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).
   Alcohol 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.