Let's talk about men's sexual health and libido

Summary: Let's talk about sexual health and libido in men

This exchange tackles men's health, with a focus on causes and solutions for low libido and declining testosterone levels. Naturopath Lynn Goneau mentions various factors that can affect male libido, including stress, fatigue, medication and a drop in testosterone, often seen in men over 50.

She highlights the importance of diet, recommending proteins, complex carbohydrates, and foods rich in zinc and magnesium, such as oysters and red meats, as well as ginger and vitamin D3, which is difficult to obtain in winter without supplementation. Lifestyle plays an essential role: resistance exercise (such as weightlifting) increases testosterone, while endurance sports can weaken it by increasing cortisol.

She also offers natural products to support sexual vitality and performance, including supplements of Ultimate.

1. Causes of reduced libido and sexual performance

Several factors can affect libido and performance, such as stress, fatigue, certain medications and a drop in testosterone. This section explores these reasons to better understand the phenomenon.

2. Testosterone's role in men's health

Testosterone influences energy, muscle strength, mental health and libido. As men age, they may experience a decrease in this hormone, leading to a variety of symptoms.

3. Diet to boost testosterone

Certain foods rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, zinc and magnesium can support testosterone production. This section highlights specific foods to optimize hormonal health.

4. Impact of lifestyle on testosterone

Resistance exercise, such as weightlifting, helps increase testosterone, while endurance sports can sometimes decrease hormone levels. This section examines the impact of lifestyle habits on men's health.

5 Natural supplements for vitality and performance

Herbal products such as maca or specific formulas can support vitality and enhance performance. This segment presents recommended natural solutions to help men feel more energetic.

6. The importance of sleep for hormonal health

Testosterone is regenerated mainly during deep sleep. Here, we highlight the importance of a good night's sleep in maintaining optimal hormone levels.

7. Consultations and personalized support at La Boite à Grains

Lynn Goneau offers in-store personalized advice to help men take charge of their hormonal, sexual and overall health. An option for those seeking direct support.

About the author

Lynn Goneau, Certified Naturopath

Specialized in :

• Digestive health
• Hormonal health
• Stress and fatigue
• Memory and concentration
• Weight management

Frédéric Bisson, radio host at 104.7 FM

Radio host at 104.7 FM on the Cogeco network. Frédéric Bisson has hosted L'Outaouais Maintenant from 3 to 5 p.m. every weekday since February 27, 2023.

Transcription

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM: 

On this November 11, still in the middle of movember, we're continuing to talk about men's health, which is sometimes taboo. But today, we're going to talk about libido problems, about men who have poor sexual performance, who perhaps don't feel like it anymore, that they don't think about it. Hello Lynn Goneau.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Hello Fred.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

So, as a naturopath at La boîte à grains, sometimes you have to deal with people who ask you intimate questions like these, explaining symptoms. What could it be? For example, decreased libido. What are we talking about?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

In fact, there can be many factors at play, such as a lack of energy, fatigue, stress or medication. We often see performance anxiety or even a drop in testosterone.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

So it could be a lot of different factors. Yes, you have to ask the right questions, I guess. So what are we talking about today, in this whole area?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Today, we're going to talk about testosterone. In fact, the lack of testosterone. This can contribute to a lack of energy, difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, a decrease in muscle mass. It can be an accumulation of fat reserves around the belly or just about everywhere. Lack of memory. It could be depression. There really are many symptoms.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

And I imagine that from a certain age, it's not when you're 22 either, it can affect, especially adults, more older men.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Men from the age of 50, that's when they start to feel it.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

So before we talk about supplements, let's talk about diet. There are foods that help increase testosterone in men.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, in fact, protein and carbohydrates are very important. Protein is essential for hormone synthesis, while complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains, vegetables and fruit, help stabilize energy levels and reduce cortisol.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

I like that. When someone tells me you have to eat meat, then complex carbohydrates. There are also vitamins to get, like zinc.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, zinc and magnesium, because they help the body make testosterone, and they're found in oysters, red meats and pumpkin seeds.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

That's why people say that oysters have an aphrodisiac effect, because they're full of zinc, which helps us get testosterone.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, and magnesium works in synergy with zinc to help the body be less sensitive to stress. It's found in avocados, black beans, even bananas. And spinach always makes me think of Popeye, the sailor, when he ate his spinach, and then there were the big muscles.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

That's right. It's still clichés, but it works the same way, with testosterone. And good fats too.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, they're found in avocados, walnuts and omega-3s, and you can even find them in fatty fish like salmon and sardines.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

And the famous ginger.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Ginger will improve the manufacturing mechanism, which makes it quite easy to consume, either as a tablet or as an herbal tea, or even as part of a meal, with the root in one of your favorite dishes.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

And vitamin D3 too.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

It's very important, but this one, of course, is harder to get at the moment because we don't have any sun, so it's advisable to take some extra.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

Well, there's always a kind of lifestyle involved in advice. Testosterone depends a lot on our lifestyle.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, specifically physical training, because when you do resistance training such as weightlifting, lifting weights, that's one of the most effective ways to increase testosterone levels. On the other hand, you must never forget that excessive endurance activity such as running or cycling is excellent for cardiovascular health, but can have a negative impact on testosterone levels because it increases cortisol and stress levels. Basically, cortisol and testosterone have an inverse relationship. When cortisol levels rise, testosterone levels fall. Okay, so that's why it's important to reduce stress in all its forms.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

You have to sleep well.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, because testosterone is produced mainly during deep sleep. It's ideal to get at least seven hours of sleep a night.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

Well, my family doctor was telling me that it's all the rage right now. 40-year-old men asking to be tested for testosterone. She refused to do it and said I don't have any symptoms, but it's true. But let's just say that I feel I need a little extra. What do you recommend?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

There are actually three Ultimate products. There's Maca Energy, there's Testosterone Booster and there's Performance. Maca is native to Peru and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. We hear a lot about maca. It stimulates vitality and helps combat chronic fatigue. The second product, a testosterone booster, will help improve physical performance and combat stress.

The third, Performance, contains a list of ingredients targeting male sexual performance.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

If we want personalized advice, we can go and see you on Tuesdays at La Boite à Grains.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, every Tuesday at La Boite à Grains on Gréber. So I'm there every Tuesday from noon to 5 p.m. to talk to people about all their problems, including prostate problems.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Yes. And testosterone.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

That's right.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

And sexual health and everything. It's the month of November. I mean, we take advantage of it, otherwise we'd never do it. And we can make an appointment because you have clients too. You have private meetings.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

That's right.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Lynn, I wish you a good week. See you next week.