Food and nutrition
Foods to avoid for erectile dysfunction, and what to eat instead
What you eat every day affects your blood vessels, hormones and weight. Knowing the foods to avoid for erectile dysfunction is just as useful as knowing which foods help.
In short: Foods that harm blood vessels or drive weight gain and blood sugar spikes can make ED worse. The main ones are sugary drinks, refined starch, processed and fried foods, very salty foods, processed meat and heavy alcohol. Swapping them for vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fish and olive oil supports healthier erections.
Foods and drinks to cut back on
Sugary drinks
Fizzy drinks, energy drinks and sweetened juices spike blood sugar and add weight around the belly. See sugar and erectile dysfunction.
White bread, white rice and pastries
Refined starch behaves like sugar in the body. Large portions of white pap, bread and pastries every day raise insulin and belly fat.
Fried and fast food
Deep-fried chips, vetkoek and takeaways are high in unhealthy fats and salt, which strain blood vessels.
Processed meat
Polony, viennas, bacon and some sausages are high in salt and preservatives and are linked to heart disease.
Very salty foods
Too much salt raises blood pressure, a major cause of ED. Watch stock cubes, chips and instant noodles.
Heavy alcohol
More than two drinks a day can dull nerves and lower testosterone. Read beer and testosterone.
Licorice in large amounts
Real licorice root can lower testosterone if eaten in large quantities.
What to eat instead
- Leafy greens, beetroot and other nitric oxide foods
- Beans, lentils and whole grains such as brown rice and oats
- Fish such as sardines, pilchards and salmon
- Nuts, seeds and olive oil
- Fruit such as watermelon, berries and citrus
- Water and rooibos tea instead of fizzy drinks
A simple rule
Fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with protein and a quarter with whole grains or starch. Keep takeaways for once a week.
Personal advice
A naturopath can look at what you eat now, your weight, blood pressure and blood sugar, and build a realistic plan with you. Read more about foods that help erectile dysfunction.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- How often can you get and keep an erection firm enough for sex: almost always, most of the time, sometimes, or rarely?
- Do you still notice morning or night-time erections?
- Have stress, poor sleep, alcohol, smoking or long hours increased recently?
- Do you take medicine for blood pressure, the heart, diabetes or mood?
- Has your interest in sex dropped noticeably over the past year?
If you answered “sometimes” or “rarely” to the first question, a consultation is a sensible next step. Morning erections that still happen are often a reassuring sign that lifestyle, stress or confidence are playing a part, which natural support can address well. A yes to question four means any remedy needs checking for interactions first.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our mens clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
What foods make erectile dysfunction worse?
Sugary drinks, refined starch, fried and fast food, processed meat, very salty foods and heavy alcohol are the main ones to cut back on.
Can diet really affect erections?
Yes. Diet affects weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, which all influence blood flow to the penis.
Is coffee bad for erections?
Moderate coffee does not appear to harm erections and may help some men. Sugary coffee drinks are a different story.
Which drink is good for erections?
Water, rooibos tea and beetroot juice are better choices than fizzy or energy drinks.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Walk in at our Sandton practice any time, day or night, or book ahead. Outside Gauteng? Book a remote consultation.
References and further reading
- Mayo Clinic: Erectile dysfunction, diagnosis and treatment
- NIDDK: Symptoms and causes of erectile dysfunction
- NCCIH: Naturopathy
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
