Natural Cures for Men's Bedroom Woes

Thirty million American men have erectile dysfunction (ED), and the likelihood increases with age. By the age of 65, between 15 and 25 percent of men have long-term ED, according to the National Institutes of Health. Although common, experts say ED — often called "impotence" — isn't a normal part of aging, and many cases are preventable. Here are tips on how to banish ED from your future: Eat a healthy diet. Circulation is tied to the ability to enjoy an active sex life, and the same foods that clog your heart can also slow blood flow to the genital area. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Be sure to include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel. "Omega-3 makes your nervous system function better," Dr. Barbara Bartlik, assistant professor of psychiatry and sex therapist with the Human Sexuality Program at Weill Cornell Medical Center, told msn.com. "Sex is really about circuitry." Watch your weight. Research indicates that overweight men have twice the risk of suffering from ED at some point in their lives than men of ideal body weight. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a third of men who had ED and lost weight reversed their ED. Obesity can also decrease testosterone levels. Monitor pain meds. A study reported in the Journal of Urology found that men who use nonsteroidal painkillers like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and Celebrex, were 38 percent more likely to suffer from ED than those who didn't take the drugs. Researchers believe they may block hormones that control erections. Take niacin. A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that taking a daily dose of 1,500 mg of vitamin B-3, or niacin, may help men conquer ED. According to the study's author, niacin's help wasn't short-lived like current ED drugs, such as Viagra. "Niacin is much more convenient," Dr. Chi-Fai Ng of The Chinese University of Hong Kong said in a statement. "You take it once a day, whenever you want, and you can have sex any time." Exercise. There are strong links between a sedentary lifestyle and ED. One study found that exercise, which is the equivalent of a daily two-mile brisk walk could decrease ED by 70 percent. Aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, and brisk walking can help prevent ED. But be careful of cycling without taking precautions such as padded pants — too much pressure on the area between the scrotum and anus can cause ED. Stop smoking. Smoking is a major cause of ED, according to a study reported at a conference of the American Heart Association. It found that men who smoked more than 20 cigarettes each day increased their risk of ED by 60 percent compared to nonsmokers.