Routine Eat Fish Make Longevity

Good news for you who like fish. A new study says, regularly eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may be able to prolong your life.

The study, conducted by researchers from the United States is analyzed more than 2,600 elderly people. Those who had higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids are highest in their blood live on average 2 years longer than those with lower levels.

"This study is not a study of fish oil supplements, but studies on omega-3 levels in the blood are associated with diet," said researcher Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, associate professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

The study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine did not show evidence of eating fish regularly can prolong life, but this study suggests there is a relationship between the two.

"Levels of omega-3 in the blood associated with lower risk of death, mainly caused by cardiovascular problems," said Mozaffarian.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in salmon, mackerel, herring, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. Fish are rich in protein and fatty acids has been widely studied previously to reduce the risk of death from heart disease. However, for deaths from other diseases, remains unclear.

Therefore, Mozaffarian and his team also measured levels of fatty acids in the blood, not the fish intake of diet as has been done previously.

At the beginning of the study, the researchers analyzed blood samples, physical activity, and lifestyle participants, average age 74 years. At that time, none of the participants who took omega-3 supplements.

Having followed for 16 years, as many as 1,625 died, 570 of which were caused by cardiovascular disease. The study found that higher levels of omega-3 in the blood, the lower the risk of death.

Alice Lichtentein, director and senior investigator at the Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory at Tufts University, Boston, who was not involved in the study, said the study can not demonstrate causality.

This study, he said, can not determine whether omega-3 is directly responsible for reducing the risk of death or as an indicator of a healthier lifestyle. However, people who regularly eat fish usually also a fan of vegetables and fruits.

American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish such as salmon of about 100 grams two times a week. Even so, according to Lichtentein, replacing fish with fish oil supplements may not produce the same effect.

Vitamin D Deficiency Can Cause Several Dangerous Disease

Vitamin D has the function to form the structure of bones and strong teeth also increases the absorption of calcium in the digestive tract. According to the latest research, vitamin D deficiency can cause several dangerous diseases such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, endometrial cancer and so on.

Vitamin D deficiency signs and symptoms

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms that often found are bone and muscle problems. The other symptoms such as fatigue, periodontal disease, crooked leg, diabetes type I, tuberculosis, chronic pain in muscles, joints and bones, decreased calcium levels and high blood pressure. Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause several bone diseases including:

• Rickets, a childhood disease characterized by impeded growth, and deformity, of the long bones. The earliest sign of subclinical vitamin D deficiency is Craniotabes, abnormal softening or thinning of the skull.
• Osteomalacia, a bone-thinning disorder that occurs exclusively in adults and is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and bone fragility.
• Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by reduced bone mineral density and increased bone fragility.
• Muscle aches and weakness (in particular proximal limb girdle)
• Muscle twitching (Fasciculations)

Are you vitamin D deficient?

Normal vitamin D level in children 1 year to 70 years adults is 15 mcg both male or female. You can check your vitamin D levels by blood test or consult the doctor, and below are RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for vitamin D based from lpi.oregonstate.edu.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin D Set by the Institute of Medicine
Life Stage	Age	Males mcg/day (IU/day)	Females mcg/day (IU/day)
Infants	0-6 months	10 mcg (400 IU) (AI)	10 mcg (400 IU) (AI)
Infants	6-12 months	10 mcg (400 IU) (AI)	10 mcg (400 IU) (AI)
Children	1-3 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Children	4-8 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Children	9-13 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Adolescents	14-18 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Adults	19-50 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Adults	51-70 years	15 mcg (600 IU)	15 mcg (600 IU)
Adults	71 years and older	20 mcg (800 IU)	20 mcg (800 IU)
Pregnancy	all ages	-	15 mcg (600 IU)
Breast-feeding	all ages	-	15 mcg (600 IU)

How to Overcome and prevent vitamin D deficiency

In foods, natural sources of vitamin D are liver and fish oil. Eggs contain small amounts of vitamin D, as well as some foods such as cereals, fresh fruit juice and yogurt are fortified with vitamin D. But,it is difficult to meet the need of vitamin D from food alone, therefore we need sun exposure to meet the daily requirement of vitamin D. Sunlight provides 90 percent of vitamin D is needed by the body. When the heat and ultraviolet light touches the skin, the production of vitamin D is activated.

The best time to get exposure to the sun is morning between 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 for approximately 15 minutes. Do not be too long and not more than 08.00 a.m. Exposure to the sun before noon containing ultraviolet A and B rays can damage the skin causing the skin membrane of red and burn and damage mechanisms of cell regeneration.

It is suggested in bare chests condition and in turned position of sun exposure to avoid the risk of lens and retina damage. The location does not have to be in open air, inside room with the glass that can be pierced by sunlight are eligible.

Know more about the danger of vitamin D overdose.

Causes of Menstrual Periods Longer

Women generally every month the arrival of "guests" aka having menstrual periods. On average the women having periods every month for between two to seven days. But not infrequently also humiliation of women who experience menstrual periods longer than two weeks or more.

On this subject, should not be underestimated and should be detected early. Because there may be dangers lurking your health condition. Menstrual period occurred in all women since puberty, the average age of 11 or 12 years until menopause. Menstruation occurs when an egg cell is located in the uterine lining to decay because it is not fertilized by sperm, resulting in bleeding and out through the vagina or Miss V.

The length of each menstrual period of women varies between two to seven days, with an average interval of 28 days. However, the time span between menstrual periods also vary from 24 days to 35 days, it is still considered normal.

But if your menstrual period is too long even by more than two weeks, you need to be aware of some health reasons that caused it. This may be reasonable if you are nearing the age of menopause, which is between 45-55 years of age due to hormonal changes very drastically.

Here are some of the causes of menstrual periods become longer, as reported empower, Thursday (11/10):

1. The growth of non-cancerous fibroids in the uterus (uterine fibroids).
2. Growth of polyps in the uterus.
3. Have endometriosis, a disease in which uterine endometrial tissue growth protruding uterus up.
4. With pelvic inflammatory disease
5. Temporary hormonal imbalance, for example, when changing hormonal contraception.
6. Installation of the copper IUD contraceptives may make your periods become heavier.
7. Pregnant and miscarried, maybe you think blood pregnancy miscarriages of previously unknown as menstrual blood.
8. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB / Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding), doctors do not know what causes DUB and can diagnose you with this condition if it can not find the cause of the bleeding.

If there is no obvious physical cause, especially if you have middle-aged, the doctor will probably wait until your menopause and explain this because hormonal imbalance and can heal on its own without treatment.


As for the pelvic examination and ultrasound uterus will be done to see if there are specific abnormalities that cause the length of the menstrual period. Doctors will perform the operation if it finds fibroids, polyps, or endometrial lining in a place that was not supposed to. Other treatments include hormone replacement therapy, drug therapy make menstrual periods lighter, and anti-inflammatory to reduce the loss of too much blood.

If the length of menstrual periods due to copper IUD contraception, can be altered by hormonal IUD. Hormonal IUD reduces menstrual periods, while the copper IUD makes it heavier. Then you also need to take nutritional supplements to replace the nutrients lost due to excessive bleeding.

15 Foods Fruits and Beverages That Can Lower Your Cholesterol

For those of you who have high cholesterol levels, cholesterol lowering foods list below may be useful. Negative assumptions about cholesterol, not always true. Cholesterol is one of the body fat (lipid) which is essential for the activity of cell membranes, make hormones, vitamins and bile acids. Cholesterol also helps in the transmission of nerve impulses.

Cholesterol levels in the blood depends on what you eat and how the body makes cholesterol in the liver. Having too much cholesterol in the blood is not a disease, but it can lead to hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the cardiovascular system.

There are two kinds of cholesterol: the bad is called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and good is called high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL can contribute to heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. HDL removes excess LDL in your blood and bring it to the liver for disposal.

Cholesterol lowering foods, fruits and beverages

1. Grapes. Red grapes increase good cholesterol. It is recommended to drink two glasses of grape juice every day.


2. Blueberry. Blueberries contain a large number of substances that fight bad cholesterol. Compounds in blueberries (pterostilbene) may help lower cholesterol as effectively as commercial drugs with fewer side effects.


3. Plum. Such as blueberries, plums have a large amount of material that lowers cholesterol.


4. Avocado. Unsaturated fat in avocados is the kind of healthy because it can increase your HDL cholesterol levels.


5. Pomegranates. A study by the National Academy of Sciences (USA) showed that pomegranate juice reduces cholesterol plaque buildup and increases nitric oxide production which helps reduce arterial plaque.


6. Tomatoes. Drinking two glasses of tomato juice a day lowered bad cholesterol from your body significantly.


7. Garlic. Garlic has a positive effect on your bad cholesterol while maintaining good cholesterol. Many clinical trials have looked at the role and benefits of garlic in heart disease, mainly by lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. American Dietetic Association recommends that the health benefits of garlic, we should consume 600-900 mg (about 1 clove fresh) per day.


8. Olive oil. Olive oil can reduce bad cholesterol from your body. Researchers at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain) found that olive oil enriched diet helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL).


9. Flaxseed oil. Linseed or flaxseed oil can lower blood pressure in men with high cholesterol. In a three-month study on 59 middle-aged men, those who consumed flaxseed oil supplements every day, decreased blood pressure significantly. 


10. Fish and fish oil. A study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that people with diabetes type 2 who consumed high doses of fish oil over nine weeks lowered the concentration of cholesterol in their bodies.


11. Olive oil. Olive oil can reduce bad cholesterol from your body. Researchers at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain) found that olive oil enriched diet helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL).


12. Nuts. Walnuts, almonds and other nuts can reduce blood cholesterol. Research has shown that eating a few walnuts every day can lower your cholesterol by 27 percent. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming about a handful (42.5 grams) of almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachio nuts and walnuts, may reduce the risk of heart disease. The content of Omega-3 fats and antioxidants in nuts work to rehabilitate the arterial damage caused by saturated fats.


13. Yogurt with probiotics. Several studies have shown that the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus reuteri actually help lower cholesterol. They work by preventing the reabsorption of cholesterol back into the blood stream.


14. Green tea. Study in Japan found that theanine in green tea is beneficial to increase good cholesterol and prevent the formation of bad cholesterol. You should drink at least four cups of sugar-free green tea every day to get the benefits.


15. Soy products. Soy products such as soy milk, tofu and tempeh not only reduces your cholesterol, but also rich in protein.

Check your cholesterol level

Data taken from www.nlm.nih.gov

Total Cholesterol Level	Category
Less than 200mg/dL	Desirable
200-239 mg/dL	Borderline high
240mg/dL and above	High
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Level	LDL Cholesterol Category
Less than 100mg/dL	Optimal
100-129mg/dL	Near optimal/above optimal
130-159 mg/dL	Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL	High
190 mg/dL and above	Very High
HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level	HDL Cholesterol Category
Less than 40 mg/dL	A major risk factor for heart disease
40—59 mg/dL	The higher, the better
60 mg/dL and higher	Considered protective against heart disease

Exercise Threesome The EPO Effect of Oxygen Shortage ☆ The Training Effects Of Eccentric Flywheel Squats ☆ The Time Youd Have to Work Out If You Wouldnt Watch TV

YoYo flywheel device similar to the one used in the study from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

There is a lot to learn about exercise today! About the blood building effects of intermediate hypoxia, about the impressive effects on strength and power you can elicit, if you do your squats on a flywheel device such as the one to the right, and - lets not forget that - the indisputable evidence that you just have to cut back on your screen time to make room ... ah, I mean "time" to turn from a sedentary slob to an active individual.

Apropos screen time! Lets  not prolong your screen time more than necessary with this lengthy introduction, but get straight to the point - I mean, the news, of course!

• The EPO-Effect of Oxygen Shortage : A study from the University of Western Australia shows athletes who train in a low-oxygen environment (simulated high altitude training) have significantly higher hepcidin (a protein that inhibits iron transport from the gut into the portal vein)and erythropoietin (EPO) levels in the early hours after the workout.

  

  Figure 1: Changes in serum IL-6 (pre vs. post), hepcidin and EPO levels (pre vs. 3h post; Badenhorst. 2014)

  As Claire E. Badenhorst and her colleagues point out, this would lead to an immediate increase in dietary iron absorption and formation of red blood cells that may be partly responsible for the well-known ergogenic effects of altitude training.
  
  Whether the decreased IL-6 levels immediately after the 8 × 3 min interval running sessions at 85 % of the subjects maximal aerobic capacity are likewise something to celebrate is yet questionable in view of the most recent research on the involvement of this allegedly "bad" inflammatory cytokine (Knudsen. 2014) - I mean, if, as Knudsen et al. argue, the IL-6 increase is responsible for the increase oxidation of fat after a workout you would not necessarily want to decrease it... correct?! The improvements in maximal strength and power, researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have observed in their latest experiments have been "slightly greater" in the male vs. female subjects. In view of the overall effect size, it is obvious, though that eccentric-overload resistance training is a training technique, both men and women should not forget about prematurely (Fernandez‑Gonzalo. 2014).
• Eccentric Overload Training for Him and Her - While you are looking at the data in Figure 2 you do have to keep in mind, thought, that doing 6 weeks (15 sessions) of flywheel supine squat RE training is probably not what you had in mind, when you read about "eccentric overload training for him and her" - right?
  

  

  Figure 2: Pre vs. post changes after 6-weeks of eccentric flyhweel training (Fernandez‑Gonzalo. 2014)

  Well, in view of the fact that the subjects in the study at hand were not obese couch-potatoes, but science undergraduate students (16 men;  and 16 women) who engaged in 4–6 h of recreational exercise per week, it may be worth to convince the owner of your gym to head over to "yoyotechnology.com" and buy one of these funky devices ;-)
• A Little Less TV, a Little More Sports! I must say, I was not surprised when I hit on a recent study by Sjaan R. Gomersall, Kevin Norton, Carol Maher, Coralie English, and Tim S.
  

  "In search of lost time: When people undertake a new exercise program, where does the time come from? A randomised controlled trial." (Gomersall. 2014)

  Thats the title of the paper that was published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. And if we are honest its also a paper with unsurprising results. It does after all tell us, what most of you will probably already have expected: Reducing their screen time (=TV watching) is the #1 setscrew that will allow previously sedentary individuals to make room for exercise in their lives.

  

  Figure 3: Changes Physical Activity Level (PAL, in METs) and time (min/day) in front of the computer, for active transport, self-care, quite time and work and study activities (Gomersall. 2014).

  Likewise on the list of reduced activities are the time spent in front of the computer and the time thats wasted on video games (not shown) - wasted unless its Tetris, of which youve learned only recently that it will help you lose weight; see "An Effective Appetite Suppressant From the 90s" (learn more).
  
  Whats interesting and actually in line with previous research is the fact that the increased activity levels did not reduce the time spent with friends (socio-cultural) or at work. In other words: Working out will not turn you into a lonely jobless person ;-)

Figure 4: Relative risk of obesity according to sedentary behaviours (in h); adj. for Relative risk of obesity according to sedentary behaviours and physical activity (Banks. 2011)

Bottom line: Whether you manage to exercise in a hypoxic environment or on a flyhweel machine is unquestionably negligible, as long as you decide to exercise instead of sitting in front of computer and television for a couple of hours, everyday.

Why you would possible want to do that? Well, what about the 23% increase in obesity risk that comes with 2h of additional screen time per day of which Banks et al. observed in the 91 266 participants of the 45 and Up Study that it cannot be compensated by extra physical activity (see Figure 4; Banks. 2011)?

References: 

• Badenhorst, C.E. et al. "Influence of post‑exercise hypoxic exposure on hepcidin response
  in athletes."  European Journal of Applied Physiology (2014). 
• Banks, Emily, et al. "Screen-time, obesity, ageing and disability: findings from 91 266 participants in the 45 and Up Study." Public health nutrition 14.01 (2011): 34-43.
• Fernandez‑Gonzalo, R et al. "Muscle damage responses and adaptations to eccentric-overload resistance exercise in men and women." European Journal of Applied Physiology (2014).
• Knudsen, Jakob G., et al. "Role of IL-6 in Exercise Training-and Cold-Induced UCP1 Expression in Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue." PloS one 9.1 (2014): e84910.
• Gomersall, Sjaan R., et al. "In search of lost time: When people start an exercise program, where does the time come from? A randomised controlled trial." Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (2014).

14 Foods To Keep Healthy Liver

The liver is a vital organ of the body and needs to be maintained in order to stay healthy. Liver plays an important role in neutralizing toxins or detoxification in the body. To maintain liver function, it is better always to choose healthy foods, especially those that are helping cleansing toxins.

Author of Natural Prescriptions for Common ailments, Dr. Carolyn Dean, said that bitter foods like spinach and mustard greens are very good to wash the liver. Bitter herbs that help stimulate the flow of bile in the liver. Also it is recommended to increase the intake of fruits, legumes, and omega-3 fatty acids to help metabolize fats and reduce the production of triglycerides.

Here are the foods for healthy liver:

1. Onions and Garlic

Contains sulfur which helps sweep range of toxic substances such as chemical drugs, alcohol, pesticides, and other environmental pollutants.

 2. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts. 

The amount of vitamin K is important for the detoxification process.

3. Artichoke. 

These vegetables contain acids that can protect caffeoylquinat simultaneously regenerates the liver. Artichoke also increases the production of bile. In one study, 30 minutes after eating artichoke bile flow increased to 100 percent.

4. Legumes

Legumes such as lentils, peas, soybeans, contains the amino acid arginine is needed in the detoxification of ammonia, which is a waste product of protein digestion.

5. Bits and Carrots

Both plants are high in vitamin A can help stimulate and improve overall liver function due to flavonoids and beta-carotene services contained therein.

6. Green tea

This drink is not only delicious to eat, but also has good properties for the body, one of them through catechins that can help the liver function as a whole.

7. Green leafy vegetables

Why should leafy greens? Because chlorophyll content more clearly. Did you know that chlorophyll is able to absorb toxins in the body. In addition to cleaning, green vegetables can also provide stronger protection to the liver.

8. avocado

It would be better to consume avocado regularly, eating avocados can help your body produce glutathione, a liver needed to clean up harmful toxins.

9. apple

The content of pectin in apples can bind the metal and remove it from the body. So, frequently eating the fruit.

10. olive oil

Olive oil can release harmful toxins in the body through the unsaturated fatty acid content.

11. Wheat Seed (Whole Grains)

Rich in vitamin B complex, contain nutrients that can increase overall fat metabolism, liver function, and prevent liver congestion.

12. Lemon & Lime

Lemon fruit is able to handle the removal of toxins in the liver. Rich in vitamin C which helps the body in the synthesis of toxic material into substances that can be absorbed by water. Eat in the morning can stimulate liver function.

13. Walnuts

High content of amino acids in walnuts helps the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts also contain glutathione and omega 3 fatty acids that support liver cleansing.

14. Turmeric

It is a favorite herb for the liver. Try to add to the mix of lentils or vegetables to detox the liver of carcinogen.

Loss of Libido Sex Drive in Women during Menopause

“At this age, it’s unusual for somebody to do a love scene, to be making love... (But) we still are alive... it’s authentic. The whole idea that you have to look a certain way and be a certain way to earn love is ridiculous.” (Actress Meryl Streep, about her on-screen sex scene at age 60, as quoted in The Times (London) (12/21/2009)).

Loss of libido can be one of the most difficult symptoms of menopause to manage, often because a woman might not understand how and why she has lost the desire to be physically intimate with her partner. It is important to recognize that loss of libido during menopause is common, affecting as many as 20 to 40 percent of women.

Learning more about loss of libido, its myriad causes, and how it can be managed, can not only bring a woman peace of mind but is the best step towards resolving this complex symptom of menopause.

About Loss of Libido

Loss of libido is a complex phenomenon with psychological, relational, physical, and hormonal dimensions as unique as the women who experience them.

The term libido has long been used to describe a persons sexual drive and their desire for sex. Loss of libido, medically termed "hypoactive sexual desire disorder," is a reduction or lack of interest and desire in sexual activity.

Loss of libido is chiefly characterized by a lack of interest or desire for sexual activity. Many women with loss of libido find that they are less in touch with their sexuality. Sexual feelings come less frequently and energy for sex drastically dwindles or disappears from a womans life.

Loss of Libido Overview

While loss of libido differs from the inability to become aroused or achieve orgasm, menopausal women may also experience these symptoms of sexual dysfunction.

While male sex drive is easy to define -- and relatively easy to restore -- thats often not the case for women. Because the female sex drive is multi-factorial, the desire to make love is not only influenced by physical issues, but emotional ones as well.

"Part of the desire to make love is clearly physical, but part is also emotional – depression can make a difference, so can any emotional issue in a womans life; female sex drive is very multidimensional," says Glenn D. Braunstein, MD, an endocrinologist and chair of the department of medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. While emotions are frequently behind a loss of sex drive in younger women, doctors say it is frequently the aging process itself thats causes changes in desire in women over age 45. "The very fact that a woman is no longer ovulating regularly, or not ovulating at all, automatically takes her sex drive down a few notches," says Steven Goldstein, MD, professor of ob-gyn and NYU Medical Center in New York City. He also continues that trying to avoid sex because of associated difficulties only leads to more pain. The old "use or lose it" theory really does apply. "From a strictly physical standpoint, the less sex you have the more painful it is when you try to have it," he says.

Causes of Loss of Libido

Like many menopausal symptoms, the primary cause of loss of libido has its roots in hormonal imbalance. However, physical, psychological and relationship issues can affect the libido during menopause as well.

Hormonal Causes of Loss of Libido

During menopause, one of the most common identifiable causes of loss of libido is hormonal imbalance. Reductions in the levels of three major hormones can contribute to the reduction of sexual drive and energy.

Estrogen

Estrogen plays a vital role in female sexuality by increasing sensations, assisting in the production of vaginal lubrication, and maintaining the health of vaginal tissue.

As a woman approaches menopause, her body begins to produce less estrogen. This can cause a host of symptoms that can contribute to a womans loss of libido, such as hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, and vaginal dryness.

Progesterone

Progesterone hormones are also integral to maintaining sexual health. When levels are too low during menopause, the resulting irregular periods, fatigue and other menopause symptoms can cause loss of libido.

Androgens/ Testosterone

As with estrogen, the body begins to produce lower levels of androgens (e.g. testosterone) with age. Experts believe that this drop in androgens can also cause women to experience loss of libido around the time of menopause.

While hormonal change is often a major cause of loss of libido during menopause, other factors can also cause or contribute to a womans loss of libido. Read on to learn about these other causes of loss of libido

Other Causes of Loss of Libido

In addition to hormonal causes of loss of libido, several other factors can lead to this common menopausal symptom. The other causes can be separated into three categories: physical, psychological, and relational causes. These other causes are listed below.                                                                                                            

Physical Causes

• Sexual dysfunction
• Pain-related conditions
• Medication use
• Hysterectomy
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Anemia
• Chronic disease
• Vaginal dryness     

Psychological Causes

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Changes in self esteem and body image
• Concerns about aging
• Feelings about sex
• Psychological disease (e.g. mood swings, depression, and anxiety)   

Relational Causes

• Changes in partners   physical health
• Intimate relationship   changes
• Availability of partner
• Lack of communication   between partners
• Changing social role
• Family changes
• Low sex drive in partner
• Major life changes

Loss of libido is a complex symptom of menopause with many potential causes.

Chronic Stress and Sex Life

Most of us know that chronic stress isn’t healthy, but we may not realize the toll it takes on libido. The body interprets ongoing stress as life threatening, so naturally, survival is prioritized ahead of pleasure. Stress over-burdens the adrenal glands, “stealing” the substances normally used to make estrogens and testosterone, both vital to desire and sexual response.

Many women we talk to at the clinic and in our Personal Programs tell us they feel overwhelmed by stress. This puts them at significant risk for adrenal imbalance. If you are under constant stress, you’re not going to feel much like having sex. So in the interest of your health, and your sex life, it may be time to reassess the conditions that are creating stress in your life.

There’s also a connection between nutrition and libido, because nutrient deficiencies stress your internal systems and set the stage for hormonal imbalance. Many women diet continually to improve their appearance, unaware that ongoing nutrient deprivation can have a drastic impact on physical health, energy levels, and self-image. All of these effects make you feel awful and drain your sex drive. Note that low-fat diets are especially problematic, because your body needs lipids and cholesterol to make hormones, including the testosterone needed for sexual response.

Treatments for Loss of Libido

Fortunately, loss of libido can easily be treated through a variety of methods. Oftentimes lifestyle changes such as a few changes in diet and exercise patterns will not only help to treat loss of libido, but corresponding stress and anxiety as well.

You CAN improve your sex drive by...

• Restoring balance between the three major sex hormones.
• Practicing sound nutrition to support physical and emotional health, and taking steps to get regular, restorative sleep.
• Exercising, to build energy and stamina, both elements of libido. Exercise can also directly reduce menopausal symptoms.
• Healing old emotional wounds, and being aware that stress takes both an emotional and physical toll on your libido.
• Understanding that your self-image and sexual identity evolve throughout your life. It’s a gift to allow yourself to be (and look like) the woman you really are.

Recommended Foods

• Oysters, Red Meat, Liver, Kidney Beans (zinc)   
• Leafy Greens, Almonds, Buckwheat (magnesium)
• Lean Meats, Fish, Nuts, Dairy (protein)
• Edamame, Tofu, Miso, Soymilk (soy products)

Recommended Exercises

• Yoga (increased flexibility, relaxation)                                                                                            
• Kegel Exercises (strengthens vaginal muscles)
• Aerobics (heart health, circulation)
• Stretching (relaxation, stress relief, improved muscle tone)                                                        

However, because the root of the problem for women going through menopause is a drop in hormone levels, the best way to treat this problem is to go directly to the hormonal source. Natural supplements are an excellent and safe way to achieve this.

In more extreme cases, there are medical solutions such as surgery or pharmaceutical options, though due to risk of side effects or other complications this should be the last resort.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/loss-libido.htm

http://www.womentowomen.com/sexualityandfertility/menopause-sexdrive-libido.aspx

http://www.femhealth.net/menopause-symptoms/treatment-loss-of-libido.htm

http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/sex-drive-and-menopause