Which Foods Cause Premature Ejaculation? – Introduction
Premature ejaculation is one of the most prevalent sexual diseases, afflicting millions of men worldwide. They characterise it as an inability to regulate ejaculation and may also lead to earlier ejaculation than desired during intercourse. That much is to say, there have been several explanations for delayed ejaculation. Yet some researchers also implicated foods as both a cause and a contributing cause of PE. In this essay, we will delve a little deeper into the relation between food and early ejaculation, as well as outline foods which could cause this sexual malaise.
The primary mechanism by which food influences PE is through the body’s hormone balance. Hormones like testosterone, dopamine and serotonin all support sexual activity and can affect a man’s capacity to regulate ejaculation. Some foods are tainted with chemicals that disrupt the production of these hormones and alter sexual activity and functioning.
Processing and fast foods are one of the most commonly cited food groups that could cause PE. These are typically packed with unhealthy fats, sugar and salt that can interfere with hormone levels and affect sexual function. A 2011 paper in the Journal of Sexual Medicine showed that a diet high in processed foods was associated with increased PE among men. This is because these foods negatively impact testosterone, which reduces desire and arousal, making ejaculation harder to regulate.
The other food group associated with PE is dairy products. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are containing very high concentrations of the hormone estrogen. Although estrogen is abundant in women, tiny quantities of it also exist in men. For men, too much estrogen can deplete testosterone levels, reducing sex performance and PE. A recent report from the International Journal of Impotence Research indicated that men who had consumed high amounts of dairy products had lower testosterone levels and more PE.
Along with processed and dairy foods, PE has been associated with certain fruits and vegetables. A fruit that’s attracted special attention here is watermelon. Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline, which increases blood circulation and erectile function. But watermelon consumption in excess also raises nitric oxide levels, leading to overstimulation and premature ejaculation. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, also have chemicals that elevate the body’s oestrogen levels, which could also lead to PE.
Apart from specific food groups, foods can also contain substances that may contribute to PE.
Tyramine is one of the main food compounds investigated for PE. Tyramine is an amino acid that can be found in a wide array of foods, from aged cheeses to fermented soya and cured meats. Tyramine is a precursor of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that aids the body’s fight-or-flight mechanism. A number of studies also implied that tyramine might affect sexual function, such as increasing the time to ejaculate. But there isn’t a lot of data out there, and we need more studies to confirm the correlation between tyramine and PE.
Another food compound researched in connection with PE is L-tryptophan. L-tryptophan is a critical amino acid present in food, including turkey, chicken and eggs. L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood and other physiological functions. According to some studies, L-tryptophan can alleviate PE symptoms by raising serotonin in the brain. But, we’ll have to see more studies to confirm these results and figure out what’s the right dose of L-tryptophan to take for PE.
Besides tyramine and L-tryptophan, other food ingredients evaluated in connection with PE include magnesium, zinc and vitamin D. Magnesium is a critical mineral that plays a vital role in a number of bodily functions such as muscle tone and nerve function. Some researchers have suggested that magnesium supplementation could help to diminish the symptoms of PE by raising nitric oxide levels and improving vascular function. Another mineral critical for male fertility and immunity is zinc. A few studies proposed zinc could potentially improve the quality of semen and mitigate PE risk. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps to break down calcium and maintain bone mass. However, some studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with a higher risk of PE (although further studies are required to confirm these findings).
Although the science around the association between food and PE is still emerging, there are several measures that men can take to help decrease their risk of developing PE. Probably the most significant is to have a nutritious diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. These kinds of diets have been found to be beneficial to health and wellbeing, including sex. Moreover, men who fear PE must also reduce their consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, both of which have been associated with increased sexual dysfunction.
Conclusion: Which Foods Cause Premature Ejaculation?
Simply put, PE has no connection to particular foods, although diets high in processed foods, dairy, fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of this sex condition. These foods in some way alter hormonal levels and affect, in essence, sexual activity, which makes the timing of ejaculation even harder to control. Indeed, much more research is needed to fully assess the effects of food on PE. But a healthy, balanced diet is the key to a good, healthy sex system. However, if you want PE diagnosed and treated properly, please get in touch with a healthcare professional.
