When our metabolic health lags, so does our system overall—from energy and mental clarity to hormone health and sleep. A lesser known effect of a slowing metabolism? A low libido.
In order to increase our orgasmic potential from head to toe—and support the creative life force that is our sexual drive and sacral energy—we need to show love to our metabolism. From diet and exercise to stress management, there are myriad ways to support it, and fan the flames of our libido (and overall pleasure) in the process.
Below, we delve into the connection between metabolism and libido, and share the ways we can restore our sensuality back to its simmering self.
Nourish Your Metabolism, Boost Your Libido
Ever feel foggy, puffy, and emotionally stagnant, not exactly “in the mood” for peak pleasure? You’re not alone. Research is starting to connect the dots: while metabolic syndrome (characterized by insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) and sexual dysfunction can be independent, the two are often linked. And, with a staggering 88% of Americans classified as “metabolically unhealthy,” many of our sex drives are suffering.
How can a thriving metabolism set the stage for seduction? First off, it promotes circulation and proper blood flow, functions critical in spiking sex drive and dilation. When we improve our metabolic health, we also reduce excess fat tissue, helping balance hormones by increasing testosterone and decreasing estrogen. (Low levels of testosterone equate to a low libido, and are often also related to inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and toxin exposure.)
Supporting our metabolism also helps with managing blood sugar and optimizing associated hormones, like insulin, known for its direct effect on the enzymes involved in sex hormone production and conversion. When our blood sugar is out of balance, we might experience fatigue, irritability, and extreme cravings, but when our blood sugars are balanced, we’ll reap the benefit in the form of more energy (another round?).
Another way metabolism impacts our libido? By supporting cellular health to optimize energy production. Mitochondrial health, which is a component of our overall cell health, is imperative to generating ATP (a.k.a. adenosine triphosphate, an essential energy molecule found in all life forms), which is necessary for sexual function and drives arousal, erection, and desire.
Food as Foreplay
To nourish our metabolism, we can lean on a diverse diet of high-quality, technicolor, plant food—rich in the vital nutrients that help support our gut, manage blood sugar, ease inflammation, and balance hormones. When our bodies and all their intricate systems work in harmony, a humming and healthy metabolism manifests, and our libido has exactly what it needs to thrive.
A few of our favorite tips, tools, and grocery store selects for revving our metabolism and reawakening our erotic energy:
- Nourish with abundance. Calorie restriction causes our metabolism to slow and burn less energy. Not eating enough nutrient-dense foods can throw off our metabolic rate, so be sure to fill up on a rainbow of nourishing fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, fiber, and plant protein.
- Support your thyroid. Our thyroid hormones greatly affect our metabolism. Eat to support them with plant foods rich in iodine, selenium, or zinc (like beans, quinoa, Brazil nuts, and whole grains).
- Spice things up. Spices—like cayenne—have a thermogenic effect, so they increase your body's energy-burning rate, plus stimulate circulation and blood flow everywhere.
- Manage stress. If you have too much of the stress hormone cortisol for extended periods of time, your body may think you’re under duress and need extra energy. Cortisol also suppresses sex hormones, like testosterone, which kills your libido.
- Get restorative ZZZs. Sleep deprivation can alter the glucose metabolism and hormones involved in regulating metabolism, causing you to feel less full and more hungry.
- Make time for movement. The more lean muscle we have, the faster our Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which our body uses to perform basic functions, like regulating breathing and body temperature. Plus, aerobic exercises increase blood flow to the genitals which can, in turn, increase libido and improve erectile function.
- Let food be your foreplay. For turning things up another notch, weave in aphrodisiacs, like watermelon, beets, raw cacao (found within our Metabolism Super Powder), maca root, and fenugreek.
As our founder and co-CEO Whitney Tingle says, “Feeling good in your body is the biggest turn on.” Are you ready to unleash your most confident, free, flirty, and primed-for-play self yet?
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