South Africans often believe that a decreased sexual appetite is caused by the ungodly actions of uMheza (“neighbours” or the demands of underground gangs (“ancestors”).
Kimberley mom of two Natasha Bosman-Langa (29) says she quickly improved her libido when she started exercising regularly. “My loss of appetite for sex only needed a lifestyle fix,” she tells Health For Mzansi.
“I have been feeling like my interest in sex has been deteriorating, and I started researching about it and found out that eating enough fruits, drinking way less alcohol, getting enough sleep /rest and meditating when stressed are the best ways to re-stimulate your libido.”
Meanwhile, North West mother, Koketso Dinoko (37) from Tlakgameng Village in Ganyesa, North West believes that libido or sex drive naturally varies from person to person. To maintain her sex drive she does have a few “treats” up her sleeve. “For better and improved libido people should opt for foods like olives, oysters, peanuts, raw eggs,” she says.
No connection to ancestors hate
The loss of your libido or sex drive can be linked to major life changes like, pregnancy and menopause in women or even illness and not uMheza’s hate for you babes.
This is the reassurance of Gqeberha medical practitioner, Dr Mthebeni Tebelele, who tells Health For Mzansi that age also plays a big role in the dwindling libido of men and women.
“Women approaching age of 40 are most likely to face the libido loss challenge.”
This Eastern Cape top-doc has special interests in women and men’s health.
Tebelele adds that having a healthy sex drive is linked to feeling both physically and emotionally healthy. He says “loss of libido in women is associated with stress, being overweight, fatigue, smoking, depression and some chronic health conditions.”
What is the story in men?
MacDonald Dungu (31) from Bloemfontein believes that the only way to maintain your sex drive is by having more sex.
“I have a partner who I regularly have sex with. We are always trying new stuff like oral sex, I like to explore what gives a woman pleasure,” he says. “I also regularly exercise so I am always horny. Majita must also stay away from drinks that have acid and rather have water a 100% fruit juice.”
In men, the wear and tear of libido is caused by low testosterone, medications, depression, chronic illness, stress, sleep problems, and lifestyle factors.
“Before finding any solution to your loss of libido, it is important that you identify if whether the problem is mental, biological or physical by going to a health professional.”
What’s food got to do with it?
Registered dietician Jason van Heerden alludes to Tebelele’s suggestion that identifying the problem should precede finding the solution, because nutritionally it is always better to work on the conditions that affects or deteriorates your rate of libido first.
“Because stress, fatigue and conditions like blood sugar level contribute to the loss of libido, so it is important that you consume foods that will make you feel better from these conditions,” he says.
Lazola Matiya (27) from Gqeberha has never been in a situation where his desire for sex deteriorated because he always tries to eat healthy and exercise.
“Fruits like watermelon are very good improving one’s sex drive. A combination of fruits and meditation always work out for me, in instances where I feel something out of the ordinary with my sex drive,” Matiya adds.
Van Heerden advises that “people concerned about their sex life should live off a balanced diet, because a balanced diet can help boost your libido and ensure your body is working well.”.
He says, fuelling your body with a nutrient-rich diet low in trans fats, saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium is very important.
Your diet must have a wide variety of:
- fruits;
- vegetables;
- whole grains;
- legumes;
- nuts; and
- lean proteins.
