All tasteless joking aside, it appears that there is a bona fide link between heart function and sexual function in men. In fact Viagra was originally developed and tested as an anti-angina medication. The theory was that it could release nitric oxide (NO) and increase blood flow to the heart. Unfortunately, more and more research points to potential risks associated with Viagra, and it may not be the best option for increasing blood flow to your heart — or anywhere else, for that matter.
But before you throw in the towel, let’s look at a few important facts. First, 85 percent of erectile dysfunction in men 50 years and older is caused by organic factors, such as vascular disease, atherosclerosis, and any disruption of the nervous system along the spine. That leaves only 15 percent due to psychological factors.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps that can help resolve the physical issues getting in your way — not to mention improve your overall health as well.
First, a few no-brainers: start exercising regularly, stop smoking, reduce your stress levels, keep your cholesterol under control, don’t drink alcohol excessively, and avoid becoming obese.
You might also try having acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, which are often successful at working out nervous system interference and improving overall circulation.
Also, in the 7/15/04 e-tip, Dr. Wright discussed increasing your levels of L-arginine, which forms the necessary NO.
And for a “quick boost” try supplementing with choline (1,000-3,000 milligrams) and vitamin B5 (500-1,500 milligrams) 30 minutes prior to sex. Choline will enhance your levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACH), which controls the sexual messages in the brain.
A bitter pill to swallow
Q: I found your mention of bitter orange for weight loss very interesting. Can you tell me anything more about it?
JVW: Bitter orange has a long history, and many medicinal uses in countries around the world. Its primary use in most countries is for insomnia and indigestion. Traditional Chinese medicine uses the peel of the immature fruit for indigestion, abdominal pain, constipation, and dysenteric diarrhea. It is also thought to have a calming effect on the nerves.
In addition to all of these traditional uses and its use in weight loss products, recent research indicates that bitter orange may also have two other applications: as a topical antifungal agent and as an anticancer agent. Studies show that the oil of the bitter orange — known as neroli oil — is effective in curing patients with treatment-resistant fungal skin diseases. Other tests show that limonene from citrus peels may have anticancer and antitumor properties.
Between the traditional uses for this plant, and the emerging newer uses, bitter orange can be a very powerful tool for several health concerns. Now, we just have to hope that the patent medicine companies and the FDA don’t decide that it’s “too useful” and bump it off the shelves!
What is choline?
Choline is a member of the B vitamin family. It helps the body absorb and use fats, and is required for making acetylcholine (ACH), a neurotransmitter needed for muscle control, memory storage, and other critical functions.
Key research discoveries about choline came in the late 1930s, when scientists discovered that tissue from the pancreas contained a substance that could help prevent fatty build-up in the liver. Since then, choline has been located not only in the pancreas and liver, but as a component in every human cell.
A mild deficiency of choline can lead to fatigue, insomnia, poor kidney function, problems with memory, and nerve-muscle imbalances. Choline deficiency can also cause deficiency of another B vitamin critically important for health, folic acid.
Extreme dietary deficiency of choline can result in liver dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, impaired growth, abnormalities in bone formation, lack of red blood cell formation, infertility, kidney failure, anemia, and high blood pressure. Current research is studying whether choline and acetylcholine plays a role in Alzheimer’s.
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing
Sources:
McKay D. “Nutrients and botanicals for erectile dysfunction:
examining the evidence.” Altern Med Rev 2004; 9(1): 4-16
Ramadan W, Mourad B, et. al. “Oil of bitter orange: new topical
antifungal agent.” Int J Dermatol 35(6): 448449
Miller EG, Porter JL, et. al. “Further studies on the anticancer
activity of citrus limonoids.” J Agric Food Chem 2004; 52(15):
4,908-4,912
Zeisel SH. “Choline and human nutrition.” Ann Rev Nutr 1994;
14: 269-271
