Foods For Better Sex Postpartum
After having a baby, fatigue and lack of interest in sex stem not just from lack of sleep or stress, but also other factors, such as breastfeeding and the hormones involved and nutrition. Of the three, nutrition is the most overlooked, but it still has a powerful effect on your body. Eating the proper foods can charge up your energy levels and make you generally feel overall better. To optimize your health and sex postpartum, consider including several servings of these foods weekly in your diet.
Salmon is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin B12, which are important in cardiovascular health and improving your mood and energy.
Berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are high in antioxidants and fiber, that are important for good digestive health and anti-inflammatory properties. Blueberries and cranberries can also help ward off urinary tract infections due to its high acidity content and ability to fight bacteria. Studies have shown eating the berries whole as opposed to juices achieves better outcomes, so consider incorporating these superfoods into smoothies or baking!
Avocados contain healthy fats that can help improve vaginal lubrication by enhancing estrogen levels. Estrogen levels are suppressed during breastfeeding, which leads to vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex. Having avocados in your diet in addition to using a vaginal moisturizer and lubricant can reduce dryness.
Almonds and pumpkin seeds have high levels of zinc that can combat postpartum depression and also increase sex drive. They can also help with weight loss after pregnancy, as they keep you full and give you energy. These can easily be added to meals or eaten as a quick snack throughout the day.
Yogurt and other probiotics are good for gut and vaginal health. They help maintain healthy pH levels in the vagina which will help prevent infections. You can also get calcium and vitamin D from yogurt, which are also essential to your body while breastfeeding.
Leafy green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, are high in magnesium and calcium. Magnesium plays a key supportive role in the production of hormones, therefore can increase sex drive.
There are many factors that can affect sex and sex drive after having a baby, but nutrition should not be overlooked. In fact, it is even more important to get these essential minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants postpartum as your body becomes quickly depleted from pregnancy, breastfeeding, and has started to heal from delivery.
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