A healthy sex life is important for increased immune system, hormone balance, improved prostate and heart health, reduction of stress and promotes great mood. You know, that sparkly happy feeling…Who can argue with that? 🙂

However, many people struggle with a low libido.  This is a concern that affects women and men of all ages.  There are many things in our daily lives that interfere with our mojo.  Working with a Naturopathic Doctor can help people get the mojo back.  Having the energy, the sex drive, the good mood and the good health for intimacy with your partner is the foundation for enjoying (yes…to all those tired mamas out there… I said enjoying) a healthy sex life.

Here’s my top considerations for helping my patients shift their libido from “Park” to “Drive.”

1) Nutrition

Did you know that all of our hormones are made from fat?  Many patients are always surprised to learn this tidbit of nutrition information.  The body requires good fat to make the hormones necessary for our libido, in addition to all the other hormone driven processes.   This is another reason why we need the right kinds of healthy fat in our diet, and in adequate quantities.

Many patients will tell me they eat salmon or nuts and seeds, so they feel they are getting their healthy fats, or essential fatty acids (EFAs), however most of us benefit from the use of specific EFAs in therapeutic concentrations.  Our current pace causes our bodies to rapidly use up good fat.  Good fat is in high demand for our biochemistry but it also protects us from stress.

There are so many varieties of supplemented essential fatty acids that can help with sex hormones such as omega 3s, GLA and plant sterols.  When I put a plan together for a patient I consider their picture of health, select an EFA that is a good fit and then discuss the benefits with them.

While we are on the nutrition note, of course clean eating is essential as it improves energy.  This energy goes toward improved sex drive but also helps people feel interested and energetic enough to have sex.

2) Medication

Certain medications such as oral contraceptives and antidepressants can decrease sexual desire.  Talking with your prescribing doctor about your change in libido may lead to an option that has less side effects.  My role in a case like this is to help support the body’s detoxification pathways to minimize medication side effects.  Also, building up health in other ways, such as the ones listed here, can help people get the best of both: continue their medication and experienced improved libido.

3) Self Care

Are you gunning through the day on low reserves?  Guess what… the tank is destined to be empty when you or your partner is wanting to be intimate.

Life is busy.  This seems to be the perfect caption for the lives of many of us.  When we go about our day and we are constantly tending to things (i.e. work, home responsibilities, kids, pets, family, friends, the internet, text messages, email, social media) we spend our energy.  Simply resting on the couch at the end of the day does not put energy back in the bank.  It may feel good, but it doesn’t build up our reserves.

What builds are reserves?  Doing things that you love, that makes your soul sing, that calms your brain.

In a world of crunch time, stretched schedules and hurry-ups we can find time for this.  It doesn’t have to be everyday, it doesn’t have to be for long.  Doing little things to replenish at different times during the week WILL build our reserves over time.  Self care also makes  us feel calmer, happier and resilient.

Some examples of self care that I recommend: a couple minutes of meditation, a bath with epsom salt, 30 seconds of deep breathing, doing something creative that you love, a fun outing with friends, a fun outing with your kids, music, dancing, a yoga class, time outdoors, time with your pet, and so many more.  I often talk with my patients about what things they like to do for enjoyment and then we build a plan for Self Care.

4) Resolve Hormonal Imbalances

It’s true… when PMS lasts two weeks out of four even the thought of having sex can be a turn off.  A hormonal imbalance or reproductive tract tissues changes that cause PMS, menstrual irregularities, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis. menopause or prostate issues can be addressed.  Working on a root cause solution to these concerns can readily resolve them for most people.  A balanced system leads to an increase in interest in sex and libido.

A strong foundation of health and correcting imbalances in the function of our physiology can significantly improve sex drive.  If you want more information about hormone help and want to understand more about what can be done to boost libido feel free to email me at drlaura@winhealth.ca.