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| Health & Wellness |
 How Is Your
Libido? What to Do About a Drop in LibidoBy Ray Burton of Building Bodies A study conducted in the United States reported that an astounding 42% of women suffer from some form of sexual dysfunction. This is even higher than the 31% figure estimated for men. Surveys suggest that loss of libido affect about 20% of the population at any one time and an astounding 30% of this overall percentage includes middle-aged women. Libido is subject to a lot of external influences, and so can be high at some times and low at others. So if it’s short term, don’t stress out. This will just make matters worse. If it’s long term, then it’s a matter of your personal health and the problem needs to be looked into. So read on. Common contributors known to reduce libido include sexual familiarity/ boredom, tiredness, hormones, many commonly prescribed drugs, the children, illness, too much alcohol or food (no one feels sexy when full!) and daily pressures. Many cases of low female sex drive stem from physiological reasons. For example, sexual desire tends to decline as we age due to many factors, such as hormone balance, organ health, or having the appropriate energy, along with proper nutritional intake. To increase female sex drive means addressing these issues. For the most part, sexual function is controlled by endocrine glands, which secrete specific hormones. In order to function properly and produce sufficient hormones, these glands have specific nutritional needs. A good vitamin and mineral supplement may help to improve libido, especially in women whose eating pattern isn’t satisfactory. It has been estimated that only 10% of people follow an eating pattern that provides all the necessary micronutrients, so a supplement may even help women with good eating habits. A lot of people still believe that a regular diet is sufficient. This was true in the past, but not now. An increase in pollutants, stressors and different growing methods in dead soils have all taken their toll on the nutrients we now get from foods. The pituitary gland has direct and indirect effects on sexual and reproductive functions. Its hormones need B complex vitamins, pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamin E, and zinc. Deficiency in the pituitary causes underdeveloped sex organs, and early menopause in women. The adrenal glands produce a small but significant amount of sex hormone. These glands need vitamin A, B-vitamins, vitamin C and E, and unsaturated fatty acids. Adrenal exhaustion can result in little strength or desire for sex (ephedrine users take note). The more energy you get from your diet, the higher your sex drive. Following is a list of supplements that are ideal for increasing your libido. Remember to take supplements with food. Many nutrients require protein, fat or carbohydrates for absorption, so it’s wise to take your supplements with a meal. Zinc - Looking at the subliminal connection…what are pheromones? They’re your own individual body scent -- the same goods that make animals go crazy in the wild. Pheromones are hormone-derived aromatic messengers that subconsciously, but significantly, affect our sexual development and behaviour. They influence our sense of smell and, as such, are a key element in sexual excitement. Bio-test ZMA is one of the best zinc products. It has the proper dosage for optimum health, in addition to B-6. The upper limit for zinc is 40 mg per day; BIO-Test has 30mg of zinc. Zinc-rich foods also increase sexual function in women. Zinc supports healthy adrenal activity, which combats the negative effects of stress. Healthy adrenals translate into more energy. So zinc increases your sexual stamina by making you feel less burned out. It also boosts your immune system if kept to less than 40mg/ day. You can get an adequate amount of zinc in your diet by eating zinc rich foods such as oysters, liver, lean beef, pork, turkey, lamb, lentils, sesame seeds and yogurt. Magnesium - A deficiency will decrease oxygen delivery to your muscle tissue. Magnesium promotes muscle strength and endurance. What is really great is that it also is proven to promote relaxation. Magnesium also activates enzymes necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids so you get the most from your food. If magnesium is taken in the ZMA form, it will relax you before bedtime. Essential Fatty Acids - (i.e, Mum’s or Udo’s Oil). EFAs are the building blocks for the production of female sex hormones. They also help a woman’s body store more of the fat-soluble vitamins (like E, D and K) that keep her sexually active. Plus, they provide moisture and softness to the skin, eyes, vagina and bladder. EFAs derived from plant-hormone-rich seaweeds or flax seeds are especially helpful. When you have EFAs every day, you’ll be solving a world of problems. Flax, pumpkin and sesame seeds, spinach, rice, almonds, and wheat germ are all great sources of EFAs. B-Vitamins - Another big player in a woman’s love life. Your ability to react and respond to your lover depends on your brain’s signals to your glands to initiate the hormone production and flow of blood to your sex organs. B-Vitamins are critical to the development of brain messengers for these signals. Vitamin B-6 is especially important because it controls elevated prolactin, a libido saboteur. It also monitors your body’s balance between estrogen and progesterone, reducing excess estrogen, which can cause severe PMS or perimenopausal mood swings in women. 100mg of B-6 significantly supports hormone balance and curtails a tendency to mood swings. Incidentally, Niacin or Vitamin B-3, used 30 minutes before sexual activity, can enhance the sexual flush. Increased blood flow to the skin and mucous membranes intensifies a woman’s orgasm. A woman’s diet is critical to her sexual readiness, her libido and her sexual responsiveness. A good, gland-boosting, hormone-balancing diet has to be part of your program. The bottom line is that the nutrients that decrease PMS symptoms are the same nutrients that increase libido. Calgary personal trainer Ray Burton is a highly professional & experienced Certified Personal Trainer suited to your fitness needs. Visit www.buildingbodies.ca or call him direct at 403.686.1991. |