Valentine’s Day Libido Boosting Tips
Sometimes it takes more than flowers and chocolate to set the mood. A low libido can sometimes be a sign of a deeper health issue such as a hormone imbalance, but sometimes it's just in need of a good old fashioned rev up.
With love still lingering in the air from Valentine’s day, I thought it was a great time to provide some tips for boosting your sex drive to create even more love this year.
No matter what age (lower or higher end of the age spectrum), a lower libido can strike at any year of your life for a whole collection of reasons some of which may include: low testosterone, menopause, low mood, stress, relationship issues, prescription medications, sleep apnea/sleep disturbances, and drug or alcohol use.
Libido Boosters
1. Take Care of the Basics- Making sure you have a healthy foundation goes a long way in and out of the bedroom. Getting plenty of sleep, movement, and eating well and staying hydrated are the building blocks for good sex. Consider also checking your hormones if all the basics are being met – work with your health care provider in order to investigate testosterone, stress and thyroid hormones, and make sure all nutrient levels are in optimal range.
2. Chill Out- Prioritizing low stress and R&R is crucial for arousal. A nervous system that is in fight or flight believes you are fighting for your life– and isn’t going to prioritize arousal. Stress supportive nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and adaptogens such as Ashwagandha and Maca listed below are essential for maintaining healthy hormones and thus libido.
3. Try an Herbal Support- These herbs are all shown to help boost sex drive in both men and women.
o Maca- This root is found growing in the Andean highlander zones of Peru at altitudes of 14,000 ft. It functions as an adaptogen, helping the body withstand stress and has been shown to boost energy, as well as increase libido.
o Tribulus- Tribulus terrestris is well-known for its natural ability to increase sex drive and improve sexual satisfaction. It may gently stimulate the normal production of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland which may lead the body to maintain testosterone at healthy levels.
o Ginkgo- Ginkgo has been used to help promote healthy blood flow in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
o Ashwagandha- This root has been traditionally used for its adaptogenic benefits and is considered a vitality tonic. It also promotes healthy testosterone levels.
o Tongkat Ali- Also known as Malaysian ginseng, this herb has well documented aphrodisiac and testosterone enhancing effects.
** Always consult your healthcare provider before starting on any medicinal herbs. They are natural, but powerful and can counteract with other medications or impact other health conditions.
4. Get Up and Move- Exercise boosts your libido, and improves your health. Many Eastern traditions talk about sexual energy being ‘life force’ energy or Qi. When you move, you stoak this inner fire.
5. Dark Chocolate- Dark chocolate helps to reduce stress and increases serotonin levels, both of which are conducive to getting in the mood. When choosing chocolate, opt for a minimally processed dark chocolate that is at least 70%.
6. Oysters- It’s true! They are an aphrodisiac. And this is because they are loaded with zinc, which is important for testosterone production. Other foods rich in zinc include: organic, grass-fed yogurt and beef, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, cashews, pasture raised chicken and turkey and eggs.
7. Fatty Fish- Fatty fish like salmon and sardines include healthy fats that are the building blocks for all of your hormones including testosterone. Other healthy fats include: olive oil, coconut oil, butter made from grass-fed organic milk, nuts, avocados, grass-fed and organic meats and eggs.
Happy LOVE Month!