If you partake in any of the following activities, you may be advised to avoid doing so:
- Smoking cigarettes, including vapes and e-cigarettes, or cigars
- Drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week
- Taking recreational drugs
- Cycling more than 3 hours per week
EAU top tips for a healthy lifestyle
Be more active
Did you know, being overweight is the main cause of high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes? By losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, you not only reduce your risk of additional health problems (known as comorbidities) but increase the likelihood of improving the quality of your erectile function, therefore reducing symptoms of your erectile dysfunction.
Being active can help combat fatigue and make you feel good, and it’s a lot easier if you choose activities that you enjoy. You don’t have to do sports or even go to the gym. Daily activities like gardening or walking can be beneficial and enjoyable.
Be food conscious
Simple changes to the way you eat can make a big difference to your health and lower your risk of comorbidities. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins is key to controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol levels.
Eating a healthy balanced diet doesn’t need to be complicated, nor do you have to stop eating everything you enjoy. Try to make gradual adjustments such as choosing lean cuts of meat, removing the skin from poultry, or trying low-fat dairy products. You could even try substituting meats with beans or pulses or eating fish a couple of times each week to include more healthy protein in your diet. But remember, it’s okay to include some treats in your diet.
Be smoke free
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it is possible! When you first quit, cravings for cigarettes (any type!) can make you feel anxious and irritable, but the intensity of these feelings will lessen over time. Staying active and eating well can help to reduce your cravings and support an overall healthier lifestyle.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about stop-smoking aids, such as nicotine replacement therapy.
Be alcohol conscious
For both men and women, 14 units of alcohol each week is considered safe. This is equals about six pints of beer or six glasses of wine. But remember, drinks vary in size and alcohol content, so one unit doesn’t necessarily equal one drink!
You could try reducing the amount of alcohol you drink a little more each day, and let your friends and family know that you’re trying to cut back too so they can support you with your health ambitions.
Be kind to yourself
Erectile dysfunction can have a big impact on your mental health. It can be difficult to see beyond a negative mood when you are feeling down. But being mindful of this impact and being kind to yourself can help you to focus on the good things in your life.
