Published on: 3/5/2025
High salt intake has been shown in animal studies to impair erectile function, so using too much salt—even Himalayan salt—may be linked to erectile dysfunction.
Although there aren’t studies specifically on Himalayan salt and erectile dysfunction in humans, animal research gives us some clues. Studies in rats have found that diets high in salt can reduce the ability of the penile tissue to relax and respond to signals for an erection. For example, one study showed that high salt consumption reduced drug-induced erections in rats, while another found that salt-sensitive rats exhibited impaired erectile function through specific hormonal pathways. Himalayan salt is a type of salt with trace minerals, but it still contains a high amount of sodium, much like regular table salt. This means that if you consume high levels of Himalayan salt, it could potentially have similar negative effects on blood vessels and nerve responses needed for a strong erection. Moderation is key, and maintaining a balanced diet with controlled salt intake may help protect your vascular and erectile health. If you have concerns about your diet and erectile function, discussing them with a healthcare provider can provide you with personalized advice and management strategies.
(References)
Leitolis A, Crestani S, Linder ÁE, da Silva-Santos JE. High-Salt Intake Reduces Apomorphine-Induced Penile Erection and Increases Neurally Mediated Contractile Responses of the Cavernosal Smooth Muscle in Rats. Am J Hypertens. 2019 Nov 15;32(12):1206-1213. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpz142. PMID: 31584631.
Kishimoto T, Kataoka T, Yamamoto Y, Asano G, Fukamoto A, Hotta Y, Maeda Y, Takahashi M, Kanayama HO, Kimura K. High Salt Intake Impairs Erectile Function in Salt-Sensitive Rats Through Mineralocorticoid Receptor Pathway Beyond Its Effect on Blood Pressure. J Sex Med. 2020 Jul;17(7):1280-1287. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.384. PMID: 32624131.
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