Sexual desire is a fundamental aspect of our lives. However, it is not uncommon to suffer from decreased libido or, worse, sexual dysfunction. And while several factors can lead to a reduced sex drive, what we eat plays a crucial role.

Certain foods can act as libido killers and damage relationships. Here are 30 foods to avoid if you want to kill your sex drive.

1. Soy

Long touted as a health food, soy may be detrimental to your sex life. Soy contains phytoestrogens that mimic the female hormone, estrogen, which can lead to a decrease in testosterone production, a vital hormone for both men and women.

2. Mint

Mint has a cooling effect on the body. While this may be refreshing during summer, the same cooling effect can decrease libido, resulting in less interest in sex.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol can lead to decreased sexual desire, delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. Long-term use can lower testosterone levels, making it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.

4. Red meat

Red meat has been linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. This is due to its high levels of saturated fat, which can lead to blocked arteries, limiting blood flow and causing difficulties getting and maintaining erections.

5. Fried foods

Fried foods have a high-fat content, which can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease. Erectile dysfunction is a common complication of heart disease, so limit your intake of fried foods if you want to maintain your sexual health.

6. Canned foods

Canned foods contain high levels of bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical used in the production of plastic that can disrupt hormone production, leading to low libido and sexual dysfunction.

7. Dairy products

Dairy products contain a type of protein called casein, which can lead to an increase in prolactin levels, a hormone involved in breast milk production that can reduce libido and testosterone levels.

8. Sugar

High sugar intake can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which can have a negative impact on sexual function. In addition, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the genitals.

9. Processed foods

Processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, and fat, which can lead to increased body weight, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, all of which can negatively impact sexual function.

10. Low-fat foods

Low-fat foods are often high in sugar, which, as we have seen earlier, can lead to a host of health problems that negatively impact sexual function.

11. Spicy foods

While some may find spicy foods arousing, it is not advisable to consume too much of them. Spicy foods can increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to sweating and gastrointestinal discomfort, all of which can negatively impact sexual desire.

12. Fast food

Fast food often has a high-fat content, which can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, and heart disease, all of which can negatively impact sexual function.

Furthermore, fast food often lacks essential nutrients and antioxidants needed for sexual health.

13. Diet soda

Diet soda contains aspartame, a chemical that has been linked to a reduction in sex drive. Additionally, diet soda consumption has been linked to an increased risk of depression, which can also negatively impact sexual function.

14. Energy drinks

Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, which can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia. Lack of sleep can negatively impact sexual function and libido.

15. Margarine

Margarine is made from hydrogenated vegetable oil, which contains trans fats that can negatively impact cardiovascular health and lead to a decrease in sexual function.

16. White flour

White flour is often used in baked goods and processed foods. It has a high glycemic index, and as such, consuming too much of it can lead to high blood sugar levels, negatively impacting sexual function.

17. Non-organic foods

Non-organic foods often contain pesticides and herbicides that can disrupt hormone production, leading to low libido and sexual dysfunction.

18. MSG

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is often used as a flavor enhancer in Chinese food and other processed foods. It can cause headaches, sweating, and nausea, all of which can negatively impact sexual function.

19. Microwave popcorn

Microwave popcorn bags often contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical that has been linked to a decrease in testosterone levels.

Additionally, microwave popcorn often contains high levels of sodium and trans fats, contributing to poor cardiovascular health and reduced sexual function.

20. Caffeine

Caffeine can interfere with sleep patterns, which can lead to a decrease in sexual desire and function. Additionally, caffeine is a diuretic, leading to dehydration, which can also negatively impact sexual function.

21. White rice

White rice has a high glycemic index, leading to spikes in blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels and negatively impact sexual function.

22. Commercial salad dressings

Commercial salad dressings often contain high levels of sugar and sodium, contributing to poor cardiovascular health and reduced sexual function.

Store-bought salad dressings also lack essential nutrients, such as antioxidants, needed for sexual health.

23. Yeast bread

Yeast bread is often made with white flour and contains high levels of sugars and carbohydrates, leading to spikes in blood sugar levels and poor cardiovascular health, which can negatively impact sexual function.

24. Low-carb diets

Low-carb diets can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels, as carbohydrates are essential for testosterone production. Additionally, low-carb diets can lead to poor cardiovascular health, which can contribute to a decrease in sexual function.

25. High-fat dairy

High-fat dairy can lead to an increase in estrogen levels and a decrease in testosterone levels, negatively impacting sexual function.

26. Bacon

Bacon is high in saturated fat, which can cause clogged arteries, leading to poor cardiovascular health and a decrease in sexual function.

27. Vegetable oils

Vegetable oils, such as corn, soybean, and canola oil, have a high level of omega-6 fatty acids that can lead to inflammation in the body, negatively impacting cardiovascular health and sexual function.

28. Energy bars

Energy bars often contain high levels of sugar and carbohydrates, leading to spikes in blood sugar levels and poor cardiovascular health, which negatively impacting sexual function.

29. High salt foods

High salt intake can lead to increased blood pressure, damaged blood vessels, and decreased sexual function. It is advisable to limit salt intake and consume more potassium-rich foods.