Ask the Doctor: Dr Deepak K Jumani

Q1. Dr, we all need to know how food is important for Sexual health?

• Anonymous

We are living in a world where we want instant gratification. Food and Sex are the simple essential delicious pleasures of our life and valued parts of life. We are wildly stressed today, and this reduces the blood flow to our reproductive organs, decreases serotonin, increases irritability and distracts us from our pleasurable pursuits.

Where does the idea that certain foods actually improve sexual functions come from and how has this idea evolved over time.  In our history we are aware of one of the most beautiful and prettiest Goddesses of love and sexuality who could lure any human to fall for her was known as Aphrodite on whose name Aphrodisiacs was born. What did this Greek Goddess of Love, beauty and Sexuality do to lure any man to fall for her?  Did she go to any beauty parlor or took any medications to look pretty or did she undergo any procedure to make her look the most attractive woman on this earth. The secret lay in the wholesome food or diet she had. Even today we have the choice of such foods which our ancient and sexiest people consumed.  Secondly there are certain cities across the globe known as longevity hot spots where humans live for more than one hundred years, these are known as Blue Zones viz. the Ogliastra and Barbagia regions of Sardinia; Okinawa, Japan; the Greek island Ikaria; the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. People living in Blue Zones share many traits: They eat plant-based diets that are rich in leafy green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes  They tend to avoid added sugar and processed foods, and they don’t routinely overeat. They drink alcohol in moderate amounts, if at all. They are naturally active, often gardening or walking several miles a day. But it goes beyond diet and exercise: Blue Zone inhabitants also tend to have a sense of community and purpose (both on an individual and collective level), maintain low stress levels, put an emphasis on family interactions, maintain lifelong friends, and participate in religious or spiritual activities. Interestingly, there’s a wide variation in smoking habits and obesity in Blue Zones.

 Let me give some potent insights of how diet improves our sex lives?  

Just about any food that resembles the reproductive organs like penis, testicles, breast, labia or ovaries has been cited to be having aphrodisiac powers e.g., Ginseng roots, Avocados, figs, it is here that the Doctrine of Resemblances comes into play.  Certain colors like red, orange, black and white, which are according to me the colors of desire and passion like red colored fruits and vegetables. These foods contain certain chemical ingredients known by science today which can improve, enhance and impact sexual performance and pleasure. The red colored food contains lycopene, purple color foods contain anthocyanins and polyphenols, Orange and Yellow foods contain alpha beta carotene, beta cryptoxanthin, flavonoids, leutins and xiazanthins, green foods contain chlorophylls, glucosinades and indoles.  

Lastly, let me stress the importance of fiber in our diet.  Mayo Clinic Suggests that Dietary fibre — found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes — is probably best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But foods containing fibre can provide other health benefits as well, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. We all need at least 25 to 40 gms of fibre in our diet daily.  One of the best fibre rich foods which is available to us is Chia Seeds derived from the plant  Sativa hispanica. Chia Seeds contain high amount of fibre , proteins, magnesium, manganese, calcium phosphorus all these improve bone health and also reduce stress,  possess antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, all necessary to reduce chronic non communicable diseases like diabetes, obesity hypertension and osteoporosis, thus increasing chances of having a good quality of life. 

You may be Hindu, Muslim or Christian, but make Lifestyle modification not only your first religion but also the most needed magic wand for your good quality of life.

A healthy diet rich in fibre along with mild to moderate exercise, avoiding substance abuse like smoking etc. and reducing stress shall go a long way to keep you healthy and shall be your passport to immunity and longevity.

Many still run into conflict between science and belief and the difference between physiological and psychological effects of certain foods but what difference does it make as long as the food is satvik and is healthy for your mind and body, even if it does not trigger you or perk you up. If it does rekindle or spark up your sex life .. go for it anyway.

My Grandmother always said… Jaisa ann vaisa mun, Jaisa mun vaisa tun

Q.2. Hello Doctor, My query is Person taking alcohol daily is he going to have good Sex Life? Any remedies? 

• AS

A.2.  Alcohol does increase the desire to some extent  but decreases your abilities to have sex. So the ultimate yield is not worth it. My suggestion is switch to Red wine instead of any hard liquor like whisky, rum vodka or gin, Beer also lowers your testosterone and is known to reduce the sexual drive and libido.

Q.3. Dear Dr, Is there any sure medicine for erectile dysfunction? Please name a good one that may help one to go on and on. Thanks in advance.

• S, Age 67

A.3. Erectile Dysfunction  in men is due to  psycho vasculo neuro hormono and iatrogenic  causes besides ageing. Correcting all the above causes will surely give normal physiological erections. And you may not need any medications for sure.  Your question to give you a good medicine to help you go on and on and on is like asking that you want to  have a sustained erection and continue having intercourse for eternity. These are unrealistic expectations at the age of 67. Its not the quantity of sex that matters it’s the quality of sex that matters. Sex at 67 is not for reproduction or recreation but to have great relationship which makes all of us feel wanted and desirous. The art and science to be sexually fit is a lifestyle decision which we all need to consciously and mindfully take and be committed to it. Though Sex has no expiry date Sex is a part of our quality of life. 

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Prof Deepak K Jumani, Senior Sexual Health Physician & Counsellor, Sir JJ Group of Hospitals and Grant Govt Medical College & Mumbai Police Hospital, Mumbai.

Write to me: deepak.jumani@gmail.com

Talk to me: 9821044556

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