Nutritionist Rick Hay has 5 top supplements suggestions to counter the loss of libido.
Low libido is a natural occurrence that can be corrected. A research by the American Sexual Health Association shows that between 30 to 50 per cent of people will lose their sex drive at some point in their lives.
The loss of libido can be caused by various reasons, such as hormonal changes, low energy, alcohol, stress and drug intake.
Below are supplements that can counter the loss of libido according to Rick Hay:
1) Vitamin E
Hay says Vitamin E is important because it increases testosterone levels, which will in turn increase stamina and also help raise sexual desire.
It also enhances sperm count and motility in men.
A research published in the Archives of Andrology shows that study participants who took 400 mg of vitamin E in conjunction with 225 mcg of selenium showed improvements in sperm motility.
Increased testosterone levels help with blood flow and in oxygenation of the body which is essential if erectile dysfunction is an issue.
2) Polyphenols
Polyphenols which is found in Berries, Dark red grapes and Red wine and the substances that gives them their dark pigment is the second recommendation given by Hay.
Polyphenols will help get into the mood for sex.
According to a study in the journal of Sexual Medicine, women who drank a glass of red wine daily have been reported to have higher levels of sexual desire and vaginal lubrication, compared with those who sipped any other kind of alcohol only occasionally or those who didn’t drink at all.
Berries are high in antioxidants, they help with immunity and, have the ability to raise serotonin and dopamine (neurotransmitters in the brain essential to good mood) levels, which could help enhance mood.
3) Ginkgo
Ginkgo aids blood circulation and is crucial for the sexual organs to have good blood circulation so as to help with sexual function.
Ginkgo also reduces platelet aggregations which means that it helps to clear blood vessels and promote vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels essential for for erectile function) this is due to the presence of components called terpenoids and ginkaloids that it contains.
A very small study on men also found that taking 50mg Ginkgo biloba twice a day could help men who had antidepressant induced low sex drive (SSRI antidepressants can cause low libido as a side effect).
4) Omega 3s
Research has shown that Omega 3 fatty acids can help decrease anxiety and depression which in turn means, when these two are decreased, sexual desire may increase.
Omega 3 fatty acids can also help increase dopamine levels too. This can improve mood but also help to trigger arousal.
Omega 3 can help with the moisturisation of the skin and also help to moisturise mucus membranes which helps to reduce dryness and create lubrication needed during menopause and the years leading up to it.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish as well as flaxseeds and in concentrated levels in good quality supplements.
5) B vitamins and Zinc
B vitamins will help to nourish the nervous system and boost mood says Hay.
Zinc can help raise testosterone levels which will also help raise sexual desire – a study in the Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences found male rats taking zinc took longer to ejaculate compared to a control group.
Aduna Super Cacao powder contains a chemical called phenylethylamine and this promotes a feel good factor like a happiness hormone. It also contains B vitamins and Zinc.
Source: Healthista
