Low libido can be caused by many different reasons, including a hormone imbalance, stress, fatigue, menopause, medications and a lack of proper nutrition. Your overall health and wellness can vastly improve your sexual desire. A healthy body weight, healthy heart and healthy self-image can all give your libido a boost. Taking a hard look at your diet and ensuring the intake of specific libido-boosting vitamins can get you started on enhancing your libido naturally.
Omega Vitamins
Essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are not produced naturally by your body but are vital for almost every cell in your body. Omegas are anti-aging, reduce inflammation in the body and are a necessity for heart and brain health. Omegas have also been useful in balancing hormone levels, especially in menopausal women, helping to put people in the right mood for sexual activity. Fish oil, flax oil, hemp oil, primrose oil or a combination essential fatty acid supplement can be beneficial.
B Vitamins
B vitamins play a key role in the regulation of the sex organs. A lack of B's can lead to a depleted release of sex hormones, which can lower your libido. Trouble concentrating, lethargy and fatigue may be improved by increasing your intake of B vitamins. B-complex vitamins can enhance circulation to the sexual organs, increase energy and reduce stress by supporting your adrenals, and they may reduce the symptoms of PMS and possibly ward off impotence.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can do so much more then simply boost your immune system and ward off colds. This vitamin C can increase fertility by protecting sperm from toxins and free radical damage. Vitamin C also helps to maintain the strength and function of the blood vessels in your body. Healthy blood vessels are needed for blood flow to the genitals, which allows for stimulation and lubrication in women. The synthesis of sex hormones progesterone, estrogen and androgen are all affected by vitamin C and play a role in sexual desire.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E can have a big impact on the libido and sexual function in both men and women. For women, vitamin E can help to maintain hormone balance, may alleviate PMS and menopausal symptoms, aids in lubrication and may even enhance overall sexual pleasure. For men, vitamin E may help to produce longer lasting erections, help to reduce stress and stress-related sexual dysfunctions and may increase sperm count. Highly processed diets can often lead to a deficiency in vitamin E.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Low Sex Drive in Women: Causes
- HealthWatch: 10 Sex Drive Killers
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd edition; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2000
