Experiencing a lack of interest in sex is common with 30%-40% of people facing this issue for a few months each year. Various factors can contribute, such as stress, emotional problems, low testosterone, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Not addressing the issue could lead to relationship problems and contribute to further stress, adversely impacting overall quality of life and other aspects of health. Often, simple lifestyle changes can help improve libido and erectile function.
One natural remedy to boost libido or manage minor ED cases is an amino acid supplement called L-citrulline. Found in foods like watermelon, L-citrulline provides an alternative management option, as opposed to medications or hormone replacement.
Benefits of L-citrulline
L-citrulline offers numerous health benefits for men, including boosting sexual health and addressing conditions like high blood pressure and fatigue. It can also help men with declining testosterone levels.
Testosterone, a male sex hormone, is crucial for enhancing libido and playing a role in various aspects of men’s health, like energy, erectile function, mood, and weight. As men age, testosterone levels decline gradually. When men are 50 and older, they might notice reduced energy levels, an expanding waistline, and a decreased libido that is accompanied by more frequent erectile troubles. L-citrulline can help improve these issues. After being consumed, the body converts it into another amino acid, arginine, which has been proven to promote higher testosterone levels without causing adverse side effects experienced with testosterone replacement therapy.
Another way arginine helps with ED is through nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is essential for heart and blood vessel health, helping arteries relax and function correctly. This, in turn, can lower blood pressure and impact a man’s sexual function. Good blood flow is crucial for achieving and maintaining erections, helping with minor to moderate ED cases. Nitric oxide also relaxes smooth muscles in the penis that facilitate erection development. This process is similar to how ED drugs like Viagra function, making L-citrulline and arginine a more natural option for addressing ED. Additionally, arginine is beneficial for overall heart health and maintaining a healthy immune system while also removing toxicities like ammonia from the body and helping to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Using L-citrulline supplements
Many men opt for L-citrulline because it comes without side effects. Even though it occurs naturally in cantaloupe, cucumbers, and watermelons, men can also take it in supplement form daily. One such option is a daily supplement formulation called EveryDay Male, containing both L-citrulline and L-arginine. EveryDay Male also contains other natural ingredients that are beneficial for men looking for a natural way to promote natural testosterone levels and make a difference in their sexual health.
In addition to taking L-citrulline supplements, it is crucial to consider lifestyle habits. Manage stress levels so they do not negatively impact libido and erectile function. Get sufficient sleep and exercise to reduce stress and provide a natural testosterone boost. Keep in mind that whatever measures are good for your heart are also good for preventing ED.
If you start to notice problems with your sexual health, do not be afraid to consult your doctor. Often, there could be an easy solution, but if a larger problem is on the horizon, addressing it sooner will make the issue more manageable.
Source: Cormio L et al. Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. Urology 2011 Jan; 77(1): 119-22