our advice: A NATURAL APPROACH
Rekindle the fire this Valentine’s day … naturally
By Dr. Catherine Oseni
Did you know that there are actually specific foods that can
improve your mood, energy levels, balance your hormones,
increase blood circulation and nourish your libido?
The most commonly known is of course chocolate, which we
all associate with romance. However, over-consuming that giant
heart shaped box of milk chocolates could in fact kill the mood.
Opt instead for a healthy handful of antioxidant rich dark Choco-
lates which contain several mood enhancing and energy produc-
ing chemicals. Some of these natural mood boosters include:
• Anandamide: heightened sensitivity, euphoria and a sense of
overall well-being
• L-arginine – promotes blood flow to “certain” organs, which
increases sensation
• Tryptophan – elevate mood and an arousal response
• Phenyl ethylamine (PEA) - produces an energy boost, sense of
excitement
• Caffeine and sugar: mood elevator and energy booster
Other healthy, libido boosting foods include:
Oysters
Oysters and most shellfish also contain arginine, an amino
acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide. Nitric oxide’s func-
tion is to relax and expand your blood vessels, much like the
erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, thereby increasing libido.
Oysters are also a great way to bump up your zinc. Zinc is
so vital. It helps with fertility, immunity, prevention of hair loss,
hormone balance, insulin sensitivity and dopamine production.
And most people, especially men in our stressful society – have
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low zinc levels, especially over the age of 60.
Avocados
Avocados play a role in boosting libido for both male and fe-
males. They also contain folate which is important for energy and
stamina. Loaded with vitamin B6 which aids in increase hormone
production and potassium to regulate a woman’s thyroid gland.
Pumpkin seeds
Another nutrient dense in Zinc. Zinc is so important and
essential for egg and sperm production, preventing testosterone
deficiency. Pumpkin seeds are also loaded with libido boosting
vitamins such as Vitamin B,E,C,CD,k and minerals such as phos-
phorus, potassium, calcium and niacin.
Essential Fatty Acid Foods like Olive oil, Tree Nuts and Fish
are high ranking in a libido diet especially due to their high
concentration of omega-3-fatty acids. They are also a precursor
of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances which play
a huge role in sexual health. Essential Fatty Acids help to lower
inflammation.
If you are experiencing consistent decreased libido, I recom-
mend speaking with your medical provider to help determine
the underlying cause. There are many paths that can be taken to
increase your libido and energy naturally.
Celebrating Your Optimal Health,
Catherine Olusolape Oseni, Pharm.D., ABAAHP, FAAMFM, FICT
Director of Integrative and Functional Medicine
Alpha Care Wellness Center