We see advertisements for erectile dysfunction medications everywhere from tv and radio to internet and print ads, however, men aren’t the only ones suffering from lower libido and unfulfilled sex lives. Millions of men and women alike seek treatment each year of sex performance related issues.
Studies have shown that over 50% of men will experience erectile dysfunction by the age of 45. But women aren’t exempt from sexual struggles, other research has shown that up 40% of women also suffer from female sexual dysfunction or more recently recognized, hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Here are some hidden factors that may be silently lowering your sex drive.
1. Bad Blood Vessels
We have all heard the saying “get the blood flowing” in relation to sex, but there is truth in the colloquialism. The foundation of sexual function, or dysfunction, is blood flow to the reproductive organs. There are a variety of conditions that can interfere with blood flow but the most common associated with sexual dysfunction is arteriosclerosis or hardening of the blood vessels.
When our blood vessels become stiff and less expansive, the heart has to work much harder to get blood to vital areas in the body. Sexual organs are no different, if vessels cannot deliver blood then the organs cannot function properly.
Foods high in cholesterol, trans and saturated fats, as well as processed carbohydrates, can increase your chances for atherosclerosis and other circulatory diseases.
Here a few natural blood cleansers that are effective and why:
Water
Water may be the most important tool that a person can use to keep the blood clean.
Many people are aware that the kidneys need water to filter the blood, but water also helps nearly every other organ in the body do its job. Staying hydrated ensures that the cells have enough water, which they use to transport toxins into the blood for removal. Water is also necessary to keep blood vessels open and maintain the flow of blood through the body.
The general advice is that 8 glasses, or about 64 ounces, of water each day is enough to keep a person well-hydrated.
While this is generally true, a person’s individual needs may fluctuate based on a few different factors, including their age, weight, and activity level.
Exercise
Exercise may also be an effective blood cleanser. Exercise promotes breathing and sweating, and it gets the heart pumping more blood to the muscles.
Adding in 30-45 minutes of moderate exercise can really help in cleaning the blood vessels.
Whole Foods (Not the Store)
Some foods, such as grapefruit, may have detoxification effects.
Adding more fresh whole foods to the diet is a simple way to increase nutrient intake. Nutrients help the body’s organs function well.
These foods include:
- alliums, such as garlic and onion
- chamomile tea
- citrus fruits
- chicory root
- grapefruit
- pomegranate
- blueberries
- cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower
- ginger
- garlic
- coffee
- purple sweet potato
- turmeric
- soybeans
2. Cortisol, the Libido Killer
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone that your adrenal glands produce and release. Your adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, are small, triangle-shaped glands that are located on top of each of your two kidneys. They’re a part of your endocrine system.
Cortisol is an essential hormone that affects almost every organ and tissue in your body. It plays many important roles, including:
- Regulating your body’s stress response.
- Helping control your body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, or your metabolism.
- Suppressing inflammation.
- Regulating blood pressure.
- Regulating blood sugar.
- Helping control your sleep-wake cycle.
Increased levels of cortisol alter levels of sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen which can lead to decreased sexual desires or performance.
Higher cortisol levels can also increase body fat in the abdominal region, often adding to body image issues. Additionally, stress affects how we see ourselves, causing anxiety during sexual encounters. Reducing everyday stressors in your life and implementing practices that increase mental well-being are vital in lowering cortisol levels that may hinder your sexual performance.