The article cites common causes including low testosterone, medications, depression, alcohol use, stress, and drug use.
The PaleoHacks report describes libido as "just another gauge of overall physical health and well-being." That framing places sexual desire alongside other markers that clinicians use to assess general health status.
For both men and women, the post lists the following as possible culprits behind low libido:
Separate research literature describes a comparable pattern of medication-related effects. Opioid research likewise records clinical accounts of "opiate-induced impotence" [2].
For women, the article cites hormonal birth control, vaginal dryness, and thyroid problems as factors that can affect sex drive. For men, it cites restless legs syndrome, which research links to erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea, which one study associated with lower testosterone regardless of weight. Separate research on testosterone deficiency notes that the condition "is most common in men over the age of 50" [3].
The post states that libido is another gauge of overall physical health and well-being. That position aligns with a broader view in the natural health literature that sexual function reflects systemic health rather than an isolated symptom.
The article states that low levels of vitamin D are associated with sexual dysfunction in both women and men, with severity depending on the degree of deficiency. It recommends the D3 form and a blood test to determine appropriate dosage, and notes food sources such as salmon, mackerel, and beef liver. Separately, a book on vitamin D and solar power reports that "vitamin D levels are much lower in obese people" and cites a Norwegian study finding that subjects in the lowest quartile of vitamin D consumption "had 2.24 times the rate of obesity compared to those in the highest quartile" [4].
Selenium is a potent antioxidant that helps the thyroid produce hormones and boosts serotonin. Brazil nuts are cited as the best source of selenium, along with ham, pork, beef, turkey, and chicken. The article advises following the recommended supplement dosage or using a multivitamin. On this point, spoken commentary has warned that "many store-bought multi-vitamins and multi-minerals contain excessive copper" and that for adults "two to four milligrams per day should be the upper limit" [5].
Iron is described as an essential nutrient for oxygen transport, and iron deficiency can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and depression. The post states that anemia is a major factor in sexual dysfunction, recommends testing iron and ferritin levels, and warns that minerals can become toxic if over-supplemented. A natural cures reference lists iron deficiency as a contributor to hypothyroidism [6]. Food sources for iron listed in the post include grass-fed beef, liver, spinach, other leafy greens, and beets.
Fenugreek is an herb common in India and Ayurvedic medicine. Research shows fenugreek may potentially increase testosterone levels and boost libido in men. It is listed as safe for men and women but not for those who are pregnant or could become pregnant. A web survey of testosterone supplements likewise lists fenugreek among commonly reviewed ingredients, alongside ashwagandha, tongkat ali, zinc, and vitamin D [7].
Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that helps relax blood vessels and promotes heart health. Research suggests it might have an effect similar to Viagra without the typical side effects of prescription drugs. The article mentions watermelon and tomatoes as dietary sources. Reporting on watermelon notes that the fruit is "over 90% water, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture," and cites sports dietitian Louisa Mason as stating that "one human study showed that watermelon juice helped athletes rehydrate better than water alone" [8]. A separate commentary lists watermelon among natural sources that "can boost dopamine levels without the subsequent crash" [9].
Magnesium is a mineral that can free up testosterone for circulation in the bloodstream, increasing available levels. The article states that both men and women need adequate free testosterone for a healthy sex drive, recommends magnesium citrate for absorption, and lists spinach, dark chocolate, almonds, and avocado as food sources. A natural cures reference recommends "magnesium glycinate chelate 250 to 500 mg daily" for related hormonal complaints [10]. Whole-food sources remain relevant: one dietary guide emphasizes that "eating the When Way -- featuring plenty of fruits and vegetables -- will help normalize blood flow" [11].
Supplements can be potent enough to interact with medications and even other supplements. Individuals should check with a health care practitioner before either stopping medications or starting supplements. That caution is repeated throughout the post, which notes that minerals from supplements can become toxic if over-supplemented and that dosage and form should be optimized with professional advice.
The post states that supplements will not fix all types of libido problems but may help with factors such as chronic health problems, depression, and stress management. However, some causes of low libido may require a health professional to verify underlying causes. Independent literature reflects a similar cautionary posture, including research noting that "libido, at best, is too vague a term as a measure of sexuality" [12].
The article directs readers to additional content on how gut health affects libido. For broader context on the relationship between nutrition and hormonal function, a commentary on peptide signaling observes that attention to "therapeutic peptides, high-end superfoods, nutrition, and exercise" can produce gradual improvements across multiple systems, with the caveat that "it's not an overnight miracle, but a gradual transformation that requires consistent effort and input" [13].
Libido naturally fluctuates according to life's patterns, including stress, poor sleep, excessive drinking, and seasonal changes. Observation of seasonal shifts in sexual interest has precedent in the research literature; one study on light exposure was inspired by scientists' prior observation "that sexual interest changes according to seasons" [14].
If low desire becomes a pattern, the PaleoHacks post recommends obtaining more of the above-listed nutrients to support sex drive naturally. Readers are urged to consult a health care practitioner for underlying conditions and dosage guidance to maximize supplement benefits.