If you experience ED and you’ve just started Viagra or Sildenafil, you probably have a lot of questions about its use, and whether there is anything that could keep the medication from performing at its maximum effectiveness. What types of food can interfere with the results? Can you take Viagra with food at all? Are you supposed to avoid drinking? How long after eating should you wait? The truth is, regardless of your dose, there are some restrictions to your diet you need to consider. There are also foods that will enhance the benefits of Viagra.

Influence of Food on Viagra and Sildenafil Action

What you eat and drink can have an effect on how Viagra and Sildenafil work. Luckily, there are only a few things that cause serious interactions. It’s important for men to be totally informed about the interaction of Viagra and food. Get familiar with the facts below to avoid unexpected results, and get the most out of your intimate experience with your partner.

Interaction with Grapefruit

Don’t eat grapefruit while taking Viagra and Sildenafil. The directions on the label specifically list grapefruit out of all the fruits because it can raise the levels of sildenafil in your body. The citrate and compounds in grapefruit cause it to block the CYP3A4 enzymes in the body. This can result in embarrassing results like a flushed face, headaches, and low blood pressure which increases the risk of fainting. For these reasons, it’s not the best food to eat with your romantic dinner.

May I Drink Alcohol?

Alcohol intake causes interactions with almost all drugs, with or without Viagra. It is particularly true with Viagra because the effects are similar. Viagra decreases your blood pressure, and some side effects from taking the medication can include headache and dizziness. Alcohol has similar affects, so they are compounded. If you are planning an intimate encounter with your partner, it is not a good idea to mix drinking and Viagra. More about intake alcohol drinks and Viagra.

Should I Take Viagra on Empty or Full Stomach?

Most men find that Viagra is more powerful on an empty stomach. Although you may be a little hungry, is it true that it is better to go without a meal. Taking Viagra before or after dinner makes it enter your system more slowly. This is because your body is busy with digestion. If you have to take it with food, expect results to take longer.

Avoid Fatty Foods

A healthy diet is important, especially for men over 65. Being overweight can increase the occurrence of erectile dysfunction, and it increases the risk of health issues overall. When you skip eating oily, fatty foods, you keep off the excess weight that can slow you down. Eating a healthy, low-fat diet that is mainly plant based versus going for that greasy cheeseburger helps you stay trim and fit. This keeps you in the best condition for healthy sex.

Viagra and Nitrates in Food

Nitrates in food or medications are a definite no if you are taking Viagra. Nitrates and Sildenafil both cause blood vessel muscles to relax. When they are combined, it can cause a dangerous and dramatic drop in blood pressure that could even lead to a heart attack. Medications with nitrates can be prescribed for chest pain or pulmonary hypertension, and these should never be taken with Viagra or Sildenafil. It’s very important to check your medications carefully for nitrates to avoid interaction, and talk with your physician if you have any questions. Processed meats also contain nitrates and should not be eaten while taking Viagra.

Viagra and Seafood

There are no negative interactions between Viagra and seafood or fish oil, so there’s no reason not to eat it. In fact, seafood is a smart addition to a healthy diet. Add seafood to your diet to improve your overall health, take off excess weight, and increase your ability to have satisfying sex with your partner.

The benefits of seafood include: -high in vitamins -provides essential minerals -good source of protein -contains Omega 3 fatty acids which help prevent chronic disease

Time Is Important

The timing of when you take Viagra is important. If you have a meal, you need to know how long to wait before taking the medication. Generally, if you eat a meal, you should expect approximately 2 hours to be the time after eating before it begins to work. Without a meal, Viagra can start working within 30 to 60 minutes, and you may take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity. This means there is no need to rush things with your partner. It’s best to experiment with the timing to see what works best for you.

Other Restrictions

Always follow your prescription instructions exactly, and take only the dose you’ve been prescribed. Viagra is an oral medication and should not be crushed in food, or taken other than as directed by your doctor. Any changes in your diet should also be discussed with your physician or pharmacist. The main food and drink recommendations for men when they are taking Viagra are explained in the following chart.

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a common problem that has a variety of causes. Viagra is an effective solution for millions of men. Following these guidelines on the interaction of Viagra and food will help you get the most out of every dose you take. You and your partner can look forward to enjoying a healthy, fulfilling sex life, and you’ll experience the confidence and vitality you deserve.