Health: 6 Foods That Are Killing Your Sex Drive

You aren’t in the mood for sex some nights. Expectedly, you blame stress, fatigue, a lack of sleep, but the secret behind your libido’s loss is perhaps hidden in your plate of food.

Since both testosterone and oestrogen play a critical role in the bodies of men and women, an imbalance can either amp up or diminish your sex drive. Research shows that certain foods can significantly impact your hormonal levels. So, look before you eat.

Here are six foods you should avoid if you want the libido to simmer:

1. Alcohol

According to researchers, alcohol is a downer and can affect a man’s ability to maintain his erection. Since it affects both sexes, women, you too need to take it slow. While all alcohol affects the liver’s ability to get rid of excess oestrogen, beer is rich in phytoestrogens. Its plant-derived oestrogen directly affects fertility.

2. Sugar

High levels of sugar in your bloodstream can adversely affect the gene that controls your sex hormones. Simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, are metabolised in your liver and the excess fat gets stored as lipids. Excess fat synthesis deactivates your shbg (sex hormone binding globulin) gene, causing your levels of shbg protein to drop dramatically, and it is this shbg protein that controls your testosterone and oestrogen levels.

3. Plastic bottles

Throw away that spare water bottle you keep at work. It’s not the water, but the plastic which is the problem. Most plastic food containers and water bottles contain bisphenol a (bpa), a chemical component that is reported to have a negative impact on fertility in both men and women.

4. Coffee

Coffee as we all know wires up the body system and make you feels alert. But if you’re someone who feels edgy or apprehensive after drinking coffee, the caffeine could have a direct impact on the time in bed with your partner. Increased anxiety can often lower your sex drive.

5. Spicy foods

Heavily scented or spiced foods have the potential to change the way your vagina smells and tastes. This list of food and beverages also has on it coffee, onions, garlic and strong spices. Try and include more whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies in your diet.

6. Chocolate

Dark chocolate has often been perceived as a stimulant and is said to induce feelings of love and affection. But there are types of chocolates that are known to adversely affect and reduce testosterone levels. Be careful with what you choose to eat. Try always opting for darker chocolates.