Whether you are suffering from a lack of libido, stamina, or just wanting to prevent problems, what you put in your body can make a difference. With my own clients, I have seen dramatic improvements in sexual health by making a few changes to diet and occasionally adding some supplements.

There are a variety of reasons a person’s sexual health can be affected during the year. We all are familiar with the aging factor. However, the reason is it equated to the lovely word “aging” is because of the hormonal changes we go through when we get older. Therefore, a lot of times, our sexual health boils down to hormones.

Along with ageing, there are other factors that can cause our hormones to change. One of these factors is the food we eat. Most Americans eat foods full of questionable substances. Things like preservatives, highly processed foods, refined carbs, sugar, added hormones, pesticides and we can not forget genetically modified organisms. I know for some this is an area of controversy. However, that subject is for another article. The bottom line is that these substances have been shown to disrupt hormonal balance. The biggest culprits are known as “endocrine disruptors”. Endocrine disruptors are everywhere. They are in health and beauty products, plastics, and even in your food and drinks (including water).

The endocrine system is a pretty complicated system. According to the Merck Manual Medical Dictionary, the endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones, chemical substances produced in the body that regulate the activity of cells or organs. These hormones regulate the body’s growth, metabolism (the physical and chemical processes of the body), and sexual development and function. I just call it the master of everything hormonal.

Hormones are chemical messengers created by the body. They transfer information from one set of cells to another to coordinate the functions of different parts of the body. The major glands of the endocrine system are the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pineal body, and the reproductive organs (ovaries and testes). The pancreas is also a part of this system; it has a role in hormone production as well as digestion. Can you understand why I refer to it as a complicated system? There are so many processes and natural chemicals that orchestrate this particular system.

You can see then how eating unnatural, processed foods- and synthetic chemicals and substances- can disrupt this intricate system. When it gets disrupted, various problems can arise- like a disruption in sexual function. This can be a very embarrassing issue for a lot of people, and because of that, it may not be addressed properly. But nutrition alone can be an effective way of correcting any imbalances. Here are some foods that are known to help promote the balance of hormones, which will, in turn, benefit sexual health.

FOODS FOR SEXUAL HEALTH:

● Oysters

● Nuts

● Hot Peppers

● Asparagus

● Chocolate (go for dark so you get all the antioxidants)

● Figs

● Bananas

● Honey

● Red Wine

● Avocado’s For a full explanation of the reasoning behind each food click here.

I always suggest speaking with your healthcare provider about any abnormal symptoms. Usually, simple blood work can confirm whether or not your hormonal balance has been disrupted. From there you can take the necessary steps to regain balance. The endocrine system responds very well to nutrition, herbs, and even glandulars if that is something you are willing to try.

When it comes to any imbalance in the body, it is imperative that you look at your diet first. There is a reason that Hippocrates said “Let thy food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be thy food.” It is because food has an intricate relationship with our bodies. The chemistry of the food mingles with our biology on every level. It is up to us to make the right food choices so that we create a harmonious and thriving environment with the food we eat. When we don’t, imbalances occur, chronic imbalances lead to disease.

Sex is great for our health and wellbeing. We all need to make sure we are not ignoring potential problems because we are uncomfortable with the conversation. As a practitioner myself, I do my best to establish open communication and trust so that my clients feel safe communicating with me regarding all aspects of their health.

In conclusion, I want to encourage you to eat delicious and nutritious foods that nourish your body and keep your sex drive strong! When nutrition alone is not enough, talk to a Natural Health Practitioner about adding supplements into your daily regimen.

Sources: Live Science , Precision Nutrition, Houston Press