Naturals bliss: uncovering sexual-dysfunction concerns and supplements that can help.

Is getting in the mood for love becoming a bore? Has the sizzle disappeared from your sex life? Are you so tired at the end of the day that generating heat in the sheets seems like Mission Impossible?

Low libido is widespread these days, so much so that the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently reported the findings of a study on sexual dysfunction. The result is that more than 40 percent of American women and slightly more than one-third of the men have sexual dysfunction. In fact, the experts at the University of Chicago who conducted the survey declared the lack of libido "an epidemic public health concern."

If you're one of these millions, the good news is you're not alone. The better news is that you can improve the situation -- starting now! Provided that your overall health is good, there are a number of supplements that can restore desire and bring fun back into the bedroom. Of course, the best place to begin is with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. "Good nutrition is extremely important," says Beverly Whipple, Ph.D., a neuro-physiologist who has studied human sexuality for 30 years. "It affects all aspects of life, including the neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones that play a role in sexuality."

Whipple recommends a well-balanced diet, with the focus on low-fat fare. "If you,re trying to digest a lot of fatty foods," she says, "you probably won't have the energy for sex."

libido boosters

It's no secret that one person's turn-on can leave another cold. The same is true when it comes to romance-enhancing remedies. The key is finding the ones that work for both of you. A good place to start is by considering your own personal hurdles.

Say, for example, that you're so tired at the end of the day that you can't even think about sex. If that's the case, then the kava that helped your stressed-out friend enjoy a romantic evening may put you to sleep. Instead, the tried-and-true Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) might be a better bet. Also known as Indian ginseng because the two herbs have similar effects on the nervous system, ashwagandha fights stress, reduces inflammation and has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac. Select a standardized product containing two to seven mg of withanolides, the chemically active ingredients in ashwagandha, and follow dosage and frequency instructions.