Switching to a ketogenic diet can improve insulin resistance, help you lose weight, fight inflammation, and improve female fertility. There is also quite a bit of evidence now to suggest that a ketogenic diet – when followed properly – can improve libido. Diets high in healthy fats and isoflavones can be therapeutic for sexual function. Furthermore, weight loss on the ketogenic diet can help fix low libido and other types of sexual dysfunction.
Sex Hormones and Keto
For women, low levels of estrogen can have a big impact on sex drive. Insufficient estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, bloating, and mood swings. A testosterone imbalance, on the other hand, can result in fatigue, loss of confidence, and infertility. The good news is that ketogenic foods aid in the healthy balance of these sex hormones.
The “good fats” that make up 75 percent of the ketogenic diet can help increase libido. They can also aid in the amelioration of vaginal issues such as dryness and painful intercourse. These healthy fats are found in keto-friendly foods such as salmon, trout, herring, olive oil, avocados, and walnuts.
In addition, keto-friendly foods such as soybeans, peanuts, chickpeas, alfalfa, and broad beans contain isoflavones, which can increase vaginal lubrication. Increased intake of these foods can help manage estrogen levels, making sex more pleasurable.1
Healthy Fats and Sexual Function
Erectile dysfunction, blood circulation, and sex drive can all be improved with the ketogenic diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for heart health and improved blood circulation. These healthy fats are abundant in fish, nuts, eggs, olive oil, and avocados, which are staples of the ketogenic diet. Omega-3s are also a building block for those helpful sex hormones and even help raise dopamine levels in the brain that trigger sexual arousal.
A 2007 study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research concludes that women who intake higher levels of polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and have a lower intake of saturated fats, experienced improved sexual function. When these women consumed more olive oil, fresh vegetables, and nuts, they saw an increase in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and less pain during intercourse.2
Sex Drive and Weight Loss
The desire to lose weight is a huge reason why many people embark on the ketogenic diet. Studies show that weight loss on low-carb diets is more successful than weight loss on low-fat diets, making the ketogenic diet an ideal choice for weight loss.3
Studies show that diet-induced weight loss results in rapid improvement of sexual function in previously-obese men. This same study shows that weight loss improves blood flow, which can aid in the prevention and amelioration of erectile dysfunction.4
Bottom line: if it’s good for you, it’s probably good for your sex life. Foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are a staple of the ketogenic diet and are shown to improve sexual function. Weight loss is also a boon to life in the bedroom. If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction of any kind, speak to your doctor about how diet can affect libido, arousal, lubrication, and all other facets of sexual health.
NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER
The content on this website should not be taken as medical advice and you should ALWAYS consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. We provide nutritional data for our recipes as a courtesy to our readers. We use Total Keto Diet app software to calculate the nutrition and we remove fiber and sugar alcohols, like erythritol, from the total carbohydrate count to get to the net carb count, as they do not affect your blood glucose levels. You should independently calculate nutritional information on your own and not rely on our data. The website or content herein is not intended to cure, prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. This website shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on the Website or actions you take as a result. Any action you take is strictly at your own risk.
Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD is an aesthetic medicine specialist whose work focuses on patients who are treated for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other weight-related issues through nutritional analysis, keto diet programs, and supporting medications.
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