Having a healthy sex drive is part of a fundamental aspect of an individual’s natural makeup. However, many psychological and physiological factors such as obesity, stress, and fitness hinder intimacy. According to experts, some natural approaches can not only improve your intimacy but also improve your mood and performance.
Why choose natural approaches?
In a world full of quick fixes, opting for natural solutions aligns with the body’s natural balance, avoiding potential risks associated with PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs). Even if they promise immediate results, PEDs have the power or the potential to significantly alter the human body and its biological functions. In some cases, these medications can be extremely harmful. Experts say that PEDs can cause issues such as headaches, body pain, dizziness, changes in vision, digestive issues, congestion, and more.
Natural approaches that are mostly based on dietary changes, exercise routines and herbal supplements, provide a holistic and sustainable path to improving intimacy.
Consuming the right food is the key
“Maintaining overall health through a balanced diet positively impacts various aspects of life. Having a high libido is associated with feeling physically and emotionally healthy,” explains Paromita Biswas, Senior Dietitian, HP Ghosh Multispecialty Hospital, Kolkata.
Eating a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, as well as lean proteins and dairy products that are low in fat is important. Antioxidant-rich foods such as fish, flax seeds, and chia seeds combat oxidative stress while staying hydrated with ample water is crucial for sustained energy levels.
What are natural intimacy stimulants?
Certain foods are believed to have sexual stimulant properties. Fruits, such as watermelon, contain citrullin, which may help relax the blood vessels and increase blood flow. These can be combined with zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and vitamin C-rich foods such as garlic, beets, avocados, cocoa, oysters and citrus fruits such as pineapple and orange. Dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, almonds, ginger, and ginseng are also known to boost mood and energy levels to increase sexual stimulation.
“Individual responses to foods can vary. One must consult a specialist to tailor a diet and avoid blind experimentation with food options concerning sexual health,” advises Biswas.
Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle
Dr T Manohar, Andrologist at the Institute of Urosciences, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore says, “A positive mindset plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthy sex life.” According to him, individuals with a relaxed approach, free from stress and performance pressure, tend to experience better intimate connections.
Dr Manohar promotes positive lifestyle changes that can significantly enhance intimacy. “Managing stress through practices like meditation and yoga, ensuring good sleep, addressing concerns with obesity and incorporating regular exercise such as brisk walking and morning workouts that helps release endorphins and adrenaline, enhances overall mood levels, and can contribute to better intimate experiences,” he explains.
Prioritizing weight management is crucial, as being overweight can reduce energy levels and impact intimate health. Sinoj Vayalapra, a fitness consultant in New Delhi emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of physical fitness. He states, “Beyond enhancing physical attraction, being in optimal physical shape cultivates confidence—a key factor that improves performance in bed.”
A prominent level of physical fitness translates to improved cardio endurance, heightened stamina and prolonged vitality during intimate moments, he added. Furthermore, exercising as a couple not only strengthens the bond but also contributes to increasing the overall intimacy level between partners.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also negatively impact sexual function and smoking can be detrimental to physical and vascular health, Biswas explains. Embracing moderation and mindful consumption is crucial for preserving sexual health and well-being.
Practicing regular yoga
Several yoga postures help to enhance sexual well-being by strengthening the pelvic organs, says Krishna Dwivedi, assistant professor (neuroscience, mental health and yoga), S-VYASA deemed-to-be University, Bangalore. He recommends yogic postures like squatting (lowering yourself to the ground by bending your legs beneath your torso and balancing on the front of your feet), viparita karani (legs up the wall pose), setubandhasana (bridge pose), malasana (garland pose), marjaryasana – bitilasana (cat and cow pose), each practiced for 2 minutes everyday. These prescribed exercises strengthen pelvic muscles, contributing to better intimacy, shared Dwivedi.
The power of ayurveda
Various natural herbs, rooted in traditional practices, have long been recognized for their potential to stimulate sexual desire. In a study published in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association in 2021, fenugreek seeds extract has shown efficacy in improving testosterone levels and healthy sperm profiles in men.
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is a purified root powder that has been shown to improve sexual arousal. It also increases sperm count, sperm motility, testosterone levels, etc.
Mirabilis jalapa or the four o’clock flower, is another botanical contender in improving male sexual performance. Traditionally known for its medicinal properties, its roots are rich in zinc, potassium and calcium, as well as magnesium and cadmium, all of which are known to improve penile relaxation and improve erectile function.
Takeaways
- Embrace a natural approach to improving intimacy by inculcating dietary changes, exercise routines and herbs for your holistic well-being.
- Be cautious of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) that might carry potential health risks and can also prove to be fatal.
- Prioritize a nutrient-rich diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods rich in zinc, vitamins B6, B12, and C.
- Cultivate a positive mindset, manage stress through practices like yoga and meditation, ensure good sleep and engage in regular physical exercise.
