMID: 17715410
Moreira ED Jr, Brock G, Glasser DB, et al. Help-seeking behaviour for sexual problems: the global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors. Int J Clin Pract. 2005 Jan;59(1):6-16. PMID: 15707457
(written by Lara Pizzorno, MA, MDiv, LMT, reviewed and edited by Dr. Joe Pizzorno, ND)
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: sex, Mediterranean diet, erectile dysfunction, ED, integrative medicine, health and wellness
9 Comments:
you failed to discuss the affect that radiation for prostrate cancer had on causing erectile disfunction. even using the pump and the ban and penile injections, it is impossible for me to maintain a sufficient erection. any suggestion.
I think apenis transplant could help
i keep what god gave me thanks.
I agree with your study, but whatabout men with low blood pressure and ED?
Plain and simple, ED is most often a symptom of vascular disease. Consider cheolation therapy, diet and lifestyle change along with other methodologies of addressing the primary cause, and not just the symptom. This is true also for the irradiated prostate. I am a physician.
What about Penis sizE? How Small is too small? My male friend is underdeveloped. He said it atrophied. Is this possible?
Well, this certainly generated a lot of comments...
There are of course many more reasons for ED. Anything that damages the prostate, impairs blood supply or a man's sexual identity can cause ED.
The low pressure AD may be helped by increasing arginine sources in the diet, such as nuts (especially peanuts) and chocolate. Arginine is converted to nitrous oxide which cause blood vessel dilation.
Low testosterone levels will eventually result in a smaller penis. Low testosterone levels can be caused by age, zinc deficiency, excess fat (which is high in aromatase enzyme which converst testosterone to estrogent) and estrogenic chemicals in the environment.
One problem I have that I seem to never see in discussion, is once I ejaculate, no amount of stimulation will give me enough erection to perform. So far none of the prescribed drugs help. Only thing big is my headache.
we have been blessed, have no problems with erectile disfunction since radiation,but notice burning at ejaculation
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