The ketogenic diet, characterized by its high-fat, low-carbohydrate composition, has gained popularity as a weight-loss strategy. While initially designed to manage epilepsy, its potential impact on various health conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED), has become a subject of interest. This article delves into the relationship between the keto diet and ED, examining the potential benefits, risks, and scientific evidence.
What is the Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet is a very low-carbohydrate eating plan consisting of a moderate amount of protein and a high amount of fat. According to the National Cancer Institute, the Ketogenic diet is described as a “diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates (sugars) that causes the body to break down fat into molecules called ketones. When carbohydrate intake is drastically reduced, the body shifts its primary fuel source from glucose to fat, entering a metabolic state called ketosis. In this state, the liver converts fat into ketones, which the body then uses for energy.
When people consume less than 50 grams of carbohydrates a day, their bodies run out of fuel from blood sugar. This type of fuel is something their bodies can use immediately. In the absence of blood sugar, their bodies break down fat and protein to generate energy.
Erectile Dysfunction: An Overview
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It is a common condition that can affect men of all ages, but it becomes more prevalent with age. ED can stem from various factors, including:
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome.
- Lifestyle factors: Obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise.
- Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
- Hormonal imbalances: Low testosterone levels.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause ED as a side effect.
Can Keto Help with Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, research suggests that the ketogenic diet can, in fact, help with erectile dysfunction, especially when ED is linked to metabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure. The keto diet helps with erectile dysfunction in multiple ways. However, the effect is not the same for everyone.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
The keto diet may help some men with erectile dysfunction by addressing underlying causes like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and low testosterone through weight loss and improved metabolic health. However, research is mixed and limited, while some studies show benefits like increased testosterone and better erectile function scores after three months, others warn that very low-carb diets might impair blood vessel relaxation and vascular health.
Potential Benefits of Keto for ED
Weight Loss and Metabolic Improvement:
- Obesity is a major risk factor for ED and is closely linked with low testosterone levels. The keto diet is often associated with weight loss, which can improve overall metabolic health.
- Metabolic Syndrome is a “cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic, Metabolic syndrome includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. In addition to increasing risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, metabolic syndrome can affect the function of endothelial cells, which help the body create lubrication including vaginal lubrication.
- A study found that after 4 months of a low calorie keto diet, the participants reported improved sexual function. However, they also reported weight loss, lower food and alcohol cravings, and better sleep. This indicated that the diet caused an overall improved quality of life, which included better sexual function and libido. Therefore, the diet did not independently cause these sexual improvements.
Increased Testosterone Levels:
- Research indicates that following a ketogenic diet can increase testosterone levels within about 11 weeks (in some cases, by up to 118 nanograms). A person’s sex drive is largely dependent on their testosterone levels. Having low levels can reduce libido, according to an older study from 2014. The research looking at how keto affects testosterone is not consistent - some evidence suggests it lowers the hormone, while other studies have found that it may actually increase it.
- Yes, some studies suggest the ketogenic diet can raise testosterone levels in men, especially when combined with weight loss. However, the boost is not guaranteed for everyone, and it often depends on your starting health, body weight, and lifestyle.
Improved Cardiovascular Health:
- ED is often associated with conditions like metabolic disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Staples of keto, like omega-3 fatty acids from fish and nuts, are excellent for cardiovascular health.
- Some research suggests keto may increase nitric oxide production. Keto also appears to have antioxidant properties.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
- The keto diet is also anti-inflammatory.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Keto Flu:
- When people first start the keto diet, many experience what’s called the “keto flu”, a temporary set of symptoms that can feel like carbohydrate withdrawal. Around day 3, many people start to feel the effects of “keto flu”- fatigue, irritability, brain fog, or even a temporary drop in sex drive. These symptoms usually fade after a week or two once your body adapts to using fat instead of carbs for energy.
Increased Cholesterol:
- A high-fat diet, especially one heavy in saturated fats, can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Nutrient Deficiencies:
- Very low carbohydrate diets, such as the keto diet, may lack vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals within plant foods. Potential downsides include nutrient deficiencies, higher LDL cholesterol, and long-term vascular concerns.
Long-Term Effects:
- At present, there is limited research looking at the long-term effects of the keto diet. A 2021 research article says potential long-term effects include: hypoproteinemia, or low protein levels, hepatic stenosis, or fatty liver disease, kidney stones. Additionally, the large amount of fat consumption that the keto diet involves may pose other health problems. Diets high in saturated fat may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic, or ongoing, health issues. Researchers have not studied the keto diet’s long-term effect on cardiovascular disease.
- According to a 2021 animal study, the keto diet has been linked to heart scarring.
Potential Impact on Erectile Function:
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
- The results based on this animal model indicate that extreme carbohydrate restricted diet may affect erectile function.
- Our study identified that LCHP decreased erectile function in rats. Extreme carbohydrate restriction and high protein in diet may cause ED with vascular endothelial dysfunction and a decrease in the relaxation response of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle via NO-operated nerves.
Research and Studies
- In Castro’s 2018 study, women placed on a low calorie ketogenic diet for 4 months reported improved sexual function in the realms of arousal (excitation) and lubrication.
- Another 2021 study of people with chronic conditions found that in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, the keto diet had links to lower food cravings, increased exercise, and better sexual function. Much like the previous study, these results indicate that the diet may improve the quality of life and overall health markers in certain individuals.
- A longitudinal clinical study was conducted on selected overweight/obese patients with male accessory gland inflammation (MAGI) to evaluate the effects of body weight loss on their urogenital symptoms. Patients under VLCKD reported not only significant improvement of the same parameters, but also in ejaculatory pain/discomfort and sexual dysfunction.
- A total of 48, 12-week-old rats were divided into 2 groups and either fed a LCHP diet (LCHP group) or a normal diet (Control group). The intracavernosal pressure / mean arterial pressure ratio was significantly lower in the LCHP group (P < .05) at 4 weeks. Compared to the Control group, the LCHP group exhibited significantly lower responses to ACh and EFS and a decreased nNOS mRNA expression.
Alternative Diets for Sexual Health
There isn’t one single “best” diet, but research shows the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet have the strongest evidence for improving blood flow and supporting long-term sexual health.
- DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension): Prioritizes low salt, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein.
- Subjects consumed at least 250-300 g of fruits, 125-150 g of vegetables and 25-50 g of nuts per day. Additional guidelines included consuming 400 g of whole grains daily (legumes, rice, corn and wheat) and to increase the consumption of olive oil. Women were also advised to increase consumption of fish and to reduce intake of red or processed meat.
Important Considerations
Consult a Doctor:
- Always talk to a doctor before starting the keto diet for erectile dysfunction. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, or metabolic disorders should talk to their doctor before starting keto.
- As pelvic floor therapists, it is outside of our domain to prescribe or counsel people through diet changes.
Moderate Approach:
- Research shows that extreme carb elimination (<5%) isn’t necessary and may even cause problems. If you're considering keto for ED, consult a doctor and opt for a moderate low-carb approach (25-30% carbs) rather than extreme restriction.
Individual Variability:
- Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. The keto diet and erectile dysfunction connection often gets attention, but keto isn’t the only option.
Holistic Approach:
- Diet alone isn't a cure, but works best alongside exercise, stress management, and proper medical care.
tags: #keto #diet #erectile #dysfunction #research