If you have a low sex drive or low libido, it can negatively affect your quality of life and relationship. A mismatched sex drive can also cause personal and relationship issues, such as lowered self-esteem and negative feelings from your partner.
Although certain health problems, such as erectile dysfunction or impotence, can decrease your sex drive, sometimes the cause is a simple vitamin deficiency. Just like how vitamins play a vital role in several immune system functions, they also support libido and sexual health. Supplementing these minerals and vitamins can help you get your sex life back on track.
Zinc
Zinc is required for more than 100 chemical processes in your body, and it's one of the most essential minerals for your sexual health. This vitamin allows your body to produce testosterone and positively impacts arousal and erectile function. If you have low levels of zinc in your body, you may develop a testosterone imbalance, which may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Thus, if you want to start a family with your significant other, you should make sure you're getting enough zinc. You can obtain it through both supplements and foods such as beef, oysters, lentils, and nuts.
L-arginine
L-arginine is an essential amino acid that's beneficial for heart health as well as erectile issues. It can help trigger the production of nitric oxide, which is an essential compound for getting and maintaining erections. Experts have marked it as generally safe but caution individuals who take blood pressure medicine to talk to a doctor first. If you're not on those meds and want to try this amino acid, then you should consider taking the supplement. Begin at a dose of around 6 grams per day to see how you tolerate it.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Some studies show that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements help improve your sex drive, as they may boost your free testosterone levels. Other studies have shown that taking high doses of DHEA decreases erectile dysfunction, as it stimulates blood vessels to open wider for better blood flow. One study revealed that men with erectile dysfunction who took a DHEA supplement every day for six months experienced a significant improvement in their ability to maintain or achieve an erection compared with men who took a placebo.
Ashwagandha
An ashwagandha supplement (Indian ginseng) is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It's said to possess aphrodisiac-like qualities and improve sexual desire. It can also help your body adapt to and manage stress, a common cause of a low sex drive and poor sexual performance. One study revealed that ashwagandha provides stress relief, which can impact your sex drive and the ability to relax enough to experience desire and pleasure.
Magnesium
An essential mineral, magnesium plays a vital role in more than 300 enzyme reactions in your body. Getting the recommended amount of magnesium daily can help improve your sleep quality, giving you the energy to engage in sexual activities.
In addition, magnesium is known to decrease the body's stress response and promote relaxation, which makes it easier to get in the mood. It also helps keep testosterone in your bloodstream, increasing sex drive and desire.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps you achieve healthy skin and hormonal balance. It's also been dubbed the "sex vitamin" because of its role in testosterone production and its ability to boost sperm function. In addition, vitamin E increases oxygen and blood flow to the penis, which results in stronger erections. Due to its antioxidative and antiaging properties, vitamin E can also boost your vigor and vitality by slowing down the aging process.
L-citrulline
L-arginine may be the most common amino acid in men's health supplements, but it's metabolized too quickly for there to be any real benefit. That's why L-citrulline, which your kidney converts to L-arginine, is a better choice.
In a study conducted on men with mild impotence, L-citrulline supplements — 1.5 grams per day for one month — amplified 50% of their erection hardness scores from three (mild erectile dysfunction) to four (normal erectile function). They also reported having more sex and were very happy with the results. In general, L-citrulline is proven safe and psychologically well-accepted by men with erectile dysfunction.
Maca
Maca is an herb known for its ability to boost libido and enhance endurance. It's also thought to improve fertility. Animal studies have shown that maca increases sperm quality and quantity and may also act as an aphrodisiac for both men and women.
In one study, men consumed 3 grams of maca each day for eight weeks. They experienced increased sexual desire compared with those who took a placebo. Another study on the effect of the herb on reduced sex drive caused by antidepressant medication found that it improved desire as well as sexual function in men who consumed a high dose. The herb has also been found to treat erectile dysfunction.
Niacin
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, could improve erectile function in men. A study conducted by the Journal of Sexual Medicine showed that niacin alone can manage symptoms in men who have moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. In addition, niacin can improve your testes' antioxidant status and serum testosterone levels. Because niacin allows your blood to flow faster and easier, it's essential for healthy orgasms. The supplement may also help your adrenal glands produce more sex hormones.
Fenugreek
Due to its purported power to intensify arousal, fenugreek is a popular ingredient in men's health supplements. One study revealed that men who took the supplement experienced an increase in libido after six weeks — around 63% of the men enjoyed a boost in sexual performance, and 67% said the supplement improved their sexual recovery time. The participants of the study reported no negative side effects. Other research also backs this up.
Boost Your Sexual Health With the biostation
A wide variety of factors all play a vital role in your sexual health, from your connection and previous sexual experiences with your partner to your levels of testosterone. If you've recently noticed some degree of loss of sex drive, a combination of supplements and changes to your lifestyle may help to boost your sex drive and improve your relationship.
At the biostation, we provide a range of sexual health treatments and medications, following a consultation with a certified healthcare provider.