In the same way that fat and cholesterol can clog your arteries to the heart, they can also clog other arteries - including those that permit blood to flow to the penis to create an erection. Eating a low-fat diet can also help keep weight in a healthy range, which reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes. Smoking causes blood vessels throughout the body to get smaller, which reduces the amount of bloodflow to the penis. Even smoking just two cigarettes can prevent a sufficient erection. In certain studies, over 80 percent of men with ED were current or former smokers.
Studies suggest that the effect depends on the amount a man smokes.
ED is more than twice as common among heavy smokers than non-smokers. Exercise can improve cardiovascular health and increase overall blood flow. Inc. All Rights Reserved.