Spice Up Your Valentines - Can We Eat Right For Good Sex?

Sexually stimulating foods have been a topic of debate since the dawn of man-kind. Recently I enjoyed a list suggested by AlterNet. Their Top 10 Aphrodisiac Foods suggested are asparagus, almonds, avocado, bananas, basil, chocolate, figs, garlic, oysters, and honey. For each food there was a delightful little tidbit stating that the food being suggested was a particularly rich source of some nutrient that was needed for sexual function. Yes, those foods are good sources of specific vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.

Yet most beliefs in the aphrodisiac quality of a particular food predates the scientific basis of nutrition. Most of the foods considered to be an aphrodisiac were chosen because of some resemblance to a part of the human body. When so much of our sexual responsiveness comes from our emotions, the placebo effect has a powerful impact. The suggestion of improved sex often can make it so.

We know from nutritional science that unless a person has a nutrient deficiency, a supplement doesn't have much impact. Now in our society, despite the epidemic of obesity, poor nutrient intake is common. Yet unless you are adequately dealing with what I fondly call "the crappy diet syndrome", adding vitamins is a bit like putting frosting on shoe leather and calling it cake. We desperately need to fix the foundation first.

To answer the question what foods do you eat for good sex? Or, what you can do now because it's Valentine's Day? The fastest fix to your energy level is correct your blood sugar.

If your heart is trying to pump sugar-thickened blood, the consistency of ketchup, to other parts that need good blood flow (think below the belt), you need to cut the carbs. The quick fix for today is to have a balanced breakfast, limit the lunch and dinner carbs, and be careful about alcohol. Save the garlic for a different day.

In the long run, every one of us needs to deal with the belly fat problem. Belly fat produces estrogen, which interferes with testosterone production. The Massachusetts male aging study, noted that by age 40, about 40% of men report problems with erectile dysfunction, increasing to almost 70% in men at age 70. We don't have as many statistics for women and sexual dysfunction, but the association remains. Obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis and many of the medications associated with treating chronic disease all make it tougher to have good sex. To "save willy" and be your sexiest, the first and most important step is to get rid of the gut. The best approach is lifestyle change.

If you can't do it on your own, then get help, either from me, the Lifestyle Doctor or someone else. Start today -- as a Valentines gift to yourself.

Don't you deserve to feel good and be happy in your healthy body?

Diane Longstreet, PhD, MPH, RD, LD/N

The Lifestyle Doctor

www.HealthAchievement.com