LOVE YOUR GUT – BOOST YOUR LIBIDO!

Want to improve your sex life this year? Dr Sunni Patel has a surprising solution

- DR SUNNI PATEL, KIRSTEN JONES

The pandemic has caused the economy to flag. But it seems it’s also responsible for a sexual recession with nearly 40% of Brits claiming they had less sex in 2020 thanks to a loss of libido.

The main culprit for this passion rut is Covid, triggering low self-esteem and anxiety. But another potential cause is changing eating habits. With routines seriously out of whack and evenings spent snacking, our insides are being neglected.

But what has this to do with libido, you ask? Meet Dr Sunni Patel. As a Crohn’s disease sufferer himself, he knows all about the importance of gut health. Here, Dr Patel reveals how showing your gut some TLC can perk up your love life…

MAKING THE LINK

“You might think linking sex with the gut is far-fetched, but the science is very clear,” says Dr Patel. “The gut is responsible for our digestion, but it also plays an important role in lots of our body’s functions – from immune response and mood to sexual health and libido.

“The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, known as the gut microbiome. These need to be properly balanced. If they’re out of whack there’s a knock-on effect on our health, wellbeing and desire.”

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

So how does poor gut health bring about a lack of desire? “Sex is about attraction,” explains Dr Patel. “Both parties must feel attractive and attracted. If gut bacteria is imbalanced, it can increase bloating, gas, acid reflux and bad breath. None of which will make you feel sexy!