If those days when your sex life was a dream are gone and you’re in need of a boost, read our post to learn:
- The different factors that interfere with your sexual drive
- The downside of the super popular testosterone-enhancing drugs
- An amazing natural food shown to help libido + other natural ways
If you’re feeling a bit miserable in the bedroom department – you’re not alone. Experiencing low libido is super common nowadays. A study published in Journal of the American Medical Association found that 43% of women and 31% of men deal with a diminished sex drive.
THE CULPRITS OF LOW LIBIDO
For Men
As men reach the age of 30, their testosterone level starts to decrease. It's a natural part of the aging process. A deficiency in testosterone causes a decrease in lean mass, muscle size and strength.
The male hormone is, however, not the only one that affects men's sex drive. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine discovered that estrogen also influences men's sexual health significantly.
For Women
Low testosterone levels drive down women's libido as well. Testosterone helps to increase sex drive. In general estrogen contributes by generating vaginal lubrication. However, too much estrogen in the female body means less testosterone.
LIFESTYLE FACTORS AFFECTING BOTH MEN AND WOMEN
- Chronic stress can play a big role in low testosterone levels by giving way for hypercortisolemia to develop, which reduces the production of the hormone.
- Internal belly fat, steroids and opiates lower testosterone also.
- Drinking from plastic bottles – BPA - the chemical found in plastic food containers is known to mimic estrogen
- High consumption of fructose and other sugars in the diet, as well as diabetes.
- Excessive exercising and abnormally low body fat cause the hormone leptin levels to plummet, inhibiting all the sex hormones.
"According to studies, 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men suffer from low libido."
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A WORD ON THE TESTOSTERONE DRUGS
A low sex drive doesn't necessarily mean a man has a testosterone deficiency. Only men who experience hypogonadism, a condition of having "unequivocally low testosterone levels," should look into taking testosterone. Multiple drugs are promoted (especially in the US) to raise testosterone – that leads to many people believing they’re in dire need of this hormone drug when, in actuality, the majority can keep their money and naturally raise their testosterone level by simply adjusting their lifestyle.
Read on to discover an amazing natural food shown to help libido >>
THE RISKS OF UNNECESSARY HORMONE CONSUMPTION
A study published in the journal PLoS ONE found that men who are 65 and older double their chance of having a heart attack within the first 3 months of taking testosterone. Younger men diagnosed with heart disease face the same danger.
Besides heart problems, hormone consumption can also lead to:
- Thickening of blood/ blood clots
- Acne
- Reduced sperm count
- Greater chance of prostate cancer
- Male infertility
- Liver problems
- Male breast growth
- Increased baldness
- Worsening of urinary symptoms
Although a low level of estrogen in men hinders libido, men should not seek estrogen replacement therapy as it may lead to feminization. The male body naturally produces more estrogen when the level of testosterone elevates.
And, likewise, women taking testosterone could also develop physical male features.
"Most people can increase their sexual drive by simply adjusting their lifestyle."
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THE POWER OF MACA
Organic Burst Maca (often called “Peruvian Ginseng”) is a sturdy plant that grows at the altitudes of 13,000-14,000ft and has been used for millenia across the Andes for both nutrition and fertility in humans and animals. It was cherished by civilizations such as the Inca Empire for its libido enhancing and fertility effects.
Today it’s taken by thousands of people worldwide and recommended for the amazing benefits it brings in the bedroom.
The best part about this superfood
Maca helps sexual desire without giving you synthetic hormones, messing with your hormonal levels or negatively affecting your mood (many people report quite the opposite!).
As a powerful adaptogen, maca is known to have hypothalamic action, stabilize hormones and energy levels. It helps the body adapt to environmental factors and work with the body’s natural system.
In numerous studies maca has been shown to help:
- Increase sperm count and libido
- Positively affect psychological wellbeing of the subjects
- Improve sexual functioning
- Increases endurance, stamina, memory and outlook
A 12-week, placebo-controlled study in 2002 found that men given maca experienced an increase in sexual desire after eight weeks without having changes in serum testosterone and estradiol levels, indicating that maca purely affects libido.
Another 12-week study with 14 postmenopausal women demonstrated that maca reduces psychological symptoms such as anxiety and lowers measures of sexual dysfunction without altering levels of hormones.
"Maca helps libido without negatively affecting your mood or hormonal levels."
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OTHER LITTLE-KNOWN METHODS TO RAISE LIBIDO
- HIIT - Dr. Mercola recommends doing short, high-intensity exercises to boost testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH) - a maximum of 2 or 3 times a week. Warm up for 3 minutes, work out as hard and fast as you can for 30 seconds and recover at a slow-to-moderate pace for 90 seconds. Start with 2-3 repetitions in one go and over time slowly increase to 8 repetitions.
- Weight training also helps if you focus on exercises that engage various muscles, increase the weight and lower the number of reps.
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In terms of diet - reducing sugar consumption by eating more vegetables and healthy fats such as avocado, organic pastured egg yolks, coconut oil, butter made from raw grass-fed organic milk and raw nuts.
High insulin levels are known to lead to low testosterone levels. Consume foods that contain zinc (pumpkin seeds are a rich source!) to help your body’s testosterone production.
- Optimal Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D helps men with the development of sperm cells and maintenance of semen quality. It also increases testosterone levels.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK
What plays the biggest role in your sexual drive? What natural solutions have worked for you? We want to hear from you!
REFERENCES
Mercola, J. (2014, Feb. 21) Many Men Risk Their Health by Taking Testosterone When They Don't Need It.
Minton, B. (2009, June 9) Maca Restores Sexual Health without Raising Hormone Levels.
Ruper, S. (2012, May 23) Paleo And Sex: How To Have A Ravenous And Kickass Female Libido.
Gonzales, G. (2011, Oct. 2) Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands.