Multiple processes in the human body work together in tandem for a penile erection. Hormones like testosterone and emotions also play a role in heightening or lowering sexual desire. The incapability to have or sustain an erection can happen if there is a problem with the above physical or emotional processes. The cause of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be different from person to person based on their age, current physical condition, and emotional state. 1. Causes of erectile dysfunction The cause of ED could be due to one of the following: Psychological issues We all go through multiple emotional ups and downs daily. Mental health is one of the top causes of erectile dysfunction.  If a person is going through anxiety due to personal reasons like finance, relationships, or work-related reasons, it can cause ED. It can happen during or before the act.  Stress is another common reason for ED as they cannot relax and could be tense before or during intercourse. Depression leads to fatigue, exhaustion, lack of interest, and motivation. A person going through depression can face frequent instances of ED. Diseases Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and atherosclerosis are the major diseases that affect the flow of blood to the penis and cause ED.

Prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among men in our country, is caused when cells in the prostate gland mutate and multiply uncontrollably. Interestingly, research suggests that a deficiency in nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins B12, B6, C, D, and K may have a role to play. Low levels of these can cause DNA damage and lead to different cancers, including prostate cancer. It can also aggravate the symptoms. 1. Folate, B6, and B12 Reduced folate, B6, and B12 levels have been associated with prostate cancer. A deficiency of these nutrients causes the incorporation of deoxyuracil into the DNA, leading to DNA breakage. It could also promote tumorigenesis – the production or formation of a tumor. Oats, bananas, poultry, fish, soya beans, and peanuts are rich in folate, B6, and B12 and should be eaten regularly to lower the risk. 2. Zinc According to research studies, zinc levels were lower in specimen tissues taken from men affected by prostate cancer. Zinc is required to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth and invasion. It is also necessary for good prostate health and function due to its role in apoptosis and truncation of citrate accumulation. Shellfish, seeds, legumes, nuts, dairy, and eggs are excellent nutritional sources of zinc.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), also called Ayerza syndrome, is a high blood pressure condition in the pulmonary artery, the artery carrying deoxygenated blood to the lungs from the right ventricle. High blood pressure in the lung’s artery affects the heart, as the right side pumps the blood harder, ultimately weakening the cardiac muscles. Doctors are researching to find a cure for this degenerative and progressive condition. They have been able to classify the more common causes and risk factors identified with PAH as follows: 1. Unknown causes Pulmonary arterial hypertension occurring for unknown reasons, like in an individual without a history of this illness in his family, is called idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Researchers believe an injury to the lining of blood vessels in the lungs, changing the smooth muscle cells in the vessel wall, is most likely to set off this condition. 2. Genetic causes In about 15-20% of patients, PAH is caused by a mutation commonly in the BMPR2 gene, which controls the number of cell regulations in certain tissue. The narrowing of arteries is by the overgrowth of endothelial cells, increasing the blood flow resistance. Genes other than BMPR2 like CAV1 , KCNK3 are also now responsible for PAH, and their pathways are being studied.

Bone loss can be caused by factors like aging, inflammation, poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, immobility, and diseases. Inflammatory diseases can decrease new bone formation and increase resorption. Resorption is the process where old bone is broken down and delivered into the bloodstream. The process is continuous and needs to be supported by diets that prevent inflammation. Doctors always recommend a diet that can prevent inflammation that can increase the health and life of joints, bones, connective tissue that prevent any bone or joint disease. Here are some foods with an abundance of anti-inflammatory properties. 1. Omega-3-rich Foods Omega-3 fatty acids are right on top when it comes to an anti-inflammatory diet. Apart from reducing inflammation, they also help improve heart function, diabetes and improve immunity towards frequent infections. Some omega-3 rich foods are tuna, sardines, mackerel, and halibut. Other plant-based omega-3 rich foods are seaweed, chia seeds, pine nuts, hemp, walnuts, kidney beans and edamame. 2. Cruciferous and Leafy Vegetables. Another good source of anti-inflammatory food in our diet is cruciferous vegetables. They also block an enzyme that causes inflammation in joints leading to joint pain. Include one or more vegetables in your daily diet to supply regular doses of anti-inflammatory food.

The most common complication of an overactive bladder (OAB) is the urge to urinate at unexpected times. Those diagnosed with OAB sometimes go through embarrassing situations like urine leakage. Since there is no cure for OAB, the focus is on managing the symptoms with medication and surgery. Since long-term medication may cause side effects, doctors also suggest managing OAB with natural methods to reduce the frequency or the urge of urination. Complications of OAB Impact on quality of life and hesitation towards social interaction due to fear of wetting themselves in public is a significant fallout of OAB. It can impact their work and personal lives. They constantly may have to rush out of meetings and not participate in family events. Women may tend to shy away from sexual activity, fearing urine leakage. Fatigue and depression are common in many OAB patients as isolation and embarrassment take a toll on them. Continuous urination can also lead to dehydration. Urinary infections and bladder infections are common in people affected with OAB. Treating OAB naturally There can be many side effects of OAB medication; they include constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, indigestion, and arrhythmia. OAB medication can worsen symptoms of people with dementia or cognitive impairments.