The male organ is a good barometer of a man’s overall health. When the body is healthy, the member is healthy and responsive, but when something goes wrong, failing male performance can be the first sign of an underlying health problem. By the same token, things that keep the whole body healthy can also lead to better performance, so making the right lifestyle choices can result in better male organ health. In this respect, any self-care plan starts with good nutrition, so following these 5 dietary tips can put a man on the path to a healthier, more responsive manhood today.

1. Balance your nutrient intake. There are countless fad diets out there that advocate for eliminating entire food groups – and the arguments given in favor of these diets can seem logical. Unfortunately, cutting back dramatically on carbs, fats or other nutrients can deprive the body of the elements it needs to function well. Unless an individual has an actual sensitivity or allergy to a certain type of food (as with celiacs, who cannot process gluten in their systems), the FDA recommendations really are the best bet when it comes to eating. A healthy diet should contain a balance of carbs, heart-healthy fats and proteins, as well as vitamins and minerals, to function at its prime.

2. Watch the calories. Even a healthy diet can become unhealthy if a man is taking in too many – or too few – calories for his body weight and activity level. In both scenarios, the body tends to put on abdominal fat; when there are too many calories, this is the body’s way of storing the excess, and when there are too few, the body responds by holding on to as much fat as possible. Being overweight, as most men know, is bad for cardiovascular health, and it can also lead to diabetes – both of which seriously impact male organ function. Abdominal fat also blocks the delivery of androgen, meaning men who are overweight may actually have a lower male drive.

3. Cut back on processed foods and fast food items. Processed foods are full of preservatives, coloring agents, and other chemicals that have no nutritional benefit at all, and in many cases can cause harm. They are also loaded with refined sugars, which are a leading cause of obesity, as well as salt. Fast foods are typically high in calories – even a salad from a fast food restaurant can contain more calories than a single person needs for an entire day. Keeping it as natural as possible means higher quality nutrition, so that the foods that are taken in can actually benefit the body, rather than just fill a craving.

4. Stay hydrated. Part of healthy eating is making sure that enough water is taken in to ensure that the body stays well-hydrated, an important issue when it comes to cellular function. Allowing oneself to become dehydrated spells trouble for all of the organ systems of the body, including a man’s favorite organ.

In addition to good nutrition, men should also – of course – make sure to exercise regularly, even if it is just a daily walk. Exercise helps to keep body weight at a manageable level. Physical activity also improves blood flow, which is of course important to reproductive health; a steady supply of blood also helps to ensure that all of the important nutrients a man is taking in make it to the parts of the body that need them. On top of that, working out produces chemicals in the body that make men feel relaxed and happy – an important issue when it comes to maintaining a healthy male drive.

Finally, to give an extra nutrient boost right where it is needed most, men can opt for a male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Quality products that are formulated with vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants needed for male health can be applied daily, where they are absorbed directly into the male tissue – a good way to ensure that the private parts are not getting overlooked in the nutrient department.