Reason 1. Work-related stress. You’re working hard, providing for yourself and your family. But work can lead to stress. And stress can lead to distraction. And when you’re distracted and even suffering from work-related stress, your mind shuts off the “erection signal” from the brain to the penis. And this creates a disconnect.[2]
Reason 2. Your address. A recent survey found that men who lived in active states, like Colorado and Washington, had a lower incidence of sexual issues than in states where the active lifestyle wasn’t so important.[3]
Reason 3. Gum disease. That’s right…men who neglect to look after their gums can experience less than stellar performance in the bedroom. Researchers discovered that 15% of men who feel they aren’t always performing optimally also suffer from gum disease. A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine indicated that gum disease can lead to a decrease in enols, the enzyme that produces nitric acid and regulates blood flow. As you can imagine, blood flow is vital for strong erections.[4]
Reason 4. Hidden salt in food. There’s a TON of hidden salt in foods… even so-called “health foods.” Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which restricts blood flow, and we know how important blow flow is to achieve the most gratification in your sex life.[5]
Reason 5. Everyday stress. Stress is a part of life. But the two main stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, constrict your blood vessels. And with constricted blood vessels, it’s harder for blood to get to your penis… and we know better blood flow means better performance.[6]
Reason 6. Certain forms of exercise. I’m always going to recommend exercise but cycling, and horseback riding can impact blood vessels near your penis.[7]
Reason 7. Sleep issues. Sleep disorders can decrease the amount of oxygen in the blood. Of the 18 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea, 63% experience relationship problems, 69% experience reduced sexual desire, and 46% experience reduced arousal, based on a study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.[8]
Reason 8. Hidden “bad ingredients” in foods. I’ve already told you about hidden salt, but foods that are supposed to be good for us are often packed with sugars, bad fats, and chemicals. You can blame the government for how it lets food companies label products. These ingredients can lead to clogged blood vessels, diabetes, obesity, and the dreaded metabolic syndrome. These conditions can hinder good performance.[9]
Reason 9. Certain prescription medications. If your medical professional has prescribed medication, keep taking it until they tell you to stop. But be aware… Some medications are not conducive to a satisfying sex life.[10]
Reason 10. Declining “free” testosterone due to chemicals in food and packaging. Certain chemicals in foods can lower testosterone. The packaging used for many foods includes a chemical called bisphenol A, also known as BPA. Research shows that BPA can seep into the food or beverage you eat or drink from those containers. A study published in the journal Toxicology Letters concluded that BPA causes “reproductive toxicities” — including decreased testosterone levels. A long list of chemicals, including MSG, aspartame, and the hydrolyzed vegetable proteins and oils you’ll find in many foods, can also lower the all-important “free” testosterone.[11]