What is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction or ED is a condition in which a man often finds it difficult to maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. In other words, erectile dysfunction is defined as a condition in which men feel some difficulty with their penis becoming hard or staying firm. Occasional erectile dysfunction is common and several men may experience it when they are stressed.  However, frequent ED may be a warning sign of serious health concerns. The main symptoms of erectile dysfunction include trouble getting an erection, reduced interest in sex, and difficulty in maintaining an erection during sexual activities. There are a few sexual disorders related to ED, which include premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and anorgasmia (inability to orgasm). As per the general biological process, the penis is erected when increased blood flow gets to the organ. Blood flow into the penis can occur due to direct contact with the penis or sexual thoughts. Muscles in the penis get to relax when a man feels sexually excited. It causes increased blood flow through penile arteries and also loads the chambers with blood inside the penis. As soon as chambers load with blood, the penis becomes hard and rigid. When the muscles in the penis contract, the loaded blood in the penis and its chambers come out through penile veins and this process ends the erection.  The normal erectile process can be affected due to problems in blood flow, nerve supply, and hormones. Several men with erectile dysfunction are reluctant to share it with their healthcare provider because they feel embarrassed and shy. However, the treatment of ED is available in the market so talking openly with a healthcare provider may be the first step to get help and the best treatment can be recommended. What causes erectile dysfunction? The causes of erectile dysfunction can be physical or organic, medication side effects, and psychological. Here are some of the key conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction.  Physical causes 90 percent of erectile dysfunction occurs due to physical causes. The following list includes the most physical or organic causes of erectile dysfunction  Heart diseases Diabetes Narrowing blood vessels Kidney disease Increased age or being over age 50 High blood pressure or hypertension High cholesterol Obesity  Lacking exercise Metabolic syndrome Multiple sclerosis Hormonal disorders including testosterone deficiency Radiation therapy  Treatment of prostate cancer Smoking Alcohol Illegal substance abuse including cocaine Atherosclerosis Medicinal causes Medications may also cause erectile dysfunction however, anyone should consult with a doctor before stopping or changing the medications. Those include Medicines to manage high blood pressure Heart disease medication Anxiety treatments Antidepressants cancer medication Prostate treatment drugs Hormone drugs Medication including sleeping pills Emotional causes Satisfying sexual intercourse needs the body and mind to work together. However, if there are emotional and relationship problems between the couple, it can cause or worsen the ED. Psychological causes of ED including Guilt Stress at home or work Stress from social, cultural, and religious conflicts Fear of intimacy Depression Severe anxiety Relationship problems Worry about sex performance Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD Erectile dysfunction can occur due to one of these factors or a combination of them. Therefore, it is imperative to talk with your doctor so that they can find out any underlying medical condition that causes erectile dysfunction. A proper diagnosis can help you to treat any underlying medical condition and solve the sexual complexities. Diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction To diagnose erectile dysfunction, your doctor or healthcare provider may do a physical exam (including blood pressure check, penis, and testicles exam, and rectal exam) and can ask questions regarding your symptoms, physiological, health, and sexual history. They may also recommend other tests that can help to diagnose ED including ultrasound, injection test, urine test, blood test, and nocturnal penile tumescence or NPT test.  These tests can help doctors to do better treatment and find out if any underlying condition causes ED. The treatment of ED includes medication, talk therapy, or a combination of both. They can also recommend testosterone therapy if the level of testosterone hormone is low in the body.  Certain exercises can help men with ED such as Kegal exercise, aerobic exercise, and yoga. ED is caused due to problems in blood vessels. Maintaining healthy blood vessels can be achieved by adapting to a specific lifestyle such as eating a healthy diet. Some foods are recommended that may help reduce the risk of developing ED including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, cocoa, and watermelon. Avoiding red meat, full-fat dairy products, processed sugars, and alcohol may also help to prevent the risk of ED. The bottom line Erectile dysfunction can be caused due to any reason whether it is an underlying condition or psychological. If you find symptoms of erectile dysfunction, consult with your doctor immediately. An underlying condition can lead to a serious health issue therefore early diagnosis and treatment may help in successful treatment.  In addition, adopting a healthy lifestyle not only benefits your blood vessels but also improves your overall general health. We hope you find this article helpful.

Premature ejaculation is also known as rapid ejaculation, premature climax, or early ejaculation. Read on to learn more about PE and how to treat it. Understanding premature ejaculation Ejaculation is the ejection of semen from the men’s body during an orgasm or climax. Premature ejaculation is also known as rapid ejaculation, premature climax, or early ejaculation, a condition in which orgasm occurs before sexual intercourse or just after you start. There is no fixed time of ejaculation during sex but in the case of PE, men ejaculate and lose their erection shortly getting less time to enjoy the sexual intercourse. PE or premature ejaculation can be frustrating and uncomfortable for men that make sex less enjoyable and can impact relationships with their partners, however, it may not be a cause of worry if it occurs occasionally. PE is a common condition among men and around 30 to 40 percent of them have it at some point in their life. PE is considered a sexual dysfunction that can often occur along with erectile dysfunction however, it is not the same as erectile dysfunction. Symptoms of premature ejaculation The primary symptoms of PE can be persistent and lifelong including  Ejaculation happens just before sexual penetration There can be a failure to delay ejaculation whenever penetration occurs Rapid orgasm or climax during masturbation  There can be negative personal consequences such as distress, frustration, and ignoring sexual intimacy In addition, psychological symptoms can be secondary including  Depression Embarrassment Anxiety Mental distress Interpersonal difficulty Decreased confidence in the relationship Premature ejaculation may not be a matter of worry if it happens occasionally, however, you may require treatment if PE happens frequently or for a long period. If men experience PE sometimes, however, normal ejaculation other times, they may be diagnosed with natural variable premature ejaculation. PE may be lifelong as well as acquired; however, if it happens at the start of a relationship, it can be fixed as the relationship goes on. IF PE is persistent and continues that impact sexual relationships, your doctor may recommend counseling. Causes of premature ejaculation The exact cause of PE is still unknown while researchers believe that a chemical called serotonin can contribute partly to PE. Serotonin is an essential substance or chemical in your body produced by nerve cells. Great amounts of serotonin in the brain enhance the time to ejaculate however, low amounts of serotonin can reduce the time to ejaculate, and lead to PE. In addition, Psychological and emotional factors may also contribute to PE.  Psychological factors Numerous cases of PE are not associated with any disease however those can be due to psychological or emotional factors including Stress Depression Anxiety Guilt Relationship problems Poor body image Lack of confidence Worry about sexual performance Negative feelings about sex  Unrealistic expectations about sex Poor self-esteem History of sexual abuse Aging Overexcitement or too much stimulation Issues related to control and intimacy Some psychological factors may be temporary if a person learns strategies to delay ejaculation with time. However, these factors can also affect men who have previously normal ejaculation.  Physical or medical factors  PE can also occur due to an underlying condition and it can be a sign that an underlying needs treatment. The possible medical causes of PE including Diabetes Multiple sclerosis Prostate disease Thyroid Problems Illicit drugs use Excessive alcohol consumption Abnormal levels of hormones including testosterone Inflammation of the urethra Genetic traits that can be inherited by parents Sometimes, men with erectile dysfunction can also face problems of PE. Treatment of erectile dysfunction may cause premature ejaculation to go away. Diagnosis and treatment Men who feel symptoms of PE should talk to their healthcare provider or doctor immediately. They ask whether you always experience the symptoms or just have experienced it recently. They can also ask about your sexual life or relationship. They may also take a physical exam. If your doctor finds out that psychological factors are playing a role in your PE, he or she can recommend a mental health professional. If a medical or physical problem is causing PE, he or she may recommend a urologist.  The treatments of PE include medication, behavioral therapy, and psychological therapy. 95 percent of cases can be treated by behavioral techniques while others may also help including: Stop and start therapy The squeeze method Strengthen your muscles through pelvic floor exercises Wearing condom Seek counseling Antidepressants Medication for erectile dysfunction Numbing creams and sprays Talking with your partner Practice yoga and pranayama daily Stop fantasizing too much about sex or women Best foods to prevent or manage premature ejaculation Certain nutrients and foods not only support your immunity but also helps in producing testosterone, libido, and energy. The nutrients and foods include Foods rich in zinc including lean meats, poultry eggs, lentils, etc Pumpkin seeds Soybeans Yogurt Spinach Almonds Kidney beans Chickpeas Dark chocolate Peas Garlic Green onion Ginger and honey Ladyfinger Carrots Watermelon Bananas Lifestyle habits can be helpful to cure premature ejaculation To maintain an erection you should avoid the following food items and lifestyle habits including: Sugar Starchy food Smoking Drinking alcohol Junk food Stress  Depression The bottom line Men with premature ejaculation should talk with their doctors as soon as possible because the complications associated with it can impact your relationship and prevent you from starting a family. If home remedies are not helping you, you should discuss them with your doctor because your PE may be caused due to an underlying condition. Treatment of an underlying condition is imperative as it can also affect your overall general health.

Introduction A healthy lifestyle should be a lifelong pursuit, but starting at age 50, and especially for men, it’s even more important to see a doctor for routine screenings. Screenings are medical tests that catch a health risk in their early stages before they get too big and before the fix becomes a little bit too complicated or expensive.  There are multiple conditions that can start cropping up as men get older. Research has shown a link between age and a variety of health problems, from diabetes and prostate problems to cardiac disease — among others. None of those conditions is inevitable, of course, but health screenings can prevent an imminent decline in health and reduce the likelihood of a scary diagnosis.  Sometimes it is easy to neglect to undergo a screening test. However, if you have worrying symptoms, it is important to take them seriously and have them checked out by a doctor. Men over age 50 should talk to a doctor about what screenings to have and how often.  Read on to find out some of the most important screenings for men as they pass the 50-year mark, but do not include all possible screenings. High blood pressure High blood pressure is typically one of the top ailments seen by healthcare practitioners in males 50 and older. Elevated levels of blood pressure put you at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other diseases. Because there are no symptoms of elevated blood pressure, most men don’t even know they have it. One reason for the high prevalence of high blood pressure in this age range is that the vascular system changes during this age. Arteries stiffen and become less elastic, increasing internal pressure, all of which contribute to the rising numbers.  A blood pressure check is an easy, painless, non-invasive screening that can be done in the doctor’s office. Cholesterol Your chance of acquiring high cholesterol rises with age, just like your risk of developing high blood pressure. It also has no symptoms or warning indications, which is why it’s critical to see a primary care physician on a regular basis and have routine blood tests performed. High cholesterol raises the chance of developing heart disease and stroke. The reason for the high prevalence of high cholesterol in this age range is plaque build-up on the inside of the blood vessels which slows or blocks blood flow. A blood test is done to determine the level of cholesterol. Everyone over the age of 50 should get their cholesterol levels examined. Diabetes Diabetes is a common condition that creeps in as males get older. High blood glucose levels wreak havoc on health, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and many other serious conditions, including blindness, kidney disease, and nerve disease. Diabetes hits senior men more commonly than females, and the chances of developing hyperglycemia — abnormally high blood glucose levels — and, ultimately, type 2 diabetes are greater. High blood sugar is often the result of cumulative effects of lifelong eating and lifestyle habits. Given that the warning signs of diabetes can be asymptomatic for a long time, that is why annual screening is important.   There are several diagnostic tests your doctor may run, to confirm a diagnosis. These tests include: Random plasma glucose test  HbA1C test  Fasting plasma glucose test  Oral glucose tolerance test Enlarged prostate 50% of men over the age of 50 are likely to have an enlarged prostate. While this is not a life-threatening condition, it can create unpleasant changes in patterns of urination. While not all changes indicate prostate cancer, it’s time to start checking. A simple blood test called the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test can test for a variety of prostate problems, including infection or enlargement. All men over age 50 talk to their doctor about having a PSA test. Osteoporosis Another aggravating condition that pops up for men over the age of 50 is osteoporosis. It causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even simple movements that don’t seem dangerous can cause a fracture. According to statistics, one out of eight men in India is affected by osteoporosis. However, the debilitating condition in males largely remains underdiagnosed and untreated and is revealed only after the occurrence of a fracture.   Increased calcium in the blood is one sign of this, which means your doctor will request a blood test to check your calcium level. Bone density tests can also detect osteoporosis or osteopenia. Final thoughts Remember, regular screening tests are the foundation of a healthy life, regardless of the decade you’re in. A health check-up may not seem like, a good idea. But it’s worth it! Just do it.

Introduction A sudden fall in blood pressure can be as dangerous and detrimental to health as high blood pressure. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening and lead to a number of complications like: Fainting spells Coma Stroke  Cardiovascular diseases Causes of hypotension or low blood pressure There are various causes which can lead to sudden drops in blood pressure including:  Heart failure Heart arrhythmias  Liver disorders An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) Diabetes Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Certain over-the-counter medications Pregnancy Widening of the blood vessels Heat stroke Fortunately, low blood pressure can often be prevented or controlled. Eating certain types of food can help you raise your blood pressure. What to eat and drink Drink more fluids Dehydration causes your blood volume to decrease, which makes your blood pressure drop. Most doctors recommend drinking at least two litres of water every day. Staying hydrated is especially important during hot weather or while exercising. Boost your B12 intake Vitamin B12 is essential for the body’s production of healthy red blood cells. Too little vitamin B-12 can lead to a certain type of anaemia, which can reduce blood pressure and can cause excessive bleeding, as well as organ and nerve damage. Vitamin B12-rich foods include eggs, chicken, fish such as salmon and tuna, fortified cereals and low-fat dairy products. Fill up on folate Folate (also known as Vitamin B9) is another important vitamin found in foods like asparagus, broccoli, liver, and legumes like lentils and chickpeas. A folate shortage can manifest many of the same symptoms as a Vitamin B12 deficiency, resulting in anaemia and reduced blood pressure. Asparagus, beans, lentils, citrus fruits, leafy greens, eggs, and liver are examples of folate-rich foods. Eat sodium-rich foods According to experts, there is a direct correlation between salt and blood pressure: foods with high salt content can cause a substantial spike in your blood pressure. Low BP patients can benefit by marginally increasing their salt intake – not more than two grams of sodium in a day. Some of the healthiest foods with higher salt content include olives, cottage cheese, and canned soup or tuna. Drink caffeine Beverages like coffee and caffeinated tea are short-term solutions for hypotension. Caffeinated beverages cause a temporary spike in blood pressure by stimulating the cardiovascular system and boosting your heart rate. If you suffer from low blood pressure, then having a cup of coffee in the morning can be an instant remedy.  What to avoid if you have hypotension Cut back on carbs A new study shows that a low-carbohydrate diet can effectively help with off-setting hypotension, especially in older adults. When you eat a food that is high in carbohydrates, particularly processed carbs, it tends to digest very quickly relative to other foods. This can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure.  Go easy on alcohol If you have blood pressure that is naturally lower than normal, it is advised that you should try to limit your alcohol consumption and should never use alcohol as a way of treating low blood pressure. Binge drinking and long-term high-risk drinking can lower your blood pressure by reducing your blood volume. How low blood pressure is diagnosed? To determine whether you have hypotension, your doctor will evaluate you using a combination of a physical examination, an investigation of your medical history, and a number of medical tests. He will first examine your symptoms, the circumstances triggering the drop in blood pressure, and your medical history. He may also take your blood pressure and pulse rate after you’ve laid down for a few minutes, right after you get out of bed, and a few minutes after you get up. You should also expect a few cardiac tests, as low blood pressure can indicate a heart problem. An ECG and an echocardiogram are two of these exams that give a clear picture of your heart. Blood tests to check for hormone levels and blood sugar levels may also be required.  Final thoughts Maintaining normal blood pressure is critical to the health of your heart and arteries, and it’s critical to monitor your readings so you can make necessary changes before health concerns arise. Even if your blood pressure is normal, you should have it checked at least once per year or two. It would also be an effective idea to take regular preventive health checkups to keep track of your blood pressure.

Here are some easy ways to improve your nutrition by incorporating a variety of foods and essential nutrients into your diet. Introduction Healthy food doesn’t have to be dull and neither does it have to be complex. The ingredients and styles of cooking in Indian cuisine vary based on region, season, religion, and family traditions. You can find everything from meat-based curries to vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as an assortment of spices and ingredients that give each dish its distinct flavour profile. However, the cuisine isn’t just about taste — dishes across the Indian subcontinent are packed with nutrients, meaning they’re also very healthy options. A substantial part of any Indian food is its spices, herbs, ghee, fruits and vegetables. It is estimated that India has almost more than 2000 dishes and 31 types of cuisines. As per registered dieticians, healthy dishes include wholesome, minimally processed ingredients and plant-based food. Tip: Develop a sense of your own capacity to control and turn your back on all the junk-food cravings According to nutritionists, here are some easy ways to improve your nutrition by incorporating a variety of foods and essential nutrients into your diet. Healthy bowls You can have a bowl full of whole grains like quinoa with at least a cup of dark veggies like spinach, broccoli ( roasted, grilled or raw), and proteins like tofu, beans or fish (as per your choice). You can top it with your favourite toppings like sauces, dried fruits or nuts etc. Chilla It is one of the best and simple recipes, anyone can have for breakfast. Chillas are usually made up of chickpea flour (besan). However, sprouted moong beans can also be used to make chilla. You can also add some herbs, spices, and chopped veggies (like tomato, cucumber, carrots etc.) to make it more tempting and delicious and serve it with sauce, pickle or curd etc. Grilled cheese and tomato soup This is the oldest classic combo of whole grain bread and real cheddar cheese that can be paired with low sodium (or less salt) tomato soup. Tip: Use cheddar cheese instead of processed cheese. Poha Poha is one of the famous Indian breakfast recipes. It is basically made of flattened rice that is soaked in water for a few minutes before cooking. You can add onions, tomato or some spice to enhance its taste. Some people also prefer to top it with peanuts, peas, bhujia or lemon etc. It adds nutritional value to the food including calcium and iron etc. It also helps you feel full for a longer time. Jowar Medley A bowl of healthy jowar medley is not only healthy but also a tasty option to include in your diet. Since it is rich in protein, calcium and fibre, it adds nutritional value to your food. It can be served with baby corn or lettuce leaves to make it more scrumptious. Air fried chicken drumsticks For non-vegetarians, it can be the best, simple and easy-to-cook healthy recipe. The recipe is as follows: Chicken drumsticks are marinated with some herbs and spices, crushed walnuts, a little bit of lemon juice, breadcrumbs and seasonings (as per your choice). Air fry it until completely cooked and can be served with cooked vegetables or air-fried fries. This dish is rich in high-quality protein and does not contain much fat. Did you know that beyond its rich protein content, chicken also contains a good amount of iron, zinc and vitamin B12? Oats idli For calorie-conscious fellows, oats idli can be the ideal food. It is usually made up of batter containing roasted oats, grated carrots, coriander or any other veggies of your choice. Steam the batter to get feather-light fluffy scrumptious idlis. Since oats are rich in minerals, vitamins and proteins, they add a good nutrition value without compromising on the delicious taste. Panchratna daal For vegetarians, daal often forms the basis of a high-protein meal. Panchratna daal is a medley of 5 types of daal, namely, moong, channa, masoor, urad and arhar. This protein-packed recipe with the goodness of all these lentils cooked in delicious spices makes it a great addition to your daily diet. Top it off with fresh coriander and enjoy it with some steamy rice or roti.                                                                                                Lentils have a high content of insoluble fibre as well as prebiotic carbohydrates. prebiotic carbs support the growth of gut-friendly probiotics, which may be beneficial for gut and mental health as well. Melon and Kiwi fruit smoothie This power drink provides a burst of immune-boosting nutrients in every sip and shoots ups your energy level instantly. Kiwi is a tangy and sweet fruit that is rich in vitamin C, which stimulates the body’s immune response. When kiwi is combined with fruits like papaya, melon and grapes, it enhances the nutritional value of the smoothie. Did you know- kiwifruit contains roughly 230% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C? Peanut butter Peanut butter is rich in antioxidants and vitamin B3 (niacin), which is needed for skin and nerve health. Some studies have shown that it may also help in Alzheimer’s disease. This delicious spread also contains an excellent source of vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and can protect against coronary heart disease. Tip: Try to use natural peanut butter, without added sugar and other additives. Eggs Eggs are one of the few foods that should be classified as “superfoods.” Egg yolks and whole eggs contain significant amounts of protein and choline and are widely used in cookery. Eggs can be consumed in various ways such as scrambled, poached, omelette or boiled eggs etc. Eggs are the best source of choline and quality protein that promotes hair health supports eye health, may reduce the risk of heart disease etc. Did you know that eggs are high in cholesterol, but eating eggs does not adversely affect cholesterol in the blood for the majority of people? Final thoughts Nutrition and health go hand in hand. After all, it’s food that fuels every cell in the body