MALE IMPOTENCE : THE 80% SOLUTION --------------------------------- Impotence in males, the inability to achieve an errection during sexual intercourse has been recently founnd to be very highly tied in most cases (about 80% of them) to the same cause of heart disease and stroke: atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries (See The lancet 1:181). An erection is accomplished by the work of the penis' blood vessels, when blood vessels are damaged by atherosclerosis they can't function proplery. Unfortunately most men are not aware of the connection and continue to eat the high-fat cholesterol-rich American diet which is the primary cause of atherosclerosis. Besides atherosclerosis, the typical American diet is also responsible for amny of the other contributing factors to impotence in the male. Too much dietary fat can lead to obesity, a major cause of Diabetes. Diabetes not only worsens atherosclerosis but also injures the nerves that stimulate an erection. A poor diet also can lead to high blood pressure, which many doctors will proscribe a medication for (such as Aldomet) that can cause impotence as a side effect. Consumed fats also can raise the body's pituary hormone prolactin, which when high supresses the hormones needed for sexual functioning (elevated prolactin is the cause of 19 percent of all impotency cases). Alchol can cause temporary impotence. Marijuana can raise the prolactin levels and may also in some cases cause long-term impotency. Some perscription ulcer medications also boost prolactin levels. Other medicine that can cause impotence includes tranquilizers, antidepressants, anticholinergics, estrogens and other drugs that supress male hormones. Actions that can be taken thru diet to cure the problem start with a low-fat vegeterian regimen centered on starches (such as whole grains, legumes, pasta, potatoes and bread), vegetables and fruits. Such a diet provides plennty of carbohydrates, protein and fiber, but avoids cholesterol completely and limits fat to between 5 and 10 percent of daily calories. IN contrast, the typical American diet contains 600 milligrams of cholesterol and is about 40 percent fat. Secondly a good regular moderate exercise program, such as walking or jogging, bicycling, swimming or aerobic dance for 30 to 60 minutes per day is enough to keep in good physical condition. An herbal extract called yohimbine can also be of great aid (according to the Journal of Urology 137:1168, 1987). Yohimbine, isolated from the bark of the African yohumbehe tree, appears to work by decreasing the blood flow out of the penis. Yohimbehe has long been used as a traditional treatment in Africa for impotence and Western medicine has confirmed its effectiveness. Yohimbine is sold by prescription under the names of Aphrodyne, Yocon and Yohimex in 5.4 milligram (mg) capsules. Natural food stores carry the natural bark, which has an unspecified amount of the active ingredient yohimbine. The usual dosage is 18 mg daily, but one study used 42 mg. (Journal of Urology 141:1360, 1989). In this trial, 34 percent of men with Serious physical problems, such as advanced atherosclerosis and diabetes, were helped. There are no serious side effects reported from its use.