Hello all, I hope everyone is having a lovely Monday thus far!
So ladies and gentleman. Lately, we have been on the subject of a well-balanced, happy, healthy gut. From how your body speaks to you from the inside out, how what you ingest reflects directly on how you digest etc etc. Well today, I want to switch it up a little and talk very directly about how your diet plays a MASSIVE role in how your body FEELS and performs, sexually.
That being said, we know your body is functioning at its best if you are ALL of (what Henry likes to call them) The Triple Threes AKA Hungry, Happy, Horny. We have talked about poop and NOW we are going to talk about ideal hormone levels and how proper or improper nutrition can directly affect your sex drive.
With the rising popularity of prescription drugs that increase sex drive (despite the great increase of ailments caused by them) we are reminded how important sex is to a person’s lifestyle, relationships, and self-esteem. But who wants to add headaches, visual distortions, blackouts, and long term sexual dysfunctions as potential side effects that traditional medicine sex stimulants and surgeries can cause? There is a more natural way to increase sex drive and sexual function – by eating right!
It is a common factor, that people who are suffering from a low libido or loss of sex drive COULD potentially be eating the wrong foods. A satisfying sex life requires a healthy body. So if you are looking to improve your libido, remember that natural is better!
Sexual function is controlled by the "endocrine glands", which release specific hormones. The "pituitary gland" has direct and indirect sexual effects on reproductive functions. Deficiencies in the hormones released by the pituitary may lead to underdeveloped sex organs, early menopause, and impotence in men. The "adrenal glands" also produce a small but significant amount of sex hormones. Adrenal exhaustion (often times a symptom in people who OVER exercise and do not eat enough) can result in little strength or desire for sex.
In order for these glands to function and produce sufficient hormones, they need specific nutrients that can best be found in foods and or natural supplement powders. I have listed some very specific nutrients below and how they can affect sexual function and reproduction.
****Something to note, getting regular lab work done is an amazing way to make sure that you are not deficient in any of these areas. If you have questions about this, please let me know!!
- VITAMIN A - Plays an essential role in reproduction. Found in sweet potato, carrot, kale, mango, turnips, spinach, romaine lettuce, papaya, red bell pepper, and broccoli.
- B-COMPLEX VITAMINS (B-1, B-2, B-3) - Needed for a healthy sex drive and for energy. Found in whole grains, asparagus, raw nuts, bananas, broccoli, lean meats.
- VITAMINS B-5, B-6, B-12 - Fight stress and balances hormone levels. B6 increases fertility in women and B12 helps men with low sperm counts. Found in eggs, soy products, salmon, and fish.
- VITAMIN C - Keeps various sex glands healthy and keeps sperm strong by protecting them against free radicals that make them cling together. It may improve the sperm’s chances of fertilizing an egg. Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwifruit, peaches, mangoes, tomatoes, dark green vegetables.
- VITAMIN E - Aids sex hormone production and improves circulation. Also helps in conception. Found in nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- NIACIN - Dilates blood vessels and creates blood flow. Also synthesizes sex hormones. Found in fish, lean meats, peas, and beans.
- ZINC - Needed to produce testosterone and increase sperm count. Is an antioxidant and too little intake can negatively affect sex drive. Found in steamed oysters, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, garlic, spinach.
- FOLIC ACID - Improves fertility and increases sperm count. Triggers histamine production, which prevents sexual dysfunction. Also prevents birth defects. Found in dark green leafy vegetables, whole wheat bread, lightly cooked beans and peas, nuts and seeds, sprouts, oranges, grapefruit, liver, meats, poultry, fortified cereals and enriched grain products.
- SELENIUM - Increases sperm count in men with low sperm count, minimizes the risk of birth defects, and acts as an antioxidant. Found in red meat, tuna, chicken, enriched pasta and whole grain breads.
I could talk alllllll day about this topic, like many I guess. ;) But long story short....the better you eat, the higher your sex drive. Now that’s an added benefit, right?
Like always, PLEASE reach out to me if you would like to discuss the topic further, have any specific questions regarding the topic etc. I adore you all, thank you so much for everything you do and the constant effort you put in to making yourself better everyday!
PS - Holy crap, happy Valentines Day week. For the record, I did NOT choose this topic as such, HA! Sub-conscious coincidence? Teehee. Have a great week everyone, love yourself and others!
Brooke
