Let’s face it; a healthy and happy sex life makes you feel really good. Not only is it a rather pleasurable experience  (we like to hope at least!), even the medical professionals agree that having a ‘healthy’ sex life greatly enhances everything from mood to immune strength – so it’s certainly worth making the time for intimacy. 

 

Sadly, due to excess stress, work deadlines and busy lives we all lead, many men & couples often complain that their desire for sex can fall by the wayside. As well as being too stressed for sex!

 

Many men experience erectile dysfunction (not being able to maintain an erection) and this may be caused by anything and everything from regularly consuming a high fat & high sugar diet, a depletion of vitamins and minerals, excess stress hormones (cortisol being the culprit), excessive weight gain, certain prescription medications and type 2 diabetes.

 

It’s always worth checking in with your GP if you feel concerned about any of the above to investigate any underlying health issues.  But one sure-fire way to increase your ability to ‘perform’,  boost your testosterone and natural sexual desire, is to clean up your diet, reduce bad lifestyle habits (since when has smoking and excess beer ever been good for you?!  And certainly really not good for supporting vital blood flow to the penis – yeah, it’s time to ditch those bad habits guys!) and up your anti on some natural sex-enhancing super foods and testosterone boosting nutrients.

Don’t let stress sabotage your sex life!  

1. Get to know Ashwagandha. 

 

Ashwagandha is known to enhance the sex lives of men since the era of Kama Sutra. The Asian adaptogenic plant has been mentioned in one of the oldest texts about sexuality, and growing evidence in modern science suggests Ashwagandha is a safe and effective alternative for those seeking natural remedies. 

 

As one of the most common reasons of a low sex drive and poor sexual performance is stress, the plant of Ashwagandha can help reduce stress levels, to start with. When the stress levels are high, so is the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is high, it restricts blood flow to all the arteries, hence, becoming one of the leading causes of impotence.

 

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, that is, it strengthens the adrenal glands and improves our fight-or-flight reactions. Adrenal glands are responsible for the production of the hormone cortisol in our body due to which we feel stressed – be that at work, or home.   

 

A study showed that when subjects were given KSM - 66 ashwagandha for a period of 60 days, their cortisol levels reduced by 27 per cent. They noted that during the experiment they felt less stressed out and experienced less anxiety when they were taking ashwagandha. Less stress tends to help enhance a healthier sex life for men. 

 

P.S – Good news for the ladies! Studies show that Ashwagandha taken on a regular basis enhances female orgasm and sexual desire! So will be the perfect his & her passion-enhancing hero for couples who are going through periods of stress.

 

Don’t fall asleep on the job

 2. Up your Coenzyme Q10 & Boost your B vitamins

 

Coenzyme Q10 is a vital nutrient that can significantly raise energy levels, especially in older men (and women).  As we get older our levels of this fatigue-fighting vitamin greatly deplete, causing us to feel fatigued and lacking in stamina.

 

Our cells rely on this nutrient to power up and provide us with endurance and help us stay more energised. If you have high cholesterol or are on statins, you most likely will have low levels of Coenzyme Q10, so it’s worth investigating this and seeing if adding it to your diet can give you that extra 'stay up late' party-power! 

 

Eat your B’s.  A lack of B vitamins causes lethargy, hormonal imbalance and low mood — not good news for your love life. Niacin (vitamin B3) is especially important, as it helps us feel ready for sex by dilating blood vessels.

 

Up your Zinc to stay strong and boost arousal

3. Zinc is an essential dietary mineral. It’s not only scientifically backed to boost your immune system, but is also vital for men to have adequate amounts to support healthy testosterone levels. 

 

Having a zinc deficiency can lead to low testosterone, which means the lack of ability to build muscle and a decrease in the sex hormones required to maintain your sex drive.

 

A sexy food fact – Oysters are touted as ‘the food of love’ and often advised to help improve sperm health and improve libido due to them having natural aphrodisiac qualities.  The reason for this is due to Oysters having the highest levels of zinc in comparison to any other food.

 

 

Avoid deflation in the bedroom with Panax Ginseng

4. Erectile dysfunction — the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex — is a common problem.

 

There are many reasons for erectile dysfunction and it can be both a stressful and emotionally distressing concern for men to deal with. 

 

As well as seeking advice from your GP, improving your diet to eat more fruits and vegetables, cutting back on alcohol and cigarettes, losing excess weight and ensuring your having a regular exercise routine has all been shown to improve vascular health and in turn, improve blood flow, of which may improve sexual stamina and endurance.

 

Another sexual tonic derived from Asia that has been shown to help men with erectile dysfunction is Panax Ginseng. 

 

Published in the International Journal of Impotence Research researched 119 men with mild to moderate ED. The participants took either 350 milligrams (mg) of red ginseng four times per day or a placebo for 8 weeks.

At the end of the study, the researchers found premature ejaculation decreased and sexual performance improved in those who took red ginseng.

 

 

Get in the mood with Omega 3

5. Omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish, nuts and seeds, may help to reduce low mood and have been shown to be an essential nutrient to support neurotransmitters to help us our minds feel happier and less anxious.

 

Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are commonplace for men, and someone struggling with either of these mental health issues may find they experience a decrease in sexual desire. Omega 3 fatty acids help to  increase dopamine levels. This can improve mood and also help to trigger arousal.

 

Don't forget to check out last week's blog with Nutritional Therapist Libby Limon. Libby chatted about all things men's mental heath, igniting a really important conversation, you can find Libby's blog here. For more information on any of the super supplements in our range that can help to enhance your sex life including Omega 3, B Complex, Energy + CoQ10 and Ashwagandha, head to their product pages. 

 

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