性慾
Libido

What is loss of libido?
Loss of libido is a sexual dysfunction relating to loss of sexual desire or sexual drive and is also termed hypoactive sexual desire disorder (DSM-IV). It is not to be confused with impotence or erectile dysfunction.

Linked closely to levels of hormones in the body, one's libido can be affected by age, weight, diet and lifestyle factors such as stress. The cause of loss of libido can be either physiological, psychological or both.

Who does it affect?
Loss of libido is an increasing problem in our modern world, although it is thought to be more prevalent in some countries. It is estimated that between one quarter and one third of adult males and up to 45% of adult females suffer from loss of libido in the USA. There may be several reasons for this: increased stress levels, increased rates of depression, poor diet and exercise, drug abuse and even environmental changes.

What can people do to improve libido?
Aside from the conventional medicines available which can have unpleasant side effects, there are a number of things you can do to improve your libido naturally.

Being fit and healthy and having a good diet are key to improving sex drive. Getting the right nutrition is paramount - eating healthy foods and taking the right vitamins and minerals can help increase your sexual desire and reproduction.

How fatty acids help libido
Low levels of omega fatty acids in the body have been associated with hormone imbalances (specifically the sex hormone testosterone) and, consequently, with low libido and poor sexual health. Given that testosterone levels are positively associated with sexual desire, preserving testosterone levels is thought to enable men and women to regain their sexual vigour. Supplementing diet with the right long-chain omega fats may help to correct any hormone imbalances and restore one's sexual desire.

Long-chain fatty acids are also the precursors of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins which, on a cellular level, regulate performance and potency-related functions in sexual health.
Fatty acids are the building blocks for the production of female sex hormones. They also help a woman"s body store more of the fat soluble vitamins (like E, D and K) that keep her sexually active, as well as providing moisture and softness which helps with vaginal dryness (a typical menopausal symptom).

Foods to avoid
- Hydrogenated oils. These interfere with healthy fat metabolism and may adversely affect sexual performance

- Caffeine raises blood pressure, a condition associated with infertility in men and decreased libido in both sexes. Caffeine places stress on the adrenal glands, which are important to the creation of most hormones. Medical studies show that regular caffeine intake decreases testosterone production. It also increases muscle tension, making it hard to relax. This is detrimental since a state of relaxation is very important to a satisfactory sexual experience. Caffeine is also a vasoconstrictor and can impede the penis' ability to fill with blood, resulting in soft or no erections.

- Alcohol is a depressant and reduces testosterone levels in men. According to a Duke University Medical Center study, regular moderate male drinkers experienced reduced capacity for penile erection, semen production and sperm counts. Consuming even small amounts of alcohol interferes with a man"s ability to control premature ejaculation and can result in fewer or no orgasms and decreased orgasm quality.

- Smoking reduces oestrogen levels in women and has a long-term detrimental effect on sex drive. In men, smoking cigarettes lowers testosterone levels, and studies have shown a negative association between the number of cigarettes smoked daily and quality of erections.

In order to improve and maintain your sexual health it is important to have a sufficient intake of omega fats in the diet. Omega product contains a high concentration of omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids, combining the benefits of ultra-pure EPA and organic evening primrose oil.