Supercharge Your Libido
We all have a need to give and receive love. Love is food for the soul. Love nourishes body, mind and spirit. And since this is the month of LOVE, I would like to talk about another level of love. SEX.
From ancient fertility deities to modern drugs, our history has proven that in every culture, we are always looking for better sex!
None of us would be here without sex. Sex created me. Sex created you. If we weren't meant to enjoy sex, we would just touch index fingers or lay eggs to make babies. Or, at the very least, we would not be so full of hormones, that from adolescence on, we feel continually drawn toward sexual contact. Within the most deepest primal part of our brain, we are programmed to seek pleasure.
The idea of sex as a nourishing, pleasurable, and recreational experience, unrelated to childbirth, is relatively new. And it may seem odd that a nutrition and lifestyle coach would be talking about sex. But we can eat an awful lot of green leafy vegetables and not get anywhere near the healing effects that come from having great sex!
So I want to talk about nutrition AND sex.
When I think of sexual wellness, I am thinking about not only the specific nutrients that support sexual energy, but also the reproductive, sexual wellness products that we use on, and inside our bodies. When it comes to sex and your sexual wellness #dowhatcomesnatural.
Read more HERE to learn what and why your sexual products are so important to your health!
Just like a car stops without gas, our libido needs to fuel to function. If your love life has taken a dip, the spark in your step has waned, or your drive and energy for sex and pleasure has burnt out, I have good news for you!
There are certain foods and nutrients that you can choose to enjoy thriving health, pleasure, and a supercharged sex life. Just as our body requires adequate amounts of nutrients to function properly, there are specific nutrients needed to fire all the hormones involved in a vibrant libido.
Your body simply can't enjoy great sex if the proper nutrients aren't available to make it function. And this is true for everyone. Single or coupled.
For example, B vitamins are crucial for reaction and response between lovers and for adequate blood flow to sex organs. Vitamin B3 is needed for the flush of blood to skin and organs that increase orgasm, and B1 is needed for proper nerve signaling and the production of energy.
Vitamin C, apart from increasing your immune system, is used by the body to support hormone synthesis that will help improve mood and sexual desire.
Minerals like selenium, zinc, and magnesium are also crucial for sperm production in males, the production of testosterone and other sexual hormones in both men and women, and in supporting the neurotransmitters that allow you to be 'turned on'.
When you are looking for loved up foods to boost libido and pleasure, I am looking for things that will provide the specific nutrients that support sexual energy. I am especially looking for nutrient dense foods that increase activity in what is called the mesolimbic dopamine pathway which is the governing center for libido; supporting neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, bonding and feel good hormone oxytocin, mood boosting serotonin, norepinephrine and acetylcholine. We want to keep this pathway open and flowing!
Read on to learn 5 foods to boost your life between the sheets and bring back your sexual sparkle!
1. Maca:
This root vegetable, found in health food stores in powder form is native to Peru's Andes region, has been used for centuries for fertility, arousal, and hot flashes.
Researchers found a few promising studies that indicate it might help healthy menopausal women with sexual dysfunction, as well as men with erectile dysfunction. Maca is also an adaptogenic food; regulating and balancing hormones for fertility, libido and energy.
2. Cacao:
Chocolate increases both serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, giving us feelings of pleasure, happiness, and lowering our stress levels. -- Chocolate can be a great <<mood>> booster if you know what I mean! Cacao also increases blood flow through the arteries and releases blood vessels--sending blood to all the right areas.
3. Pine Nuts:
Zinc is the key mineral necessary to maintain sexual potency and pine nuts are super rich in zinc with around 58% of your daily requirement in a small serving. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve them sprinkled on salads or in a classic pesto to spark up some lovin'.
4. Pumpkin Seeds:
If mood is the obstacle to an adventurous sex life, pumpkin seeds could be your new best friend-with benefits! These guys are like crunchy little Prozac pills. They are one of the best food sources of an amino acid known as tryptophan, which helps the production of serotonin in your brain. Pumpkin seeds help the brain to circulate serotonin--crucial to a sexy mood!
5. Oily Fish:
It's no secret that oily fish like wild salmon, sardines, and tuna are overflowing with omega-3 fatty acids, but here's what you mightn't know: Omega 3's raise dopamine levels in the brain. The is good news for lovers, as a spike in dopamine improves circulation and blood flow, triggering arousal. Dopamine will help you feel more relaxed and connected to your partner, which makes intimacy more fun!
You don't have to have sex to express sexuality. Express your sensuality by dressing in a way that makes you feel hot, by dancing, flirting, or wearing a pink lipstick.
Do what makes you feel beautiful and sexy!
Sexuality aside, safe touch is an open expression of love, care & appreciation.
Find ways to connect with people. Human touch helps us realize we are all in this crazy, modern world together. Think of it in the same way as a supplement. Be sure to get your recommended daily allowance of positive human interaction and touch!
It is not as difficult as you may think. Make eye contact. Smile. Say hello.
Talk with a partner, parent, child, or friend. Give or receive a hug. Get a massage. Whatever works for you......A little touch goes a long way.
