Keeping That Spark Alive

In February many people are thinking about love and romance. Valentine’s Day can be a special time with your spouse or loved one where we focus on the person that brings us the most joy in life. Now, let me give you something to think about. Is it possible that our daily health choices could greatly impact our ability to love and be romantic? The answer is a resounding, Yes!

Serotonin is the brain chemical that keeps us focused, instills a sense of well being, helps us fall asleep easily, and is an integral part of our sex drive. Dr. Michael Gershon, a neurobiologist and medical researcher from Columbia University in New York, discovered that 95% of serotonin is produced in our “gut.” Gershon has a book called The Second Brain in which he describes this intricate relationship between gut and brain functions. He suggested that ingesting processed and high-sugar foods can alter the delicate yeast and bacteria balance in our gut. These foods can lead to yeast overgrowth in the body. Signs of yeast overgrowth are: diaper rash, hives, thrush in the mouth, canker sores, fatigue, or athlete’s foot. When the yeast in the gut overgrows, it causes tiny perforations in the mucosa lining of the gut, which damages the lining. It’s in this area that the body makes the calming, focusing, feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin.

This slightly-damaged gut lining, sometimes referred to as the “leaky gut syndrome”, (see our last two blog articles, part I, part II) allows food particles into the bloodstream. The leaky gut creates an environment of disease and imbalance. This gut imbalance also creates a void of many other neurotransmitters and hormones our body produces. Reduced hormone production leads to fatigue, a slower metabolism, reduced libido, and inability to concentrate, and other dysfunctional behavior patterns.

Foods that Enhance Romance

Fruits and vegetables are key foods to get the spark lit again in your life. Strawberries, blackberries, asparagus, figs, broccoli, and grapes are super foods for creating a hormonal storm that can bring balance to the gut. These foods hold a combination of antioxidants and nutrients that stimulate relaxation without fatigue, an important element for feeling happiness that can lead to romance.

Almonds, pecans, and walnuts all contain the important amino acid L-arginine. L-arginine has a Viagra-like effect for both males and females by allowing blood flow to the extremities and skin. This makes one more sensitive to touch and can be an important tool to get the flame burning for your special date night.

Besides boosting libido, L-arginine has many other uses. It can decrease blood pressure, increase blood flow to the feet and hands to reduce icy hands and toes. It also increases muscle building when combined with L-glutamine and a resistance workout and naturally increases testosterone when combined with flax or fish oil. L-arginine and L-glutamine are naturally occurring amino acids but supplementation is needed to reach therapeutic doses. Try taking 5g of L-arginine and 10g of L-glutamine per day for 15 days to see a turnaround in libido and improved blood flow.

Flax and fish oil are omega-3 fats, which are essential for hormone balance and production and can help reduce testosterone deficiency in both males and females. (Signs of low testosterone include decreased energy, hair loss or reduced shaving, depressed mood, increase in body fat, loss of sex drive, decrease in bone/muscle strength and mass.)

Another Key: Chiropractic

Another important key to obtaining happiness, energy, and romance is remembering that the nervous system controls everything. A well-adjusted spine allows your nervous system to be healthier so it can better orchestrate digestion, hormone production, and energy flow throughout the body. Keep your adjustment appointments to help keep happiness, energy, and romance in your life.

Aromatherapy sets the mood

Integrating all the senses can jumpstart a sluggish libido. None greater than the senses of touch and smell. A great tool to set the mood can be essential oils. Use them in a diffuser or massage cream to enhance the brain neurotransmitters that bring on happiness and romance. Here are some simple and very effective recipes.

Diffuser Recipes:

Add these blends to any diffuser to fill a room with romantic aromas.

Winter Romance – 2 drops Lavender, 2 drops Peppermint, 2 drops Orange
Sweetheart Blend – 4 drops Lavender, 3 drops Rosemary
Love Day – 6 drops Ylang Ylang, 3 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Orange
Heat It Up – 6 drops Orange, 2 drops Cinnamon, 2 drops Clove
Love Is In The Air – 3 drops Ylang Ylang, 3 drops Frankincense, 3 drops Bergamont
Spicy Night – 3 drops Vanilla, 3 drops Peppermint, 3 drops Pine Needle
Oh La La – 2 drops Rosemary, 3 drops Orange, 2 drops Lavender, 1 drop Cinnamon