Your Libido on the Ketogenic Diet

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.