Everyone’s libido is different, and it can even decline as you get older. But, in some cases, external factors such as medication, mental health, stress levels, and even your sleep habits can cause a premature lapse in your sex drive. This, in turn, may have an impact on your relationships and your metal wellness.
Sex can be great for your health. Not only is it considered a good form of exercise (Plos One), but it has also been linked to a lower risk of prostate and breast cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine
Sex is a natural part of life, so it makes sense to address it from a holistic point of view. If you’ve noticed your sex drive isn’t what it used to be and you’d like to get your mojo back, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some natural remedies that you can try. Whether it’s changing your diet, taking vitamin supplements, or reducing stress, you can easily incorporate these remedies into your daily life.
Here, I’ll be listing my top five natural ways to boost your libido.
Eat libido-boosting foods
One small change you can make is to your diet. While eating a healthy, balanced diet can improve your overall wellness, you could also consider incorporating a few libido enhancing foods into your everyday meals.
Some foods that are considered natural libido enhancers include chocolate, oysters, and figs, although there isn’t much scientific data to back this up.
However, research has found that avocados can help to reduce metabolic syndrome and boost sex drive. Metabolic syndrome is a clinical term for a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, and it can play a part in low libido. Similarly, following a Mediterranean diet rich in plant-based foods, olive oil, and fish may help to reduce erectile dysfunction in men with metabolic syndrome, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Limit your alcohol intake
Testosterone levels contribute to sex drive in both men and women, with a higher level of testosterone being linked to a higher libido. Significant alcohol intake can reduce your levels of testosterone and can inhibit your sex drive, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, so it’s a good idea to limit your intake to boost your libido.
While cutting back on your alcohol completely will have the best effect, limiting your alcohol intake to a few units a week can also have an impact. According to the NHS, you shouldn’t consume more than 14 units a week, and these units should ideally be spread across three days.
Add vitamins and supplements to your diet
Along with altering your diet, you could also consider taking extra vitamins and supplements. Look for those that contain natural libido enhancing ingredients, such as maca and Panax ginseng, as well as vitamins that can address any health concerns that may be lowering your sex drive.
Magnesium and vitamin D are both responsible for your energy levels, and a lack of these vitamins can lead to fatigue which, in turn, can reduce your interest in sex. The sun is a great source of vitamin D but, here in the UK, a lack of sun means many people can have low levels of it in their blood. Vitamin D isn’t present in a lot of foods, so taking a health supplement to boost your levels is a good idea.
Similarly, some women are more at risk of low iron levels as a result of their menstrual cycle. Taking a supplement containing 270 to 300mg of magnesium can help.
If you suspect your lack of sex drive is caused by low mood, then consider organic health supplements containing damiana and oats, both of which can boost your mood and, in turn, your libido.
Reduce stress and practice wellness
High levels of stress have been shown to reduce sex drive in women, according to a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour. If you suspect this might be the cause, you could try taking up some relaxing hobbies, such as yoga or meditation. Alternatively, you could consider taking part in sport to help relieve your stress.
Get plenty of sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital for a healthy libido in women, according to research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Similarly, a study published in the journal of Translational Andrology and Urology found that low levels of sleep have been linked to erectile dysfunction in men.
The Sleep Foundation recommends getting between seven and nine hours of sleep each night to keep your body in check. If you’re struggling to get to sleep each night, you could try limiting your caffeine intake and avoiding caffeinated drinks at least six hours before bed.
You could also consider doing something relaxing at night to prepare your body for sleep. For example, taking a bath with some soothing scented bath products, practicing a relaxing skincare regime, reading, or doing some slow yoga can all help your body and mind wind down, and you might find it easier to drift off.
