Loss of libido is a frustrating symptom of menopause to deal with during an already unsettling time. Dropped levels of estrogen, a sex hormone, cause decreased sensitivity, lubrication, and slightly thin the vaginal walls. Lowered testosterone will make you generally not in the mood and make it more difficult reach an orgasm. Both hormones have a negative effect on libido and sex.
Though an upsetting and seemingly hopeless situation, there are several delicious meals that will power you back up in all the right places. Each of these special ingredients are great for warming you up and turning you on.
Blueberry Smoothie
This is the perfect smoothie to get your day off to a sexy start. Delicious and easy to make, you will be happy to incorporate this into your morning routine. Blueberries are full of antioxidants that give you energy and strengthen your immune system. At the same time, they relax and dilate blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the sex organs.
Avocado Papaya Salad
Having this colorful salad for lunch will prepare you for a vibrant night. Thyroid problems are very common during menopause, and can result in lowered sex drive. However, the potassium in avocados actually helps regulate the thyroid.
Also, stress is one of the largest factors getting in the way of sex. Studies have found people low on vitamin C to have far more anxiety. Papaya is an extremely vitamin C dense fruit, which will calm you down and sweeten you up.
Garlic Sautéed Broccoli
This is the best side dish you can choose to make. Garlic is one of the most famous aphrodisiacs, and for good reason. The allicin content in garlic directly increases blood flow to the vaginal region, allowing for more sensitivity and lubrication. Also, broccoli is another great source of vitamin C that will focus your attention on your excitingly attractive partner.
Tofu Sweet Potato Stir Fry
Much of the reason for your decreased passion is the drop in your estrogen levels. Soy is brimming with phytoestrogens, which can restore your levels and sexual functions. Tofu is easy to find, and absorbs all of your favorite flavors delectably.
Also, dicing up sweet potato and adding it in will give you the energy you need to have great sex. Vitamin B deficiency is a common cause for fatigue associated with loss of libido, but sweet potatoes are full of it.
Raw Chocolate Dessert
Though sweets are really not a good idea in the midst of menopause symptoms, a bit of raw chocolate can't hurt. Splurge on a high quality raw chocolate bar from your nearest specialty shop, and feel the aphrodisiac effects sink in. The phenylethylamine will induce feelings of love and excitement. The theobromine stimulates the release of serotonin, which will make you happy and relaxed. Studies have found that women who choose this treat enjoy sex more.
Consider these delicious meal options next time you can't get in the mood. Remember that nutrients can restore your sex drive, so do not feel too upset when your body is not properly responding to sexual cues. This transition is natural, and you can be assisted through vitamins and minerals offered in these dishes from morning until night.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (2012). Soy. Retrieved on February 19, 2014, from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/soy
- NYU Langone Medical Center. (2014). Maca. Retrieved on February 19, 2014, from http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=104590
- Treadaway, A. (n.d.). Of Sweet Potatoes and Yams. Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Retrieved on February 19, 2014, from http://www.aces.edu/counties/StClair/files/NRYamsTreadaway07.pdf
- University of Lousiana. (n.d.). Some Interesting Facts about Theobroma cacao, the Fruit of Gods. Retrieved on February 19, 2014, from http://www.ucs.louisiana.edu/~khh6430/cacao.html
- University of Maryland Medical Center. (2011). Garlic. Retrieved on February 19, 2014, from https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/garlic