The age of the magic pill seems to be upon us. What a great time for an aging man to be alive! The new 'sex pills,' sold under several different names, are the greatest thing - or are they?

With every wonder drug there is often a dark side. The sex drugs are no exception. Sadly, many people who are taking these drugs often should not be doing so. Further, many of the side effects can go from merely annoying to fatal in the presence of other medications. Is there a safer way? Oh yes!

As a man ages there are several factors that can adversely affect both his sex drive as well as his physiology. For example, about 85% of Erectile Dysfunction is caused by organic or physical circumstances while 15% are caused by psychological problems such as depression, performance anxiety, and stress.

Factors Leading to Impotence

Drugs: Alcohol, Antihistamines (allergy medicine), Antihypertensives (blood pressure medicine), Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Tobacco, Tranquilizers

Endocrine Disorders: Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Decreased male sex hormone production, Elevated prolactin, Elevated estrogen

Other Disorders: Cardiovascular Disease (atherosclerosis), Depression, Hypertension

These obvious, and not so obvious, factors should be ruled out and/or eliminated before further steps are considered. Once these have been addressed, there are several nutrients and herbs which can assist in both increasing sex drive as well as improving physiological performance.

Building a Safe and Effective 'Sexual Potency' Formula

Nutrients, specifically herbs, are not only generally safe but in most cases, very effective as well. Following is a list of ingredients you should consider if you are suffering from impotence and lack a sexual drive.

• VITAMIN E: You should ensure that you are taking at least 400 IU daily.
  
  
• VITAMIN B3 (NIACIN): This nutrient will cause dilation of the capillaries, helping to increase blood flow to the penis
  
  
• ZINC: Long associated with sexual prowess, zinc is the main constituent of all male hormones. The seminal fluid contains the highest amount of concentrated zinc in the male body.
  
  
• PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid): This B-complex nutrient also increases specific hormone production.
  
  

In addition to these nutrients, Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, Dimethyglycine, and Ginseng Root should be considered.

There is one other herb, which we have left out of the above list because it is a double edge sword. I have used it very successfully with many clients, but it first must be determined that you do not suffer from uncontrolled, silent hypertension as the herb yohimbe can raise blood pressure in some individuals. If hypertension is not a problem, by all means add yohimbe to your program. The active ingredient in yohimbe bark, called yohimbine, is available generally, only by prescription. For most men however, you will obtain adequate response from the concentrated herb, without the need for the prescription variety.

The use of herbs and nutrients is exceedingly safer than the pharmaceutical choices. These alternatives should be considered BEFORE resorting to more invasive treatments.

Another thing to remember is that natural products don't work quite as fast as drugs. You can't expect to take a natural product and be ready, willing, and able in an hour. If you have an ongoing problem, consider taking these nutrients and herbs on a daily basis, right along with the rest of your health building program.