Sex is a natural and important part of almost everyone's life. But many factors affect an individual's sex drive, from genetics to diet to stress to exercise levels. And while there is not much you can do about your genetics, you can change your diet, exercise habits, and stress levels. While diet is overall perhaps the most important factor in your sexual health, according to C. Drobot of Alive: The Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition, there is a clear connection between stress and sexual issues, and even if you eat healthy, stress and low exercise levels can still significantly diminish libido (desire for sex).
Better Sex Through Better Diet
Eating healthy makes a difference in almost all aspects of life, and sex is no exception. On a general level, obesity does impair sex drive (recent research has shown a direct connection between weight loss and increased testosterone production), and this issue often relates to lack of exercise as well as a poor diet, so the best general advice for obese individuals suffering from lack of sex drive is to change your lifestyle in terms of both diet and exercise. Note that the other side of the coin is also a problem as individuals with extremely low body fat often have very low hormone production.
That said, there are a number of specific foods that you can add to your diet that can help you have a better sex life. The focus here is on foods that have circulation-enhancing effect, as a great deal of recent research has shown that improved circulation leads to a higher sex drive and better sex. According to Dr. Barbara Bartlik of the Weill Cornell Medical Center, foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel, salmon and wild salmon are excellent circulation-enhancing foods to add to your diet, as are foods that contain L-Arginine such as granola, oatmeal, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, dairy, green vegetables, root vegetables, garlic, ginseng, soybeans, chickpeas and seeds.
Increase Your Libido Through Exercise
Exercise is essential for a healthy body, and a healthy body will naturally increase your sex drive (which is the first step to great sex). Even exercising as little as 30 minutes two to three times a week can make a real difference in your overall health and energy levels, and lead to a greater sexual desire (and for males increase the ability to stay erect).
Furthermore, exercise that specifically stimulates the blood flow in the lower abdomen and genital areas is particularly beneficial. According to author and sex therapist Nicci Talbot, yoga, swimming, and dancing can all be mentioned positively in this regard.
Erotic Literature and Films
The mind is the most powerful sexual stimulant, and imagination and fantasy can compensate for many physiological issues. So try reading or watching erotic literature and films to spice up your sex life and increase your libido. If you are into the classics perhaps The Story of O or some of the writings of the Marquis de Sade might be a good place to start.
And don't be shy about exploring your "forbidden fantasies" the fact they are "forbidden" makes them all the more stimulating for you and your partner. Perhaps you and your partner could each suggest a specific personal fantasy and then take turns acting them out. Making fantasies "come to life" will very frequently lead to better and more satisfying sex.
Vary Your Sexual Routine
Variety is the spice of life, and that certainly holds true for sex. Make a point to vary your sexual routine and increase the frequency of your love-making. Try new positions or reverse your usual roles. Or maybe have sex in a semi-public place or even include more partners in your sexual exploration. Consider adding role playing or even spanking or bondage to your love-making. Encourage your partner to explore his or her deepest desires as that is sure to increase arousal and sex drive. Good sex, even great sex, is possible for almost everyone, it just sometimes takes a little creativity.
For more on relationships, better sex and human sexuality see:
BDSM – The Erotic Art of Dominance
The Best Places to Meet Women Today
Clayton Browne - Clayton Browne has a BA and an MS in Anthropology, and has been writing professionally since 1994. He worked for many years in both ...
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