11 Foods That Kills Your Libido

Foods are very essential for our living no doubt. Remember the maxim that says ‘Eat healthy’. The food we eat can cause complications in our hormones, state of energy and the blood flow, which is able to kill the sex drives. It can also affect our sexual health both physically and psychologically.

Here are some foods that can kill the libido:

1. Alcohol: Based on a research conducted by The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, chronic drinking can permanently cause a damage to the cells in the testicle. While a drink or two can help to lower inhibitions and increase desire, excessive alcohol consumption can have the opposite effect. Alcohol is a depressant that can lower testosterone levels and decrease libido in both men and women. Alcohol is able to reduce the testetorone and the sexual functioning.

2. Soda: While some may frown at the mention of soda being able to kill your sex drives, yes, not exactly but when taken in excess. The artificial sweetener in your soda may affect the hormone  (Rotonin) that helps you get in the mood, it can also lead to the resistance of insulin over time which results in diabetes placing you at a high risk of erectile dysfunction. If you have to take sugar, moderation is key.

3. Cheese and Fried foods: Your body’s natural production of hormones, the estrogen and testosterone inclusive can be tampered with due to excess intake of cheese. While we are not ruling out the consumption of cheese totally, caution should be applied. Hydrogenated oils used in frying foods is also able to lower the testetorone.

4. Mint: Yes, it keeps away bad breath. The menthol in mint may reduce your sex drive because it reduces the testetorone also. Note that some cigarettes too contains menthol which may cause  delay in a ‘hard on’.

5. Trans fat: If you are experiencing a congested arteries then it’s time to put away all the food that contains trans fat. Blood flow is very important for a healthy sex life. Beside, cardiovascular health is very crucial not only for sexual functions but also for your sexual health.

6. Processed foods and added sugars: These types of foods can lead to weight gain, which can have a negative impact on libido. Excess weight can decrease testosterone levels and lead to decreased sexual desire and performance.

7. Caffeine: While caffeine can provide a temporary boost in energy, it can also lead to increased anxiety and decreased sleep quality. Poor sleep can lead to decreased testosterone levels and decreased libido.

8. High-fat and fried foods: These types of foods can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which can have a negative impact on libido. Inflammation can also lead to decreased testosterone levels and decreased sexual desire.

9. Soy: While soy is a source of protein and can be part of a healthy diet, it can also contain phytoestrogens, which can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. This can lead to decreased testosterone levels and decreased libido in men.

10. Licorice: While licorice may be a tasty treat, it can also lead to decreased testosterone levels and decreased libido. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can interfere with the production of testosterone.

11.Vegetables from the cabbage family: Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can contain compounds called goitrogens, which can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones. Low thyroid hormone levels can lead to decreased libido.

Antidepressants: Certain types of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can lead to decreased libido as a side effect. If you are taking antidepressants and experiencing decreased libido, it is important to discuss this with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

While these foods may have a negative impact on libido, remember that a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing decreased libido, make out time to discuss this with a healthcare practitioner to determine the cause and determine the best course of treatment.

In addition to considering the types of foods you eat, it is also important to pay attention to your overall lifestyle and habits. Stress, lack of exercise, and other factors can also contribute to decreased libido. Incorporating healthy habits such as regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help to improve libido and overall sexual health.

Aside the foods listed above, there are a physical and psychological factors that can contribute to decreased libido. Here are a few additional things to consider:

Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can lead to decreased libido in both men and women. In men, low testosterone levels can lead to decreased desire and performance. In women, low estrogen levels can lead to decreased desire and arousal. It is of utmost importance to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider to determine if hormonal imbalances may be contributing to decreased libido.

Medications: In addition to antidepressants, certain other medications can have a negative impact on libido. These include blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and some contraceptives. If you are taking medications and experiencing decreased libido, it is advisable you discuss this with your care giver to determine the best course of treatment.

Age: As we age, it is natural for libido to decline. However, this does not mean that we can’t continue to have a healthy and satisfying sex life. It may just require a little more effort and understanding as we age.

Relationship issues: Sometimes, decreased libido can be related to problems in a relationship. Communication and understanding are key in maintaining a healthy and satisfying sexual relationship. If you are experiencing relationship issues, it may be helpful to seek the help of a therapist or counselor.

Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Poor body image: Women with poor body image are less likely to initiate sex, most women with a sagged tummy (more especially when the tummy is almost covering the vagina) feels their body is unattractive to the opposite sex and this affects their self esteem. They don’t feel confident pulling off their clothes to get down to the ‘show’.

Stress is a great killer of sex drives. Take time off to relax and get off the hook of financial, emotional, and work stress.

Past experience of sexual abuse: It does a lot of damage to the emotional health. Flashbacks of such experience either kills the sex drive or gives you goose pimples such that you dread having sex.

This article may be incomplete without mentioning how to navigate your way out of what kills your libido. Food and libido are closely related, as what we eat can have a direct impact on our sexual desire and performance. While certain foods can cause a decrease in libido,  there are also foods that have aphrodisiacs properties believed to increase libido or sexual desire. Here are a few examples:

Watermelon: This fruit contains citrulline, which is an amino acid that may help to improve blood flow and relax blood vessels. This can be beneficial for maintaining an erection and increasing libido.

Avocado: Avocado is a rich source of healthy fats, which are important for hormone production. It also contains vitamin B6, which is thought to help regulate hormone levels and improve mood.

Bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium and B vitamins, both of which are important for maintaining energy levels and overall health. They also contain an enzyme called bromelain, which is believed to enhance libido.

Pomegranates: Pomegranates contain antioxidants and polyphenols, which may help to improve blood flow and increase libido. They also contain estrogen-like compounds that may have a positive effect on sexual desire.

Strawberries: Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and overall health. They also contain compounds called flavonoids that may help to improve circulation and increase libido.

Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which is believed to produce feelings of pleasure and arousal. It also contains antioxidants and may help to improve blood flow.

Oysters: Oysters are high in zinc, which is important for testosterone production and maintaining a healthy libido. They are also rich in amino acids that may help to improve sexual function.

Ginger: Ginger is believed to have properties that may help to increase blood flow and improve circulation. It is also thought to have an effect on hormone levels and may help to improve mood.

Garlic: Garlic contains allicin, which is thought to have a positive effect on blood flow. It may also help to improve immune function and overall health.

Asparagus: Asparagus is high in vitamin E, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and overall health. It also contains antioxidants that may help to improve blood flow.

It should be noted that while these foods may have potential benefits for libido, they are only one part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management are all important for maintaining a healthy libido. Additionally, it’s important to communicate with your partner about your needs and desires in order to maintain a healthy and fulfilling sex life. Incorporating healthy habits such as regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help to improve libido and overall sexual health.