Can Ketogenic Diet Impact a Man’s Sexual Performance?  

Did you know that the Ketogenic Diet was originally designed to manage epilepsy in patients? Yes, it is formulated initially to manage epileptic seizures in children. However, it recently became a mainstream diet for achieving weight loss. As this diet becomes more popular than ever, a new question emerges: could the keto diet also hold the key to enhancing men’s sexual performance? Let’s find out! 

What is the Ketogenic Diet, and how does it work? 

The Ketogenic Diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. It is said to cause weight loss and a host of other health benefits. When you are on a Keto Diet, you are sourcing calories from protein and fat instead of getting calories from carbohydrates. The said diet encourages you to cut back on the usual sources of carbs such as white bread, pastries, sugar, and soda. 

So, how does Keto help people lose weight? When people consume less than 50 grams of carbohydrates a day, their bodies run out of fuel from blood sugar. This type of fuel is something their bodies can use immediately. In the absence of blood sugar, their bodies break down fat and protein to generate energy. This process is called “ketosis.”  

Keto and Libido 

There is no conclusive evidence that the Ketogenic Diet can increase libido.  

However, Keto can indirectly help improve one’s sex life. For one, achieving a fit body allows you to have a better body image that can help you become more confident in bed. 

In addition, losing weight has been shown to decrease the occurrence of low testosterone levels in overweight, middle-aged men with prediabetes by nearly 50%, as per research from the Endocrine Study. 

Although being on a Keto Diet can be good for you, there is a possibility that your sex life might take a hit during the early days of being on the said diet. Some people on the Keto Diet reported experiencing dips in sexual desire upon starting Keto. However, after this initial dip, the same people experienced a marked improvement in their libidos. Why is that? The initial lowering of the libido might be attributed to the discomfort that the body experiences due to the change in its usual diet. This is called keto flu. The improvement in libido might result from the body getting accustomed to the lack of carbs and increased fat intake. 

However, these reports are anecdotal and are not backed by scientific or medical research, so take them with a grain of salt. 

Keto and Sexual Dysfunctions 

Can a Ketogenic Diet help you if you have erectile dysfunction or are experiencing premature ejaculation? It might. As mentioned earlier, Ketogenic Diet can help promote a positive body image. 

A study published by the National Library of Medicine showed a correlation between self-concept and erectile dysfunction. Men with ED are more likely to have negative body image and lower sexual self-esteem. The improvement in body image as a result of a Keto Diet can help men get over their ED or premature ejaculation if the cause of the said dysfunctions is their poor body image. 

Ketogenic Diet might also help men experiencing premature ejaculation because of obesity or hormonal imbalance. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, Keto Diet may positively influence hormonal balance and endocrinological disorders. This can be good news for people suffering from obesity because of endocrine-related health issues such as Cushing’s disease, hypogonadism, and growth hormone deficiency. 

Another issue that a Ketogenic Diet might address is anxiety. Anxiety is a common cause of premature ejaculation. Anxiety might be about a person’s sexual performance or about a completely unrelated issue. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, a low-carb diet like Keto can have anxiolytic effects, which means that it can counter anxiety.  

It’s best to consult with a licensed doctor or a nutritionist before trying this diet because it also poses some risks. 

Keto Diet Risks 

The number one risk of Keto Diet is that it’s high in saturated fat. Registered nutritionists suggest keeping saturated fats up to 7% of daily calories because higher fat intake is linked to heart disease. In fact, it’s connected to an increase in “bad” LDL cholesterol. 

Here are some other potential keto risks to consider: 

Nutrient Deficiencies — With restricted food choices, you may not get enough essential nutrients, which are primarily found in fruits, whole grains, and some vegetables. 

Kidney Stones — The diet’s high protein content can increase the risk of kidney stones because of the elevated levels of calcium excretion. 

Constipation — Due to the diet’s low fibre content, you may experience digestive issues such as constipation. 

Fuzzy Thinking and Mood Swings —The brain requires sugar from healthy carbohydrates to function properly. You may feel confused and irritable when you’re on a low-carb diet. 

All these risks affect your sexual function, too. When you have fewer nutrients in your body than normal, your body won’t function properly. Hence, you won’t be able to perform at your best during sex. 

Conclusion 

The popularity of the Ketogenic Diet has been growing this past decade because it has helped many individuals lose weight. Keto can help promote a positive body image and even indirectly address erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. 

However, because most of its benefits still require further studies, the most prudent thing to do is get your nutritionist’s expert advice before going on a Keto Diet. You’ll better understand the risks and benefits of this low-carb diet regimen. 

If you want to address your sexual dysfunctions and are curious about how your diet affects your bedroom performance, book a consultation at the Men’s Health Clinic (MHC) today. We have licensed nutritionists who can help you.