If you have a problem, check your lumbar spine; "toxic foods" aren't as scary as they seem.

**If you have a problem, get your lumbar spine checked.**

Lumbar disc herniation is a common orthopedic condition that can occur at any age. Patients typically experience lower back pain initially, followed by leg pain after a period of time. However, sexual dysfunction is rarely mentioned during treatment. In fact, about 20% of erectile dysfunction (ED) patients also have neurological dysfunction, and lumbar disc herniation is one of the causes.

Lu Bodong, vice president and director of the Andrology Center at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, explained that patients with lumbar disc herniation often also have lumbar spinal stenosis. Prolonged compression by the herniated disc can damage the nerves that control the genitals, cause flaccid paralysis of the muscles at the pelvic outlet, thus affecting penile erection and ejaculation, and ultimately leading to sexual dysfunction.

Nerve damage caused by lumbar disc herniation can lead to erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction in the early stages. Therefore, if you experience sexual dysfunction, after ruling out other factors, it's advisable to have your lumbar spine checked.

Vice President Lü Bodong also reminded everyone that lumbar spine problems should be diagnosed promptly, as prolonged delays can lead to more severe damage. During treatment, massage techniques should be minimized; instead, pelvic traction and lumbar support with rest are recommended. For lumbar disc herniation with more than three recurrences, especially those with worsening symptoms after recurrence, massage is not advisable. Surgical removal of the intervertebral disc to relieve pressure may be considered, which plays a crucial role not only in the lumbar spine but also in the recovery of sexual function.

Author: Geng Qiang, Department of Andrology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

**“Detrimental Foods” Aren’t That Scary**

Some media reports have listed ten foods that are bad for one's health, including lotus seeds, winter melon, water chestnuts, mustard greens, bamboo shoots, celery, alcohol, tobacco, carrots, and shark fin, advising men to stay away from them.

The report points out that celery can inhibit sperm production, thus reducing sperm count and causing impotence; lotus seeds have a cooling effect, which can lead to low libido in men; winter melon can clear heat from the heart, reduce libido, and eliminate symptoms of mania; bamboo shoots contain a large amount of oxalic acid, which can affect the body's absorption and utilization of calcium and zinc, and zinc deficiency can lead to decreased libido and reduced sexual function; a substance called "allicin" in carrots can expel hemoglobin from red blood cells in the blood, causing anemia and physical decline.

Indeed, diet plays a crucial role in men's sexual health. In ancient Rome, wives often used fish to help men with low libido; the Spanish used chocolate to stimulate male libido; and Indian doctors recommended that men drink rice porridge made with eggs, milk, and honey before sexual activity.

However, "sexually detrimental foods" are not as terrible as they seem. As long as you eat normally and maintain your usual eating habits, they will not have a significant impact on fertility or sexual function. Although Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the concept of food and medicine sharing the same origin, for a single food to exert its medicinal properties and achieve a "reversal" effect on the body, it cannot be accomplished in a day or two or in a short period of time. Dr. Lü Bodong believes: "Ultimately, it is not the food itself that is detrimental to sexual function, but rather the unreasonable way of eating. No normal person can consume a large amount of a certain food for a long period of time. The most important thing is to maintain a balanced diet." As long as the diet is balanced, the beneficial effects of foods such as celery, winter melon, lotus seeds, and carrots on obesity, gastrointestinal function, blood pressure, blood lipids, and consequently sexual function far outweigh their "sexually detrimental" side effects.

Therefore, "unhealthy foods" are not to be feared; the most important thing is to adhere to a balanced diet without being picky or having unbalanced eating habits. No single natural food can contain all the nutrients the human body needs. Eating only one type of food, no matter how much you eat or how nutritious it may be, cannot maintain good health indefinitely. Conversely, you shouldn't refuse to eat food because of a few minor adverse effects. Only with a balanced diet can the body be healthy.

Author: Geng Qiang

Supporting Expert: Dr. Lü Bodong, Chief Physician, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine