Libido refers to sexual desire, or the drive to have sexual activity. It is also commonly called 'sex drive'. A low libido means that you have a low interest in sex and this can affect both men and women. Everybody's interest level in sex is different and there is no 'normal' level. Low libido is defined as having limited sexual desire that, most importantly, is causing distress. A key to helping someone who is experiencing low libido is determining how you and your partner feel about sexual desires. Some couples are not bothered by a lessened sex drive, while others are not happy if they believe they are not having a healthy sexual relationship. If it is not causing any relationship problems, it may not be anything to worry about.
Causes
Libido can be affected by numerous factors. Some reasons for a reduced libido can include:
Anxiety about previous performance;
Psychological issues including stress, depression, anxiety or low self-esteem;
Familiarity with sexual partner;
Physical turn-offs caused by changes in appearance or weight gain;
Pain during sex;
Tiredness or fatigue;
Previous traumatic experience including rape or sexual abuse;
Hormone changes during menopause or pregnancy;
Medication (such as antidepressant medication), alcohol or drugs;
Illnesses (e.g. diabetes and thyroid disorders, heart disease, cancer), and;
A deficiency in male hormones, known as androgens (e.g. testosterone).
Although low libido may be frustrating for you or your sexual partner, it is something that can normally be overcome. It is important to talk about the condition with each other and overcome it together. Everybody's libido is different and fluctuations in libido levels are common as relationship dynamics change, or as you age.
Lifestyle Recommendations For Women:
• Control stress and avoid extra obligations. • Avoid excess caffeine, smoking and alcohol consumption. • Exercise daily to support healthy growth hormone and testosterone levels. Participate in a regular balanced exercise program that includes wearing a pedometer or FitBit tracker to encourage more movement and calculate steps taken, distance walked, and calories burned. High intensity short bursts (20-60 seconds) of activity during the day are recommended to enhance growth hormone release. Also engage in resistance training that works all major muscle groups (work each group at least 2 times a week).Do not over-train. • Maintain optimal weight. • Avoid exposure to chemicals including skincare and hair care products such as Grecian Formula (contains lead), lipstick (contains aluminum), deodorant (aluminum), toxic cleaning products and artist’s paints. • Maintain healthy blood sugar, insulin, cortisol, blood pressure, thyroid and hormonal levels (including estrogens, testosterone, DHEA-S, prolactin, and testosterone), homocysteine, lipid markers, and inflammatory markers. • Consider daily mind-body practices and making fun dates with partner. • Check medications for side effects of low libido.
Dietary Tips and Caveats:
• Eat protein at every meal to stabilize blood sugar levels. Fish is an ideal choice. • Avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated vegetable oils. • Avoid known food sensitivities. • Eat a diet high in omega-3 fats including fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. • Drink plenty of water daily. • Eat 5-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily • Avoid fried foods and trans fats. • Avoid GMOs in food.
Lifestyle Recommendations For Men:
• Check zinc levels using a Zinc Challenge test. If there is no taste or very little taste, add Zinc Supreme™, 2 capsules per day. Continue to retest. Stop zinc supplementation when a strong metal taste is achieved. • Check levels of all sex hormones, especially free and total testosterone. • Check adrenal function, especially cortisol and DHEA levels. • Control stress and avoid extra obligations. • Avoid caffeine and caffeine-containing medications, including aspirin and other analgesics. • Avoid weight loss products and drinks containing stimulants such as guarana, even if they are natural plant extracts. • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. • Exercise daily to improve the body’s response to stress and to improve vitality and circulation; maintain optimal weight. • Participate in a regular balanced exercise program that includes wearing a pedometer or FitBit tracker to encourage more movement and calculate steps taken, distance walked, and calories burned. High intensity short bursts (20-60 seconds) of activity during the day are recommended to enhance growth hormone release. Also engage in resistance training that works all major muscle groups (work each group at least 2 times a week). • Avoid exposure to chemicals including skincare and hair care products such as Grecian Formula (contains lead), deodorant (aluminum), toxic cleaning products and artist’s paints. • Consider daily mind-body practices and making fun dates with partner. • Check medications for side effects of low libido.
Dietary Tips and Caveats:
• Eat protein at every meal to stabilize blood sugar levels. • Avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated vegetable oils. • Avoid known food sensitivities. • Eat a diet high in omega-3 fats including fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. • Drink plenty of water daily. • Eat 5-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily • Avoid fried foods and trans fats
How Can Chiropractic Help Your Libido Problem?
Every function in your body is controlled from the nervous system, but when vertebra are off position—known as a subluxation—the nerves traveling between your brain and your muscles can become blocked, compromising your body’s ability to function as it needs to. The flow of nerve signals is a two-way street, though, meaning that adjustments also allow your organs to send messages to the brain more easily. This means that you not only do you become physically aroused faster, but your brain also registers that ready-for-action, heightened sense of pleasure more quickly, so you move past the mental obstacles that may be keeping you from orgasming. The other key adjustment area for a better sex life? Right below your brain stem, around the vertebrae known as C1 and C2. Libido and fertility require a delicate balance of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones, many of which are released in the upper cervical and neck area.