Warnings, recommendations for use, and general product information are commonly included on consumer products to reduce negative side effects and promote the effectiveness of the product. One group thinks a dietary warning should go on the labels of ED drugs like Viagra.
Among the most recognizable product labels are those on cigarette packs and alcohol bottles that educate consumers about their cancer-causing ingredients and potential harm to pregnant women, respectively. Read below to learn why one group is petitioning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to advocate for plant-based diet information on Viagra and similar medications prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
A Petition for Plant-Based Labeling
Like with cigarettes and alcohol bottles, medications prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) also have important information for consumers on their labels. Currently, ED medications include product information and storage recommendations. Now, one organization is hoping to add nutrition recommendations to ED medication labels.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is a non-profit organization that’s recently filed a citizen petition with the FDA to add health education information to ED medication labels. The group wants consumers to know about the link between ED and cardiovascular health and how to take steps to address it. The PCRM wants the label to include that “A plant-based diet, moderate exercise, stress management, and lack of smoking can, in combination, improve and often reverse artery disease.”
Reasons the group is advocating for updated labeling:
- Millions of men (18-30 million) live with ED
- Most ED issues are caused by circulation issues from diseased arteries
- ED drugs do not cure arterial disease, but a healthy diet can
ED and Circulatory Health
Circulatory issues are one of the leading causing of ED in men, made worse by health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. When blood flow is restricted, it inhibits a man’s ability to get or keep an erection, leading to sexual dysfunction issues. Putting this type of label on drugs like Viagra would be sending an important message by the group that boasts more than 12,000 doctors. Medications like Viagra are highly effective in treating ED symptoms, but they are not a cure for the health conditions that cause ED. Putting nutrition recommendations on ED medication labels could empower men to take their sexual health into their own hands.
Prioritizing a Plant-based Lifestyle
While the above conditions are influenced by family genetics, they can be significantly improved by engaging in positive lifestyle choices, including eating a plant-based diet. The PCRM recommends eating a diet loaded with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Incorporating these staples into one’s diet can promote weight loss while reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, all of which should improve erectile dysfunction that is caused by circulation issues.
Don’t worry though, being plant-based doesn’t have to mean giving up meat altogether. That’s right, meats can still be enjoyed in moderation in a diet rich in plants and whole grains. Talk to your doctor to determine if your ED is caused by circulatory issues that could be improved by a plant-based diet and take control of your sexual health.
To learn more about convenient and secure online ordering of ED medications like Viagra, visit the eDrugstore Erectile Dysfunction page.
Kwynn holds a Master of Public Health and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work. Her research examines the intersections of health, technology, and gender-based violence.