Stress is a multifaceted phenomenon that can exert significant effects on individuals and their relationships, transcending into various aspects of life. Understanding its implications is pivotal for couples to navigate its challenges and thrive together.

Defining stress and its effects on individuals

Stress encompasses the physiological and psychological responses to demanding circumstances, eliciting intricate hormonal and neurochemical reactions. These responses can manifest in diverse ways, ranging from heightened alertness to physical tension and emotional strain.

The connection between stress and relationships

Stress weaves a complex web within relationships, intertwining emotions, and behaviors. As individuals in a partnership experience stress, it can seep into their interactions, altering the dynamics between them. The resulting tensions may lead to conflicts, distance, and emotional disconnection.

Understanding the Impact of Stress on Relationships

Identifying common stressors in relationships

In relationships, various stressors emerge from both internal and external sources. Financial strain, career pressures, family conflicts, and health challenges are common culprits. Identifying these stressors is vital for couples to proactively address and mitigate their impact.

The cycle of stress and its ripple effect on partners

Stress can create a self-perpetuating cycle within relationships. When one partner experiences stress, it can spill over and affect the other, creating a ripple effect that amplifies stress levels for both. This interconnectedness can lead to a continuous loop of strain within the partnership.

Emotional and communication challenges under stress

Stress can heighten emotional sensitivity and impair communication in relationships. Partners may struggle to express themselves effectively, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and arguments. Emotional support and effective communication become paramount in navigating these challenges.

The Role of Communication in Stress Management

Effective communication techniques for couples

Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of stress management in relationships. Encouraging a safe space for partners to express their thoughts, fears, and concerns without judgment fosters understanding and strengthens the bond.

Active listening and validating emotions

Listening attentively and empathizing with each other’s emotions validate each partner’s experiences. Validating emotions create a sense of being heard and understood, promoting emotional closeness.

Navigating conflicts constructively

Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, particularly during stressful periods. Learning to approach conflicts constructively, with respect and a focus on finding solutions, prevents undue strain on the partnership.

Empathy and Understanding in Times of Stress

Cultivating empathy for your partner’s stressors

Empathy involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of one’s partner. Cultivating empathy for each other’s stressors deepens emotional connection and fosters support.

The importance of compassion in maintaining connection

Compassion, driven by empathy, involves showing kindness and support to one another during difficult times. Demonstrating compassion is a powerful way to maintain emotional intimacy amidst stress.

How to offer support without judgment

Providing support without judgment is crucial when a partner is stressed. Avoiding criticism and instead offering encouragement and understanding creates a safe space for emotional vulnerability.

Building Resilience as a Couple

Recognizing the importance of resilience in relationships

Resilience in relationships refers to the capacity to bounce back from adversity as a team. Recognizing the significance of resilience equips couples to face challenges with a united front.

Strategies to enhance resilience together

Building resilience involves honing coping skills, problem-solving abilities, and maintaining a positive outlook. Couples can foster resilience through joint endeavors and mutual encouragement.

Encouraging growth and adaptation through tough times

Viewing stress as an opportunity for growth and adaptation reframes challenges as potential catalysts for positive change. Couples can support each other’s personal development and adapt together during difficult times.

Stress-Reduction Techniques for Couples

Exploring relaxation methods as a team

Engaging in relaxation techniques as a couple, such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery, can create a shared sense of calm and tranquility.

Practicing mindfulness and meditation together

Participating in mindfulness practices and meditation together can increase emotional attunement and reduce stress by grounding partners in the present moment.

Incorporating stress-reducing activities into daily routines

Integrating stress-reducing activities, like walks in nature, painting, or dancing, into daily routines helps maintain emotional well-being and reduces the impact of stress on the relationship.

Balancing Responsibilities and Tasks

The division of labor during stressful periods

Stress can disrupt the usual distribution of household tasks and responsibilities. Openly discussing task division and offering support as needed can prevent undue strain on either partner.

Supporting each other with shared responsibilities

Supporting each other during stressful periods often involves sharing responsibilities. Collaborating on tasks fosters a sense of unity and prevents one partner from feeling overwhelmed.

Strategies for managing household tasks and chores together

Developing a clear plan for managing household tasks during stressful times can create a harmonious and organized living environment that minimizes unnecessary stress.

Maintaining Intimacy and Emotional Connection

The impact of stress on physical intimacy

Stress can impact physical intimacy, leading to reduced desire and closeness. Partners can foster emotional connection by discussing and understanding each other’s needs and concerns.

Nurturing emotional intimacy during challenging times

Nurturing emotional intimacy through vulnerability and active engagement maintains a sense of emotional connection and security during stressful periods.

Keeping the spark alive in the midst of stress

Intentional efforts to infuse excitement and joy into the relationship can reignite the spark even amidst the challenges of stress.

Seeking External Support and Guidance

Considering couples therapy or counseling

During times of heightened stress, seeking professional help through couples therapy or counseling can provide valuable insights and tools for navigating difficulties.

Reaching out to support networks for assistance

Leveraging support networks, such as friends and family, can offer emotional support and practical assistance during stressful periods.

The benefits of seeking professional help together

Engaging in therapy or counseling together fosters mutual understanding, improved communication, and strengthens the partnership’s resilience.

Avoiding Blame and Taking Responsibility

Understanding the danger of blame in relationships

Blaming each other during times of stress escalates tensions and erodes trust. Adopting a non-blaming stance promotes open dialogue and mutual problem-solving.

Taking responsibility for one’s actions and emotions

Accepting personal responsibility for actions and emotions fosters emotional maturity and cultivates a sense of accountability within the relationship.

Cultivating a team approach to handling stressors

Cultivating a team approach, where both partners work together to address stressors, promotes a sense of unity and shared responsibility in managing challenges.

Creating Boundaries to Protect the Relationship

The significance of setting healthy boundaries

Establishing healthy boundaries ensures that both partners’ well-being is safeguarded during stressful times, preventing the erosion of personal boundaries.

Establishing boundaries with external stressors

Setting boundaries with external stressors, such as work demands or toxic relationships, helps protect the relationship’s stability and emotional equilibrium.

Safeguarding the relationship’s well-being

Prioritizing the relationship’s health and setting boundaries ensures that external stressors do not overwhelm the partnership.

Managing Financial Stress as a Team

The impact of financial stress on relationships

Financial stress can strain relationships due to concerns about money, budgets, and future security. Open communication and collaborative financial planning can alleviate stress.

Budgeting and financial planning together

Jointly creating a budget and financial plan promotes transparency and shared responsibility in managing finances during challenging times.

Open communication about financial concerns

Discussing financial concerns openly enables partners to understand each other’s perspectives and make informed decisions together.

Dealing with Family and Social Stressors

Navigating stress from family dynamics

Family-related stressors can exert significant pressure on a relationship. Open communication and setting boundaries with family members can help manage stress effectively.

Coping with external pressures as a couple

Supporting each other in navigating external pressures from society or social circles strengthens the partnership’s resilience.

Balancing social commitments during stressful times

Balancing social commitments during stressful periods helps maintain a sense of emotional well-being and ensures that partners prioritize time together.

Supporting Each Other’s Individual Coping Mechanisms

Respecting and understanding different coping styles

Respecting and understanding each other’s unique coping styles promotes a sense of acceptance and encourages mutual support.

How to support each other’s self-care routines

Supporting each other’s self-care routines involves recognizing and encouraging activities that promote individual well-being and reduce stress.

Encouraging healthy coping strategies as a team

Encouraging healthy coping strategies, such as exercise, hobbies, or relaxation techniques, as a team fosters a positive and supportive environment.

Forgiveness and Moving Forward

The healing power of forgiveness in relationships

Forgiveness, both of oneself and one’s partner, is a powerful tool for healing and overcoming stress-related conflicts.

Letting go of past stress-related conflicts

Releasing the grip of past stress-related conflicts allows partners to move forward with renewed hope and understanding.

Fostering a culture of forgiveness and growth

Creating a culture of forgiveness and growth in the relationship empowers partners to learn from their experiences and strengthen their bond.

Maintaining a Sense of Humor During Stressful Times

The role of laughter in stress relief

Humor has the innate ability to lighten the mood and alleviate stress, fostering emotional connection between partners.

Sharing light-hearted moments to ease tension

Sharing light-hearted moments and engaging in playful activities can act as a welcome reprieve from the pressures of stress.

Using humor as a coping mechanism together

Using humor as a coping mechanism creates a shared sense of resilience and camaraderie, enabling partners to face stress with a lighthearted outlook.

Reconnecting and Reinforcing the Relationship

Rediscovering common interests and hobbies

Rediscovering shared interests and hobbies can reignite the sense of closeness and passion that stress might have temporarily dimmed.

Planning quality time and date nights

Planning quality time and date nights carves out precious moments for partners to reconnect and nurture their relationship.

Reinforcing the bond through shared experiences

Participating in shared experiences, such as travel or new activities, can create lasting memories and reinforce the emotional bond.

Accepting Change and Embracing Flexibility

Embracing life’s uncertainties as a couple

Accepting that life is filled with uncertainties and change can help partners approach stress with adaptability and resilience.

Adapting to changes and unforeseen circumstances

Embracing a flexible mindset equips couples to navigate unforeseen circumstances with grace and unity.

Supporting each other through transitions

Offering support and understanding during transitions and life changes strengthens the relationship and helps partners navigate challenges as a team.

Celebrating Success and Resilience Together

Acknowledging accomplishments, big and small

Celebrating personal and joint achievements fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-confidence.

Celebrating resilience in the face of stress

Acknowledging the strength and perseverance displayed during stressful periods reinforces the couple’s ability to overcome challenges together.

Cultivating a culture of appreciation and gratitude

Expressing appreciation and gratitude for each other’s efforts cultivates a positive and supportive atmosphere, enhancing emotional connection.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the impact of stress on relationships

Understanding the multifaceted impact of stress on relationships empowers couples to proactively address stress-related challenges.

The significance of coping strategies for couples

Coping strategies provide couples with valuable tools and insights for managing stress, promoting emotional well-being and relationship longevity.

Emphasizing the power of unity in navigating stress together

Approaching stress as a team fosters a strong sense of unity and solidarity, allowing couples to weather life’s challenges with resilience and love.

When it comes to starting a family, understanding the importance of sperm health is crucial. Both sperm quality and quantity play significant roles in fertility. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into various factors that affect sperm health and explore lifestyle changes, nutrition, stress management, and more to help you optimize your chances of conception.

Factors Affecting Sperm Health

Sperm health is influenced by several factors, including lifestyle choices and environmental exposures. Let’s explore these elements in detail:

Lifestyle Factors: Diet, Exercise, and Weight

The food we eat, our level of physical activity, and body weight have a direct impact on sperm health. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can positively influence sperm production and motility. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also enhance sperm quality.

Environmental Influences: Heat and Chemical Exposure

Environmental factors like exposure to heat and chemicals can affect sperm health. High temperatures from hot baths, saunas, or even prolonged laptop use can temporarily reduce sperm production. Additionally, exposure to harmful chemicals in the workplace or daily life can impact sperm quality.

Stress and Its Impact on Sperm Health

Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels and negatively affect sperm production. We will explore stress-reducing techniques to help you manage stress and improve your reproductive health.

Nutrition for Healthy Sperm

A nutrient-rich diet is essential for optimal sperm production and motility. Let’s uncover the vital nutrients that support healthy sperm:

Essential Nutrients for Sperm Production and Motility

Certain vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in sperm development and function. We will discuss the importance of nutrients like zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids in promoting healthy sperm.

Superfoods to Boost Sperm Quality

Discover the superfoods that have been shown to enhance sperm health. From walnuts to berries, these foods are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that protect sperm from damage.

The Role of Antioxidants in Protecting Sperm

Antioxidants are powerful agents that protect sperm from oxidative stress. Learn about the best sources of antioxidants and how they safeguard sperm health.

Lifestyle Habits to Enhance Sperm Health

Simple lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference in sperm health. Let’s explore some habits to enhance your reproductive health:

Exercise and Its Effects on Sperm Quality

Regular exercise can positively influence sperm quality and motility. We will discuss the types of exercises that are most beneficial for sperm health.

Sleep and Rest: The Connection to Fertility

Quality sleep and proper rest are vital for hormone regulation, including testosterone production. We’ll delve into the importance of restful sleep for healthy sperm.

Limiting Alcohol and Tobacco Use for Better Sperm Health

Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can harm sperm health. We will discuss the effects of these habits and strategies for quitting or reducing their impact on fertility.

Managing Stress for Improved Fertility

Stress can significantly affect reproductive health. Let’s explore ways to manage stress and improve fertility:

Understanding Stress Hormones and Sperm Production

Chronic stress can lead to an imbalance in hormones critical for sperm production. Learn how stress hormones affect sperm health and fertility.

Stress-Reducing Techniques for Men

Discover effective stress-reducing techniques tailored to men’s needs. From meditation to hobbies, find ways to manage stress and boost fertility.

The Power of Mindfulness in the Fertility Journey

Mindfulness practices can be powerful tools in the fertility journey. Learn how mindfulness can positively impact sperm health and overall well-being.

Detoxifying from Harmful Substances

Detoxifying the body from harmful substances is essential for better reproductive health. Let’s explore detox strategies:

The Impact of Environmental Toxins on Sperm

Environmental toxins can disrupt hormone balance and impair sperm health. We will discuss common sources of toxins and how to minimize exposure.

Detox Strategies for Men’s Reproductive Health

Explore effective detox strategies that support men’s reproductive health. From diet adjustments to lifestyle changes, these approaches can help eliminate toxins.

Supporting the Body’s Natural Detoxification

The body has its detoxification mechanisms. We will explore how to support these natural processes to enhance fertility.

Hormonal Balance and Sperm Health

Hormonal balance is critical for optimal sperm production. Let’s delve into the connection between hormones and sperm health:

The Role of Testosterone in Sperm Production

Testosterone is a key hormone that influences sperm production. We’ll discuss the significance of balanced testosterone levels for healthy sperm.

Balancing Hormones Naturally for Fertility

Explore natural methods to balance hormones and promote fertility. Learn about lifestyle adjustments and dietary choices that can optimize hormonal health.

Addressing Hormonal Imbalances with Diet and Lifestyle

Discover how specific foods and lifestyle changes can address hormonal imbalances, thus positively impacting sperm health and fertility.

Supplements and Vitamins for Fertility

Supplements and vitamins can play a supportive role in enhancing sperm health. Let’s explore the options:

Key Vitamins and Minerals for Sperm Health

Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for sperm production and function. We will discuss the benefits of supplementation and how to incorporate these nutrients into your diet.

Herbal Supplements and Their Effects on Sperm Quality

Herbal supplements have been used for centuries to support reproductive health. Learn about the herbs that may improve sperm quality and motility.

Consultation with a Healthcare Professional

Before starting any supplement regimen, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial. We will provide guidance on choosing the right supplements and dosages.

Sperm Testing and Semen Analysis

Semen analysis is a vital tool for evaluating sperm health. Let’s explore this process and its significance:

Understanding Semen Analysis Results

Learn how to interpret semen analysis results and understand what they mean for your fertility.

When and Why to Get Sperm Testing

Explore the reasons for undergoing sperm testing and when it’s most appropriate to get tested.

Interpreting Sperm Health Parameters

Discover the various parameters analyzed in semen analysis and what they reveal about sperm health.

Overcoming Male Fertility Challenges

Facing fertility challenges can be daunting. Let’s discuss strategies to overcome male infertility:

Common Male Infertility Issues and Solutions

Explore common fertility issues men may encounter and the potential solutions available.

Seeking Support from Fertility Specialists

Knowing when to seek help from a fertility specialist is essential. We will provide guidance on when to take this step.

Coping with Emotional and Psychological Aspects

Infertility can take an emotional toll. Learn how to cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of the fertility journey.

Timing and Frequency for Optimal Conception

Timing and frequency of intercourse can significantly impact fertility. Let’s discuss the optimal approach:

The Role of Timing in Maximizing Fertility

Understand the significance of timing intercourse to increase the chances of conception.

Frequency of Intercourse and Sperm Health

Discover the right balance of frequency for intercourse to maintain healthy sperm and maximize fertility.

Tracking Fertility Cycles for Increased Chances of Pregnancy

Explore methods to track fertility cycles and identify the most fertile days for conception.

Conclusion

Empower yourself with knowledge and take proactive steps to supercharge sperm quality and quantity. By making lifestyle changes, priorit

Erectile dysfunction in younger men is rising, and about 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime — so your sexual health and prostate health may be top of mind.

One unexpected way you can improve your sexual health is surprisingly through diet.

The foods you eat provide the building blocks you need to power your body, including the penis and other sexual organs.

However, instead of eating as if your penis needs special attention, you can fill your day with nutritious whole foods that help your blood deliver the nutrients your penis, prostate, and other sexual organs need to function optimally.

1. Spinach

Spinach is rich in folate, a known blood flow booster. Folic acid plays a critical role in male sexual function. Low blood folic acid levels have been linked to erectile dysfunction.

Cooked spinach contains 77% of the Daily Value for folate per cup (185 grams), making it one of the most folate-rich foods around. Additionally, spinach contains a fair amount of magnesium, which also helps stimulate blood flow and may boost testosterone levels

2. Coffee

Your morning cup of java may help below the belt, as well.

One study in over 3,000 men noted that those who self-reported the highest daily caffeine intake of 1–3 cups of coffee were less likely to report erectile dysfunction than those with the lowest caffeine intake.

It’s important to note, however, that these findings were based on self-reporting from the participants, so they may not be completely reliable.

3. Apples

Apples have some great all-around health benefits, but one of their lesser known advantages pertains to prostate health.

Apple peels, in particular, contain the active compound ursolic acid.

Note, however, that much more research is needed to fully understand how this effect would translate to apple peels being eaten.

Regardless, some other studies also suggest that men who consume more fruits and vegetables have better odds of beating prostate cancer.

If you have prostate cancer, you should follow your trusted health professional’s treatment plan.

4. Avocados

Oddly enough, because of their shape and the fact that they grow in pairs on avocado trees.

Avocados are rich in vitamin E, which may improve sperm quality in men with infertility. One medium avocado provides 21% of the Daily Value for vitamin E.

A medium (150-gram) avocado also provides 9% of the Daily Value for zinc, an essential mineral with roles in sperm quality, testosterone production, and fertility.

5. Chili peppers

Can you handle the heat? One small study found that men who preferred spicier food had higher testosterone levels in their saliva than those that preferred milder flavours.

While this doesn’t mean spicy food increases testosterone levels, the chemical capsaicin found in hot peppers may have some bedroom advantages.

Dietary capsaicin intake may stimulate your brain’s pleasure centers, which could potentially improve your mood and provide an aphrodisiac effect. However, most of the research regarding capsaicin and mood has been done in animal studies — so it should be taken with a grain of salt

 

The bottom line

These eight foods all have some research pointing to their positive effects on male fertility, sexual health, or prostate health, but most of the research is limited.

What’s important to note, though, is that all of these are whole, minimally processed foods.

Dietary patterns that are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other minimally processed foods — along with adequate protein and healthy fats — have been shown to help reduce erectile dysfunction risk, improve prostate health, and optimize fertility.

Looking for health with your sexual health? Call or whatsapp us today for help.

Everyone’s heard their fair share of sex myths, especially during their teenage years. Unfortunately, though, some myths might persist well into adulthood, affecting the way we relate to our sexual lives.

In this post, we debunk some of the most widespread misconceptions about sex.

So sit back, relax, and learn why you should try to stop worrying so much about apocryphal “facts” about sex.

 

1. Popping the cherry

This is the age-old belief that a woman’s hymen is a good place to look to if you desire to know whether she’s still a virgin — or, at least, if she has engaged in vaginal intercourse.

But although much significance is attached to the hymen as an alleged marker of virginity in many cultures, the truth is that more often than not, it can’t tell us much about a woman’s sexual history.

 

The hymen is a membrane that lines the opening of the vagina, and its actual shape and size varies from person to person. Normally, it does not cover the vaginal opening entirely — which makes absolute sense, since otherwise menstrual and other discharge would not be able to leave the vagina.

 

2. Menstruation as ultimate baby barrier

Another favorite piece of sex lore is that women can’t get pregnant if they have sex while on their period. It’s true that this scenario is highly unlikely, but even so, the possibility of pregnancy isn’t fully eliminated.

The likelihood of becoming pregnant after period sex depends largely on how long your menstrual cycle is. In most women, the menstrual cycle lasts for approximately 28 days.

Usually, 3 – 5 of those days are taken up by their period, during which unfertilized eggs, or “ovules,” and uterine lining are eliminated.

Women are most fertile during the ovulation stage of their menstrual cycles, when fresh eggs are produced. Ovulation usually takes place about 12 to 16 days before the start of the next period.

Some women, however, have shorter cycles, which means that their ovulation stage also happens earlier.

That, coupled with the fact that sperm can live inside the human body for up to 5 days, means that if the timing is right, sperm could hang out inside the female body for just long enough to survive the period and penetrate a fresh egg.

So, if you do plan to ease those menstrual cramps by having sex, you may wish to consider using a condom.

 

3. It’s not an orgasm if it’s not vaginal

Perhaps thanks to the supersexed ideal spread by commercial porn, many people are stuck for a long time with the idea that a woman’s orgasm is purely a vaginal experience, achieved through repeated penetration.

A quick look on the Internet will reveal that some popular searches include, “Why can’t I orgasm?” and “Why can’t I make my girlfriend climax?”

 

There is no “one-size-fits-all” recipe for achieving orgasm, and very often, women will require clitoral stimulation, instead of just vaginal penetration, to reach that sweet spot.

For some, penetration doesn’t cut it at all, and clitoral stimulation alone is their stairway to heaven.

That’s why both men and women would do well to learn as much as possible about their and their partners’ bodies and try to understand what makes them tick individually.

 

4. Masturbation is bad for you

This bring us to our next item, which is that masturbation, somehow, is bad for you. There are, in fact, many myths related to masturbation:

• that it can make a man go blind;
• that it can lead to erectile dysfunction;
• And that it can cause sexual dysfunction in women.

 

Don’t worry, masturbating won’t hurt you, and you may want to take your sweet time while you’re at it.

In case there were still any doubts, there are absolutely no links between your genitals and your eyes, so try as you might, you won’t lose the gift of vision just by exploring your nether bits sometimes.

 

5. Sex affects athletic performance

It seems intuitive, doesn’t it, that engaging in exercise that might be somewhat demanding, such as sex, will decrease your stamina, so you probably shouldn’t play at this game right before running an important marathon.

For years, the managers and coaches of top sports performers have forbidden their athletes to indulge in steamy action before important events, for fear that their performance would be weakened.

You’ll be relieved to find out, then, that that’s not really the case at all. Recent studies show that having sex the day before participating in a sports competition doesn’t affect performance.

Cant get it up? Contact us today via call or WhatsApp at 079 680 0770 for all your men’s sexual health.

 

Sure, you know that greasy foods like burgers, fries, and pizza make you want to take a nap more than want to take your shirt off. But did you also know there are nutrient-packed foods other than well known oysters and chocolate! that can give your libido a big boost?

Having great sex is a whole lifestyle. You must make time for it and do things like having date night, making your bedroom a place you want to be romantic in, and paying attention to what you eat.

That includes having a generally healthy diet, but you can also grab specific foods that do things like boost testosterone or blood flow when you’re really trying to get in the mood.

Onions

Okay, while onion breath may not be sexy, but the veggie strengthens reproductive organs and increases testosterone, which boosts libido in both men and women. You and your partner should chop it up and put it in everything.

Garlic

Garlic isn’t just for warding off vampires. Garlic contains allicin, which builds heat in the body and has been proven to increase testosterone. It’s useful for sexual stamina, and bodybuilders use it for muscle growth?

Cayenne Pepper

Just like cayenne’s spicy on your tongue, it helps add spice to your sex life. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, which creates heat and improves circulation and blood flow for erections. The peppers have an immediate effect, so try eating them when you’re already ready to go. And maybe save dessert for later.

Dates

Dates are rich in amino acids , which are known to increase sexual stamina, and they’re a popular aphrodisiac in North African countries like Nigeria. That’s not all the act of eating dates can be very sexual. They melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of thing you could feed to your lover in bed.

Figs

Like dates, figs are rich in amino acids, and are also said to be an aphrodisiac because of the sexual appearance and flavor. A fig’s scent and texture is very aromatic and sensual. They are a luscious fruit to eat yourself or feed to your lover. It even looks sexual eating them. In other words, order them on a hot date, but do avoid the fig plate at your office holiday party.

Goji Berries

Goji berries have long been used as a sexual tonic in Asian countries because they’re said to increase testosterone. Try sprinkling these on your cereal, salads, or just eating a handful. Buying them in dried form is okay, too. They’re a sexual tonic and a superfood—a sexual superfood. Now that’s a good marketing hook if I’ve ever heard one.

Fatty Fish

Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which Isadora says elevate dopamine, the same hormone released in the brain during an orgasm. It also elevates mood, and more relaxed people are in the mood for sex more often. Fatty fish also contains L-arginine, an amino acid used to treat problems with erections. Think of it like a natural Viagra. A nice grilled salmon definitely sounds better than a pill.