In the U.S. and Canada, it is estimated between 40 to 50 per cent of women and 20 to 25 per cent of men suffer from a low sex drive. There are several underlying causes of a low libido, including stress, being overweight, hormonal imbalance and suffering from the side effects of certain medications.

A low sex drive can be frustrating, and is not often openly discussed. Luckily, there are natural and effective steps you can take to help boost your libido and propel you to a greater state of health and wellness. Simply implement one or all of the steps below and you’ll soon see an improvement in your sex life.

7 tips for boosting your libido
1. Watch the alcohol
While a modest amount of alcohol (one or two drinks) does not have an effect on sex drive – and can even help get some couples in the mood – overconsumption can have a dampening effect on desire.

2. Keep moving
In addition to keeping blood flow high and helping you achieve your ideal body weight, exercise helps to release feel good chemicals called endorphins, eliciting feelings of happiness and confidence.

3. Lose weight
Anything that helps improve your mood will also improve your libido. If your weight is deterring you from being intimate with your partner, it’s time to take care of it. Start by eliminating white, refined flours and sugars from your diet, eating a lighter dinner and drinking six to eight glasses of water per day. These small steps will help you shed unwanted pounds.

4. Go for color
The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables can help encourage blood flow to all areas of the body. Add plenty of tomatoes, broccoli, berries, apples, sweet potatoes, spinach and kale to your diet. The brighter and more colorful your dinner plate, the better.


Page 1 of 2 – Find two more tips and four foods that can to boost your libido on page 2.
5. Take supplements
Certain supplements such as ginkgo biloba can help with blood flow to the brain and sexual organs. Supplementing with choline and vitamin B5 can also help boost acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that sends impulses from your brain to your sexual organs.

6. Eat zinc-rich foods
Zinc is a mineral needed for the production of testosterone. A lack of zinc is associated with sexual problems and sperm abnormalities. Oysters, brewers yeast, wheat germ and bran all contain high levels of zinc.

7. Reduce stress
When the pressures of everyday life are weighing heavily on you, sex is likely the last thing on your mind. Reducing your stress level through exercise, meditation, massage or stretching will not only improve your sex life, but your sense of self as well. Find an activity that relaxes you and do it on a daily basis. If you feel like you don’t have the time, try scheduling in some "me time" at least three times a week. I assure you, your relationship with your partner will benefit.

In addition to the tips above, there are certain foods you can incorporate into your daily diet to help boost your libido. Read about a few of them below.

4 foods to boost your libido
• Bananas – Bananas offer a rich source of vitamin B, helping to boost your energy for some intimate time with your honey.

• Avocados – High in folic acid, avocados also help to boost energy, stamina and drive.

• Nuts – Walnuts and almonds are rich in essential fatty acids and help support the body’s natural hormone production.

• Eggs – Eggs are rich in vitamin B6 and vitamin B5, which can help balance hormone levels.

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Dr. Joey Shulman is the bestselling author of The Last 15: A Weight Loss Breakthrough and founder of The Shulman Weight Loss Clinic. For more information, please visit drjoey.com.


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