It amazes me how many people settle for health problems like a low libido because they think it’s normal or a side effect of aging. Just because something is common doesn’t make it normal. My job as a functional medicine practitioner is to get to the root cause of health problems like a low sex drive. So instead of just taking another pill, why don’t we actually find out why you have the problem in the first place? What to do: If your levels are low, you have to find out the cause. I suggest first working with your doctor to rule out any internal bleeds. Once that is cleared, eating iron-rich foods like grass-fed liver or beef as well as green leafy vegetables and beets is a great way to start restoring your iron stores. What to do: Having struggled with adrenal fatigue myself in the past, I know firsthand the most effective tools. A comprehensive approach that includes stress and sleep management, adaptogenic herbs, and healing foods are some of my top tools for adrenal fatigue. I also recommend working with your doctor to find a personalized plan. What to do: I suggest getting comprehensive thyroid testing because there are many underlying thyroid problems that don’t show up on basic thyroid labs. Depending on your results, work with your doctor or endocrinologist to find a personalized strategy to support optimal thyroid health. What to do: Begin supporting your gut by taking quality probiotics, eating a healthy, gut-friendly diet, and exercising frequently, to name a few. What to do: Start by having a comprehensive hormone panel done, then working with a doctor to find the best treatment plan, including what to eat to balance your hormones. What to do: Run fasting glucose and Hgb A1c levels to see if you are insulin resistant, then work with a doctor to find the best plan of action. Some doctors suggest intermittent fasting and keto diets may help lower insulin levels. What to do: Talk with your doctor about potential alternatives to the medication you’re taking. You could also consider a functional medicine approach, which focuses on becoming healthy overall, so your doctor can reduce and eliminate medications where possible. What to do: Practice stress-reduction, like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tai chi, and breathwork. What to do: If your leptin and CRP inflammation levels are high, try to limit refined sugars, refined grains, and other inflammatory foods. Instead focus on anti-inflammatory foods and get plenty of sleep. What to do: Herbs like horny goat weed and Ginkgo biloba are commonly used to support healthy growth hormone levels. Working with your doctor to find other treatment options, like hormone replacement therapy or other medications may also be beneficial. What to do: Get your vitamin D levels tested, supplement according to your doctor’s recommendations, and try to spend more time in nature. What to do: Eat plenty of healthy fats. This can include healthy oils and omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, seeds, and nuts. A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts
