Many people’s sex lives are affected by different factors, one of which could be what we eat and drink.
Here are 30 foods and drinks that you should avoid if you want to keep your sex drive high.
1. Sugar
Processed sugar can lower testosterone levels, which diminishes sex drive. Reaching for sugary snacks or drinks may lead to a decrease in energy.
2. Soy
Soy contains phytoestrogens that mimic the hormone estrogen, leading to reduced testosterone levels and a lower sex drive. Eating too much soy can be a problem, especially if you’re a man.
3. Margarine and other Hydrogenated Oils
Partially hydrogenated oils and trans fats in margarine and other processed foods have been shown to lower testosterone and increase the risk of heart disease, which can affect your sex life in the long run.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol is often known to make people feel more relaxed and less inhibited, but too much alcohol has the opposite effect, leading to decreased libido, and can cause issues with sexual performance.
5. Diet Sodas and other Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners may seem like a healthier alternative to sugar, but they could be harming your sex drive.
According to a study, consuming large quantities of diet sodas and other artificial sweeteners can cause a decrease in libido.
6. Canned Foods
Canned foods, including soups and vegetables, often contain high amounts of sodium. Excessive sodium in the diet can increase blood pressure and cause significant water retention, both of which can reduce sexual desire.
7. Fried Foods
French fries, fried chicken, and other fried foods may be tasty, but they can contain high levels of unhealthy fats, which may increase inflammation and the risk of heart disease, affecting your sex drive in the long run.
8. Processed Meats
Processed meats, including hot dogs, bacon, and sausage, have been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. These meats are also often high in salt and unhealthy fats, which can hurt your sex life in the long run.
9. High-Caffeine Beverages
Caffeine can help to boost energy levels and may be okay in moderate amounts, but high levels of caffeine can cause jitters and anxiety, affecting your sex drive.
10. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Monster, are often high in caffeine and other stimulants. While they may provide a temporary energy boost, consuming too many can lead to jitters and anxiety, lowering sex drive in the long run.
11. Fast Food
Fast food meals are often packed with calories, unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems that may affect sexual desire.
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be helpful for maintaining a healthy sex life.
12. White Bread and Pasta
White bread, pasta, and other processed grains quickly turn into glucose, which can cause an immediate blood sugar spike, followed by a crash that can leave you feeling tired and lacking the energy to engage sexually.
13. Caffeinated Teas
Caffeinated teas like black tea have natural sources of caffeine. However, consuming teas with high levels of caffeine too regularly can lead to a decrease in the libido, making sex drive suffer.
14. White Rice
Similar to white bread and pasta, white rice is another processed grain that can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to decreased sexual desire and a perceived lack of energy.
15. Salty Snacks
Chips, pretzels, and other salty snacks can significantly increase blood pressure and lead to water retention. This can cause fatigue and lower energy levels, including low libido and sexual performance problems.
16. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum can lead to swallowing of air which can cause bloating and digestive issues. It should be avoided as it can lead to discomfort during sexual activity.
17. Dairy Products
Dairy is an essential food group, but if you’re lactose intolerant and continue to consume dairy, it leads to gas, bloating, and other digestive problems, which leads to discomfort during sexual activity.
18. Baked Goods
Baked goods like cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats may taste delicious, but they may contain high amounts of sugar and trans fats that have been linked to low libido and sexual dysfunction.
19. Red Meat
Although red meat is known to be a great source of protein, diets high in red meat have been linked to decreased testosterone levels, which can lead to decreased sex drive over time.
20. Processed Cheese
Processed cheese, including cream cheese, cheese spreads and other varieties, often contain high amounts of salt and trans fats, leading to obesity, hypertension, and other health issues that affect the libido.
21. Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice may seem like a healthy beverage choice, but it is known to interact with various medications, including those prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction.
22. Restaurant Foods
Restaurant foods often pack in calories, fats, and salt in large quantities to make the food taste good. However, too much of it can lead to obesity or hypertension and other health issues in long run, which can diminish sexual desire.
23. Processed Snacks
Processed snacks such as popcorn, rice cakes, and other snacks, are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugar, leading to weight gain and low libido.
24. Bottled Salad Dressings
Many bottled salad dressings are packed with sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats, leading to obesity and hypertension, which can affect the libido in the long run.
25. Energy Bars and Snack Pouches
Energy bars, protein bars, and other snack pouches may sound healthy, but they can be loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats, leading not only to weight gain but also contributing to low sex drive in the long run.
26. Processed Frozen Foods
Frozen dinners and other frozen foods often contain high levels of salt, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, which can promote obesity and hypertension, two major factors that can affect sexual desire.
27. Artificial Syrups
Artificial syrups, such as high-fructose corn syrup, are often added to juices and other beverages, and they can lead to weight gain when consumed in large amounts, leading to decreased sexual desire and other problems in the long run.
28. Packaged Instant Foods
Instant foods like noodles, pasta, soup mixes, and other pre-packaged foods often contain high levels of salt, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, leading to weight gain and other health problems that affect the libido.
29. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade are designed to replenish fluids and energy after a workout, but they can also contain high levels of sugar and unhealthy chemicals, which can negatively affect sexual desire over time.
30. Fried and Processed Seafood
Fried and processed seafood, including fish and chips, shrimp, and other seafood dishes, often contain high levels of unhealthy fats, trans fats, and sodium, leading to detrimental health effects ranging from obesity to hypertension that can cause low libido.
Conclusion
It is essential to note that sex drive can be impacted by different factors, including lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy diet.
Avoiding the foods and drinks listed above in large quantities is crucial to maintaining good sexual activity that’s essential for your physical and mental wellness.