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Looking to spice up your sex life? There are a number of things you can try, from eating certain foods and taking supplements to positive self-talk and a renewed focus on pleasure.
Libido is just another name for sexual desire. A variety of internal and external factors can have an effect on your libido, from your hormone levels to your medications to your sleep habits.
Everyone’s libido is different, but it’s common to experienceTrusted Source a decline in libido with age.
- Eat more of these fruits
Little evidence supports the effectiveness of certain foods, but there’s no harm in experimenting.
Figs, bananas, and avocados, for example, are considered libido-boosting foods, or aphrodisiacs.
These foods also provide important vitamins and minerals that can increase blood flow to the genitals and promote a healthy sex life.
- Try eating chocolate
Throughout history, chocolate has been a symbol of desire, not just because of its delicious taste but also because of its power to improve sexual pleasure.
Chocolate promotesTrusted Source the release of the chemicals like serotoninTrusted Source, which can produce some aphrodisiac and mood-lifting effects.
Serotonin may also be involved in the regulation of blood flow to the genital tissues, which could beTrusted Source responsible for some of its libido-boosting properties.
- Garnish with herbs
Next time you decide to sit down for a romantic dinner, add a little basil or garlic to your dish. The smell of basil stimulates the senses while garlic contains high levels of allicin, which acts as a vasodilator to increaseTrusted Source blood flow.
Though more research is needed, these effects could potentially help people with erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Take a tip from Africa
Yohimbine, an alkaloid found in the bark of the West African evergreen, has been known to work similarly to Viagra.
Some studies suggest Trusted Source that yohimbine bark can help you maintain an erection. It may also enhance the quality of an erection and could improve sexual function if combined with other treatments.
However, more research is needed to see if yohimbine is helpful for erectile dysfunction. According to a 2021 review Trusted Source, emerging therapies could be useful for people who are unresponsive to other treatments, but more high quality research is needed.
- Focus on the way you feel
The way you feel about your body affects the way you feel about sex.
Eating a balanced diet and committing to a regular movement practice can help you feel more connected to your body and may improve your self-image.
You can also shift your focus to the pleasure experienced during sex.
- Stick to one glass of wine
Drinking one glass of wine can put you at ease and increase your interest in becoming intimate. However, too much alcohol can impair Trusted Source your ability to perform by affecting erectile function.
Too much alcohol can also inhibit your ability to orgasm. Learn more about the relationship between alcohol and sex.
- Take time to meditate and relieve stress
No matter how healthy you are, being stressed out can affect your libido.
Some research suggests that women may particularly susceptible to the effects stress can have on one’s sex life.
Men, on the other hand, may use sex to relieve stress. Sometimes these differences in the approach can cause conflict, ultimately increasing stress between partners.
Meditation can help relieve stress. You might also enjoy:
participating in sports activities
practicing tai chi
taking a yoga class
- Get plenty of sleep
Those with a hectic lifestyle don’t always have the time to get the right amount of sleep. Being busy also makes it difficult to make time for sex.
Boost your energy and libido by taking naps when you can and eating a healthy diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates.
- Keep your relationship in check
After you’ve had an argument with a partner, chances are, you’re not in the mood to have sex.
For many people, sensing emotional closeness is important to sexual desire. That means unresolved conflicts can affect your sexual relationship.
Communication is essential for building trust. It’s important to prevent resentments from building up.
- Consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional
Even if you’re taking a natural approach to boosting your libido, it still might be a good idea to consult with a doctor.
They can help you identify any underlying conditions that may be affecting your sexual health. Your clinician may also be able to refer you to a mental health professional experienced in sex therapy or relationship counseling.
Source: www.healthline.com
