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As women age their
hormone levels decrease. Many believe the only
way to restore women's sexual health is to undergo
hormone replacement therapy. This is not the only
option. Women have the capability to maintain
their sexual vitality and drive without hormones
by simply being more health-conscious. A well-balanced
diet is essential in promoting women's sexual
health. This way the body recieves the raw materials
it needs to function at its sexual peak. Foods
that contain Vitamin E, niacin, magnesium, potassium,
zinc, and the amino acid L-arginine offer the
best in nutrition for women's sexual health. Low-fat
diets are strongly recommended for sexual women.
High-fat, high-cholesterol diets are detrimental
to sexual well-being. High-cholesterol intake
can lead to clogged arteries in the genital region
which restrict blood-flow and interfere with healthy
sexual performance. Studies show that cholesterol
blockages can lead to decreased lubrication and
engorgement putting women at risk of sexual dysfunction.
Increased fruit
and vegetable intake promotes sexual health by
lowering cholesterol; as well as stimulating blood
flow to all organs. This is extremely important
for sexual well-being. Consummation of fiber and
healthy starches promotes cardiac health,by increasing
stamina, which in turn promotes a healthy, sexual
libido. Some examples of healthy starches are
whole wheat pasta, wheat bread, brown and wild
rice, and whole grain cereals as well as nuts
and seeds.
Supplements enhance
sexuality as a whole. Key herbs and nutrients
from natural supplements may help facilitate physiological
processes involved in performance, boost energy
levels, enhance circulation, and improve overall
enjoyment. Multivitamins which contain many of
the ingredients mentioned above, aid in optimizing
sexual health. On the other hand, medications
such as birth control pills, tranquilizers, and
certain blood pressure prescriptions can compromise
sexual health. Recreational drugs such as nicotine,
alcohol and caffeine should be consumed in moderation
in order to maintain a healthy libido.
Stimulation of
the senses has proven to increase sexual desire.
It psychologically alters moods , and also has
a proven impact on human physiology. There are
many specially designed activities that help enjoy
sexuality more fully. Using scents, oils, massages
and other techniques will help arousal and should
be considered significantly important in the total
picture of sexuality.
There is an evident
connection between stress, testosterone levels
and the female libido. Inadequate sleep can affect
women by interfering with the ability to orgasm.
Excessive stress can jeopardize arousal, pleasure
and satisfaction. This complicated relationship
between arousal and stress has been observed in
mice. Laboratory mice placed in stressful situations
showed an impaired ability to perform sex. Stress
reduction is vital to overall enjoyment. Stress
can shut off the libido. Integrating basic stress-reduction
methods into your daily routine can vastly improve
your sex life. Depression is associated with all
the measures of sex, performance, distress, general
stress and relationship health.
Exercise improves
cardiovascular fitness, increases stamina, increases
energy, reduces stress and improves self esteem
and body image. The most important function exercise
serves is its key role in stimulation of blood
circulation to the genital organs, which is imperative
in order to achieve orgasm. However, excessive
exercise, especially in women, can reduce fertility,
hormone levels, menstrual periods, and libido.
Male
Diet and Sexual Health
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