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.
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 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 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.
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:
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:
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.
Physical, nonsexual, conditions and medications can also affect your sex drive. Conditions such as arthritis, fatigue, surgical history, and prescription medications can all play a role in your sex life or lack of. Not getting enough sleep can be a major contributor to low libido as sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen are produced at night while we sleep.
Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, for a variety of reasons, will result in a decreased sex drive. Many prescription medications used to treat lifestyle conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, cholesterol, and even anxiety have side effects that include a decrease in libido. Overstimulation due to consuming large amounts of pornography can decrease your stimulation and drive during in-person sexual encounters.
When you are suffering from a lackluster sex life the most important thing to you is getting it back on track as soon as possible. While there are medications you can take to help circumvent the issue temporarily, the only to make long-term changes is to identify the root causes of the dysfunction and address them all completely.
Dr. Kevin Kinney, board certified and licensed Chiropractic Physician featured on INSIDER.com, TheTodayShow.com & BlackDoctorsMatter.org. Connect with Dr. Kev at drkevinkinney.com or @DrDuval904
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