Are Diet and Libido Connected in Women?

There is one thing we know for sure: Metabolic syndrome is shown to negatively affect sexual function and libido in women. 

So what is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome affects about one-third of adults in the U.S. and describes conditions that occur together, the combination of which increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions can include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

How does this affect my libido?

Here are just a few examples:

• Endothelial dysfunction, which can result from excess inflammation caused by metabolic syndrome and obesity, can lead to poor blood flow to the genital area.
• High blood sugar and diabetes can weaken blood vessels and nerves, and even lessen the brain-body communication. This means that even when sexual desire is there mentally, physical arousal can be difficult.
• Elevated cholesterol can clog blood vessels and arteries, reducing blood flow throughout the body. This includes the blood vessels that flow to the clitoris. When this happens, sexual stimulation and satisfaction can decrease.
• Additionally, increasing body fat increases the SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) in the body, which can reduce sexual desire in both men and women.

What can I do?

Promising data shows that dietary patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grain, and unsaturated fats can help alleviate sexual dysfunction in women. 

Diving deeper, vitamins and minerals found in certain foods can also help rev up women’s libido. When dealing with low libido in women, it is key to get enough of the right nutrients that promote healthy blood flow and circulation, increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine (the happy hormones) in the brain, and allow for proper hormone response for arousal.

Because of this, Austin Urology Institute and The Women’s Wellness Institute offer Nutrition Services! 

Would you benefit from a consultation with our on-staff Nutritionist? Call 512.649.8888 to schedule a consultation with our on-staff nutritionist, or visit https://austinurologyinstitute.com/contact/.