| Believe it or not, your libido is often one of the first things to fade when your health starts to slip. Low libido is a common concern I hear from both men and women in my practice — and these days, it’s showing up in men as young as their late 20s.That’s a red flag. So, what’s really behind a lowered sex drive? Let’s break it down. Here are the four big factors:StressLow testosteroneBlood sugar issuesCardiovascular problems (high cholesterol, poor circulation, high blood pressure)What’s fascinating is that three of these four are tied directly to circulation. In Chinese medicine, poor circulation is referred to as “qi and blood stagnation.” Qi isn’t just some mystical concept — it’s the electrical charge in your body, powered by electrolytes and ions. You use these every day to generate stomach acid, fire up your metabolism, and energize your system. But when you’re stressed?You burn through those ions and electrolytes quickly. You grab convenience foods with less protein. You move less. And just like that — testosterone drops, blood sugar climbs, and circulation slows. Before long, cholesterol rises, blood pressure ticks up, and your libido? Gone. Libido is an early warning system. Your body is waving a flag saying, “Help!” Many people think testosterone therapy is the answer. It can help — but only if you’re also eating well, moving your body, and supporting healthy blood flow. More testosterone won’t solve the problem if the root causes aren’t addressed. In fact, overdosing on testosterone can backfire and reduce libido even more. Other hormones like DHEA, a precursor to both testosterone and cortisol, can help too — but again, only when paired with a healthy lifestyle. And those little yellow or blue pills? They just treat circulation — temporarily. A clever band-aid from Big Pharma, but not a solution. The truth is: libido is circulation. In traditional Chinese medicine, we use qi gong and self-massage to restore energy and blood flow to specific organs — including sexual organs. I’ve also been working with a company called Foria to help couples reconnect and improve intimacy through massage. And here’s something else we often don’t talk about:For men, regular sexual activity supports prostate health and reduces risk of enlargement or cancer.For women, vaginal tissues can atrophy and fuse if not used regularly.These are preventable parts of aging. If your libido has faded, don’t brush it off as stress or being “too busy.” It’s time to check in on:Stress → Manage it with adaptogens like holy basil, lemon balm, or ashwagandha.Testosterone → Strength train 3x a week, move daily.Blood Sugar → Cut processed carbs, eat Mediterranean-style, and boost protein.Cardiovascular Health → Breathe, exercise, and eat your berries. Don’t forget to check for sleep apnea. Low libido is a whisper — don’t wait for it to become a shout. Ask your doctor for labs. Get ahead of your symptoms. Tomorrow my podcast with Dr. Anne Truong, MD on male sexual health comes out. Stay tuned! Here’s to revitalizing your health and your libido, Dr. J PS: Check out Dr. Truong’s website now to learn more about her programs for men! |
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