Research has shown that libido is often the first thing to go, or decline, when women are under stress, have recently given birth or are going through the menopause. For many women (and their partners) a lower sex drive can be a huge problem and even put the relationship under pressure. A flagging libido is a complex roblem that can have many different causes. Although it is quite common during the menopause, younger women can see their libido diminish as a result of stress, an unhealthy diet, weight gain, psychological or other problems. This obviously represents a ‘gold mine’ for the harmaceutical industry, which is all too eager to diagnose lower libido as a ‘medical problem’. More than twenty new drugs are currently being developed that should heighten the female sex drive in one way or another, ranging from nasal sprays with ormones that affect the areas in the brain that stimulate sexual urges to creams containing nitroglycerine, a substance which relaxes blood vessels and stimulates blood flow.

Whether, and when, these products will ever be marketed is by no means certain and, similar to the libido enhancing testosterone patch which has been available to women for some time, it is highly likely that they will only be available on prescription to a very limited group of women (i.e. those entering the menopause early as a result of surgical intervention). There is, however, another important reason not to be too eager to resort to drugs for this problem as many of them are associated with potentially risky
side-effects. A typical example is Viagra, which has an adverse effect on blood vessels and could
potentially be problematic for the heart. It would be far better to look at, and try to tackle, the root of the
problem.

Slim and sexy

The idea that aphrodisiacs (libido enhancing foods) such as oysters, lobster and caviar would help is of
course rather far fetched, but food does have an impact on our sexual appetite. An American researcher
has demonstrated that a combination of fish oil, dark chocolate and a controlled intake of refined carbohydrates (sugars) has a libido enhancing effect. In her book, ‘The Orgasmic Diet’, the therapist Marrena Lindberg explains how just a few basic dietary changes can make a major difference to your sex life. Lindberg combines her own experience with extensive scientific research. She maintains that sexual dysfunction in women is all too often treated as a psychological problem, whereas in many cases
it is merely due to nutritional deficiencies. The female body responds much quicker and more effectively to a change in diet than to psychotherapy. One study highlighted that three out of four women noticed a fairly rapid increase in their libido with a healthy diet, Omega-3 supplementation and more exercise.

An additional benefit of Marrena Lindberg’s diet is that it does not only increase libido but it also leads to weight loss. Her approach is supported by David Ferguson, a pharmacologist and chairman of the American Women’s Sexual Health Foundation and Maryon Stewart, founder of the Women’s Nutritional Advisory Service.

According to Marrena Lindberg the Orgasmic Diet is based on the following three criteria:

1 It raises the dopamine level in the brain

A daily intake of 3000 mg (in a ratio of 1700 mg EPA an 1300 mg DHA) raises the dopamine level in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is associated with desire and sexual pleasure. Clinical tests have shown that an increase in dopamine production is one of the ‘therapies’ that appear to be particularly successful in cases of sexual dysfunction. Omega-3 also promotes blood flow in the genital area. In this case eating more oily fish will not generate much benefit, as the daily requirement of EPA+DHA is too high. In addition to a daily highly concentrated fish oil supplement, a couple of squares of dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids) each day can also help raise the dopamine level. People who are taking anti-coagulants should consult their physician first, before starting with 3 grams EPA+DHA per day as high doses of Omega-3 fatty acids can enhance the impact of these blood thinning substances.

2 It keeps the serotonin level under control

Serotonin is another significant neurotransmitter, which mainly promotes a feeling of wellbeing and cheerfulness. We need a sufficiently high serotonin level to ensure that we perceive natural hunger pangs and have enough energy to tackle stress. However, when the serotonin level becomes too high you will focus too much on all the things you need to do and your interest in sex will decline. In other words, it inhibits the mental switch to the relaxed mood needed for romance. A higher intake of Omega-3
combined with a minimum intake of sugars, starch and caffeine, will help keep your serotonin level under control.

3 It raises the testosterone level

Studies have shown that women with a healthy sex drive have a high testosterone level. Even though testosterone is a ‘male’ hormone, women also need it. It is produced by the adrenalglands and ovaries but is suppressed by the chemical globulin. The trick is to minimise the amount of globulin in your body. The best way to achieve this according to Lindberg is to ensure that each meal contains 30% protein, to cut back on starch and sugar and to replace it with fruit and vegetables. A daily supplement of zinc and
magnesium also helps to keep the amount of globulin under control. A good general multi-vitamin and mineral supplement should suffice for this purpose.

Marrena Lindberg’s Orgasmic Diet in a nutshell:

- Take a pure and highly concentrated fish oil supplement, with 3000 mg EPA and DHA
(Minami-Nutrition/MorEPA), and multi-mineral supplement with zinc and magnesium each day.
- Ensure that each meal contains 30% protein.
- Your fat intake should amount to approximately 30% of your total calorie intake and should preferably consist of mono-unsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil.
- The rest of your diet should consist of carbohydrates. However, avoid white bread, sugar, potatoes and other starchy foods. Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you like.