Impotence

What Is Impotence?

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]mpotence is an erectile dysfunction disorder in males characterized by the distressing inability to achieve or maintain an erection satisfactory for coitus.

What Is Impotence In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

• Impotence is a reproductive disorder associated with celiac disease and may be an uncommon presenting feature of untreated celiac disease.
• Androgen resistance and hypothalmic-pituitary dysfunction appears to be relatively specific to celiac disease and cannot be explained merely in terms of malnutrition or chronic ill-health.¹
• Increases of follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin hormone produced by the pituitary gland are not related to impotence, but they may indicate an imbalance at the hypothalmus-pituitary level.²

How Prevalent Is Impotence In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Impotence has increased incidence in celiac males.³,⁴,⁵

What Are The Symptoms of Impotence?

• Impotence is marked by inability to achieve or maintain an erection satisfactory for coitus.

How Does Impotence Develop In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

• Impotence results from unclear etiology involving endocrine dysfunction, gluten exposure and nutritional deficiencies in celiac disease.⁶
• Deficiencies include calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.
• Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is described as the cause of decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.⁷

Does Impotence Respond To Gluten-Free Diet?

Yes. Gluten withdrawal and correction of deficient dietary elements can lead to a return of fertility.³,⁷

Hormone alterations are reversible upon start of the gluten free diet, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis.²

6 Steps To Improve Impotence In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity:

• [dropcap]1[/dropcap]Remove the Trigger. Maintain a Strict, Nutritious Gluten Free Diet:

[box type=”shadow” ]Treatment. This condition responds to the complete elimination of gluten, which is the required treatment that improves both impotence and gut health.

• Gut health is the foundation to restore ALL health. Restored health will enable you to maintain a strict gluten free diet, just as other life tasks will be easier.
• A strict gluten free diet means removing 100% of wheat, barley, rye and oats from the diet.
• Cutting out bread and other obvious sources of gluten is not good enough for recovery. Even 1/8th teaspoon of flour or bread crumb is enough to sustain the inflammation that is damaging your small intestine, causing increased permeability (leaky gut) and allowing undigested gluten to enter your body where it can damage structures and function, and instigate immune inflammatory responses.

Correct Your Individual Nutritional Needs.

• Eat foods that can replenish missing nutrients. Find them under NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES.
• Take nutritional supplements as needed. Find them under NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES.

Recovery. You should begin to feel better within a week and notice more energy as inflammation subsides and the  absorbing cells that make up the surface lining of your small intestine are better able to function.

• Intestinal lining cells are replaced every 5 days. The healing process is like sunburn where the damaged surface layer of skin sloughs off and is replaced with new normal cells.
• Leaky gut normally resolves in two month after starting a gluten free diet and brings about a big improvement in health. Improvement in intestinal permeability precedes morphometric recovery (cell appearance and structure) of the small intestine in celiac disease.⁸
• The intestinal lining may take up to a year to heal.[/box]

• [dropcap]2[/dropcap] Reduce Inflammation. Foods to Eat and Foods Not to Eat:

Because gluten is inflammatory, eliminate OTHER inflammatory foods from your diet to reduce an additive effect to gluten. At the same time, try to eat foods that reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory).

[box type=”shadow” ]Here Are Major Inflammatory Food Types That Reduce Healing:

• Damaging Foods. In susceptible persons, includes corn, dairy (cow), and soy. Lactose, the sugar in any animal milk disrupts intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁹
• Allergenic Foods. Includes foods that trigger the immune sytem to produce IgE antibodies. Allergy testing is the usual way to discover these offending foods.
• Shelf Stable Processed Foods. Includes any that contain additives and preservatives. Look for them on the nutrition label of the box or package. Additives and preservatives also disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁹
• Fats. Limit deep fried foods, trans-fats, saturated fats (animal fat/butter), and EXCESSIVE omega-6 fatty acid oils like corn oil. Rancid fats, sodium caprate (a medium chain fat), and sucrose monester fatty acid (a food grade surfactant) induce significant disruption of the intestinal barrier that causes leaky gut.⁹.
• Excessive Refined White Flours (bran layer removed). Includes products made from them such as cookies, bread, cakes, pies. Bran contains the vitamins and minerals that metabolize grains and slows the otherwise rapid entry of sugar from their digestion into the bloodstream. Also disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁹
• Refined Sugars.  Includes white sugar, corn fructose and high fructose corn syrup.
• Certain Spices. Includes paprika and cayenne pepper which disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁹
• Alcohol and Caffeine. Disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.⁹
• Cocoa and Black Tea increase blood sugar.
• Rosemary. Increases blood sugar levels and should not be used by persons with insulin resistance or diabetes. [/box]

[box type=”shadow” ]Here Are Important Anti-Inflammatory Food Types to Promote Health:

• Fruits. Contain ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which are naturally occuring components in plants that detoxify toxins, carcinogens (reducing the risk by 50%) and mutagens.
• Non-Starchy Vegetables. Support intestinal integrity and provide ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Includes green leafy vegetables such as lettuce and kale, also onion, broccoli, garlic, and others.
• High Quality Complex Carbohydrates. Provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber while boosting serotonin levels to help you relax and feel calm. Includes whole grains, legumes, and root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, red beets, and others.
• Antioxidants. Protect the body from inflammatory oxidant molecules that continually occur and help us handle stress and reduce irritability. Includes vitamin C-containing foods such as lemon, grapefruit, apricot, Brussels sprouts and strawberries, and others. Also, includes vitamin E-containing foods such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, and others. Cocoa is good, too.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Balance opposing omega-6 fatty acids and bad fats. Fish sources includes tuna, salmon, cod, and others. Plants sources include flax, chia seeds, canola oil, and others.
• Probiotics. Supply normal microbes needed for colon health and health of the body such as these fermented foods: yogurt, kefir, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
• Prebiotics/ High Fiber Foods.  Food with fiber keeps our population of colonic microbes healthy.
• Protective Herbs and Spices.  See below #6 below for examples.[/box]

• [dropcap]3[/dropcap] Information Sheet You Can Take to Your Doctor or Other Health Professional:

Click here.

• [dropcap]4[/dropcap] Manage Your Medications Safely:

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Certain medications deplete calcium, magnesium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D that promote impotence. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this possible adverse effect if you are taking any of the drugs listed below. Do not stop prescribed medications without supervision.

This is not a complete listing.

ANTACIDS / ULCER MEDICATIONS

• Pepcid®, Tagamet®, Zantac® deplete Calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Magnesium.
• Magnesium and Aluminum Antacid preparations (Gaviscon®, Maalox®, Mylanta®) deplete Calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Magnesium.
• Prevacid®, Prilosec® deplete Vitamin B12.
• Alka Seltzer®, Baking Soda deplete Magnesium.

ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

• Adapin®, Aventyl®, Elavil®, Pamelor®, Paxil®, Zoloft®, and others deplete Vitamin B12.

ANTIBIOTICS disrupt intestinal permeability which complicates celiac disease.

• Gentomycin, Neomycin, Streptomycin, Cephalosporins, Penicillins deplete B Vitamins.
•  Tetracyclines deplete Calcium, Magnesium.
• Penicillins deplete Vitamin B12.¹⁰
• Erythromycin depletes Vitamin B12.¹¹

ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES disrupt intestinal permeability which complicates celiac disease.

• Corticosteroids (Prednisone, Medrol®, Aristocort®, Decadron) deplete Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin B12.
• Aspirin and Salicylates deplete Calcium.

ANTICONVULSANTS

• Phenobarbital and Barbituates; and Dilantin®, Tegretol®, Mysoline®, Depakane/Depacon® deplete Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12.

ANTIVIRAL AGENTS

• Zidovudine (Retrovir®, AZT and other related drugs) deplete Vitamin B12.
• Foscanet depletes Calcium, Magnesium. 

BRONCHODILATORS

• Inhaled corticosteroid inhalers (Flovent, Pulmicort and others) that are breathed in on a daily basis as a long term therapy to reduce inflammation in airways deplete Calcium, Vitamin D, and B vitamins.
• Albuterol inhalers that are breathed in on a daily basis as a long term therapy and also for quick relief as rescue inhalers to open airways depletes Magnesium, Calcium.

CHOLESTEROL DRUGS

• Colestid® and Questran® deplete Vitamin D.

DIABETIC DRUGS 

• Metformin® depletes Vitamin B12.

DIURETICS

• Thiazide Diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide, Enduron®, Diuril®, Lozol®, Zaroxolyn®, Hygroton® and others) deplete Magnesium.
• Loop Diuretics (Lasix®, Bumex®, Edecrin®) deplete Calcium, Magnesium.
• Potassium Sparing Diuretics (Midamor®, Aldactone®, Dyrenium® and others) deplete Calcium.

FEMALE HORMONES disrupt intestinal permeability which complicate celiac disease.

• Oral Contraceptives (Norinyl®, Ortho-Novum®, Triphasil®, and others) deplete Vitamin B12, Magnesium.
• Oral Estrogen/Hormone Replacement (Evista®, Prempro®, Premarin®, Estratab® and others) deplete Vitamin B12, Magnesium.

LAXATIVES

• Metamucil, FiberCon, Citrucel, Colace, Glycolax, Milk of magnesia, Dulcolax deplete: Vitamin D, Calcium.

WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS THAT BIND FAT also interfere with absorption of some nutrients.

• Zenicol (Orlistat®) depletes Vitamin D.

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• [dropcap]5[/dropcap]Nutritional Supplements To Help Correct Deficiencies:

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The type and quantity of nutritional supplements that may be needed depend on which nutrients are deficient.

• Multivitamin/mineral combination that provides 100% once a day is useful to improve overall nutrient levels. This is a safe dose, but always check with your doctor to avoid interactions with medications.
• Calcium citrate is the best absorbed of calcium supplements. Calcium carbonate is a poor choice.
• Vitamin D3 as prescribed following blood test for status.
• Chelated magnesium  as prescribed but do not take at same time as calcium because they compete for absorption.
• Vitamin B12 as prescribed following blood test for status.

Storage Note: Store container tightly sealed, away from heat, moisture and direct light to avoid loss of potency. That is, in a safe kitchen cabinet – not in the bathroom or on the kitchen table.[/box]

• [dropcap]6[/dropcap]Manage Natural Remedies: 

[box type=”shadow” ]Hydration:

• Eight glasses of water are recommended per day unless there is a contraindication such as kidney or heart disease. The Institute of Medicine recommends approximately 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of total water, from all beverages and foods, each day for women and 3.7 liters (125 ounces) daily of total water for men.
• If you are thirsty, drink water. Add fresh, squeezed lemon to water. Lemon is anti-inflammatory, alkalizing and provides vitamin C.
• Hydration Test: Urine should be pale yellow. Fingertips should be plump, without pruning but this may not be reliable when fingers are swollen with edema. Lips should be plump, without puckering. The feeling of thirst can be unreliable.
• What is wrong with soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol? These drinks are dehydrating, increase acid, and deplete nutrients.[/box]

[box type=”shadow” ]Carminatives. The following  anti-inflammatory plant sources called carminitives help heal the digestive tract. They also tone the digestive muscles which improves peristalsis, thus aiding in the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestine to relieve digestive colic and gastric discomfort.

Carminative Food Remedies:

• Raspberry.
• Carrot is also a cleansing digestive tonic.
• Grape is also bile stimulating and a cleansing remedy for sluggish digestion and laxative.
• Redbeets also stimulate and improve digestion and are easily digested.
• Cabbage also stimulates and improves digestion and is also a liver decongestant.
• Lettuce also stimulates and improves digestion and is also an alterative, meaning it improves the function of organs involved with the digestion and excretion of waste products to bring about a gradual change.
• Potatoes are antispasmodic (due to atropine like properties) and a liver remedy.

Carminative Herb Remedies:

• Sage is also a digestive, astringent, bile stimulant and energy tonic that heals the mucosa.  Drink as tea or use in cooking.
• Chamomile, lemon balm, and fennel, (as a tea) also help relieve nervous tension.
• Parsley also relieves indigestion.
• Rosemary as a tea and in cooking also is a nervous system tonic for stress and fatigue, bile stimulant, and can relieve headaches and indigestion. However, because it increases blood sugar levels, it should not be used by persons with insulin resistance or diabete.
• Thyme is also soothing remedy useful for stimulating digestion of rich, fatty foods.

Carminative Spice Remedies:

• Cloves are also antispasmodic.
• Nutmeg is also useful for indigestion.
• Ginger.[/box]

[box type=”shadow” ]Exercise Helps:

Exercise improves circulation and rids the body of toxins.

• Walking is aerobic exercise that reconditions the whole body to improve stamina. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.
• Weight training builds muscle. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.
• Stretching improves flexibilty. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.

Note: Exercise is important, but the amount and type of exercise undertaken depends on your health. Your first priority is to heal. [/box]

What Do Medical Research Studies Tell About Impotence In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

RESEARCH STUDY SUMMARIES

“Male gonadal function in coeliac disease: 2. Sex hormones.” This study investigating levels of plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, sex-hormone binding globulin, estradiol, and luteinising hormone in men with celiac disease and relating these findings to jejunal morphology, fertility, semen quality, and sexual function demonstrated androgen resistance and hypothalmic-pituitary dysfunction that appear to be relatively specific to celiac disease and cannot be explained merely in terms of malnutrition or chronic ill-health. Findings suggest endocrine disturbance may be related to sexual dysfunction in celiac disease.¹

CASE REPORT SUMMARIES

“Multiple sclerosis-like neurological manifestations in a coeliac patient: nothing is as it seems.” This case report of a 48-year-old man, suffering from coeliac disease for approximately 5 years, vegetarian, who was admitted to Department of Internal and Specialistic Medicine, University Hospital of Palermo, Palermo, Italy, describes finding Cobalamin (vitamin B₁₂) deficiency as the cause of his complaint of dysaesthesia of the left lower limb, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency was proved, even in the absence of blood count alteration, and treated with a vitamin supplement, resulting in complete remission. Although the most important features are usually hematological ones, presence of neurological involvement, in the absence of blood count alterations, has just been described in the literature.¹²

Sources:

1. Farthing MJ, Rees LH, Edwards CR, Dawson AM. Male gonadal function in coeliac disease: 2. Sex hormones. Gut. Feb 1983;24(2):127-35. [↩] [↩]
2. Stazi AV, Mantovani A. Celiac disease and its endocrine and nutritional implications on male reproduction. Minerva Medica. Jun 2004;95(3):243-54. [↩] [↩]
3. Sher KS, Jayanthi V, Probert CS, Stewart CR, Mayberry JF. Infertility, obstetric and gynaecological problems in coeliac sprue. Digestive Diseases. May-Jun 1994;12(3):186-90. [↩] [↩]
4. Stazi AV, Mantovani A. Celiac disease and its endocrine and nutritional implications on male reproduction. Minerva Medica. Jun 2004;95(3):243-54. [↩]
5. Farthing MJ, Rees LH, Edwards CR, Dawson AM. Male gonadal function in coeliac disease: 2. Sex hormones. Gut. Feb 1983;24(2):127-35. [↩]
6. Stazi AV, Mantovani A. Celiac disease and its endocrine and nutritional implications on male reproduction. Minerva Medica. Jun 2004;95(3):243-54. [↩]
7. Mansueto P, Di Stefano L, D’Alcamo A, Carroccio A. Multiple sclerosis-like neurological manifestations in a coeliac patient: nothing is as it seems. BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Jul 4;2012. pii: bcr2012006392. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006392. [↩] [↩]
8. Cummins AG, Thompson FM, Butler RN, et al. Improvement in intestinal permeability precedes morphometric recovery of the small intestine in coeliac disease. Clinical Science. Apr 2001;100(4):379-86. [↩]
9. Farhadi A, Banan A, Fields J, Keshavarzian A. Intestinal barrier: an interface between health and disease. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2003;18:479-91. [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
10. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/depletion/antibiotic-medications-penicillin-derivatives. [↩]
11. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/depletion/antibiotic-medications-macrolides [↩]
12. Mansueto P, Di Stefano L, D’Alcamo A, Carroccio A. Multiple sclerosis-like neurological manifestations in a coeliac patient: nothing is as it seems. BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Jul 4;2012. pii: bcr2012006392. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006392. [↩]