....For better sexual and
reproductive health, steer
clear of foods that make
you feel sluggish and kill
your libido.
Coffee:
Habitual coffee drinkers
are at risk for harming
their adrenal glands, which
are responsible for
producing certain stress
hormones. Fiske says, “Over time, if the adrenals
normal functioning
declines, other hormones in
the body, like sex and
thyroid hormones, can be
affected as well.” So don’t overdo it -- consider
switching your 2nd cup to
an herbal tea instead.
Poor-quality oils
Likewise, poor oils can be
bad for those trying to
conceive as well. Dietary
fats come in many forms
and while some are
beneficial, others should be avoided if possible. “Poor
quality oils such as canola
and other processed
vegetable oils are prone to
oxidation, causing free
radicals in the body. Reducing oxidative stress
by eliminating these fats is
also key in protecting a
woman’s reproductive
system and increasing
conception ability,” says Fiske. Choose to cook with
more stable oils like
coconut oil or ghee and
stick with extra virgin
olive oil for salad dressings.
Processed-soy foods
While whole, unprocessed
soybeans and even
fermented soy (such as
natto, miso and tempeh)
possess some health
attributes, many soy products are highly
processed, stripping their
beneficial compounds
away and leaving only the
protein. Fiske says, “Soy
contains phytoestrogen compounds (naturally
occurring plant substances
that mimic the hormone
estrogen) that could
potentially disrupt normal
endocrine function, affecting hormone balance
in both men and women.”
Hormonal disruptions =
low libido, and general
fatigue.
MSG
Monosodium glutamate, or
MSG, is used as a food
additive in packaged foods
and at restaurants to
impart a certain flavor and
taste profile. Though it may contribute towards a
desirable taste in some
savory foods, it is also
known to cause some
undesirable health effects.
Fiske says, “MSG consumption could cause:
headaches, respiratory
issues, depression and
cognitive issues and
cardiovascular concerns.”
Poor brain health and depression can cause a
decline in libido and overall
sexual satisfaction. Be
vigilant -- read labels and
patron restaurants that do
not use this detrimental flavor enhancer.
Canned soup
Full of sodium, substandard
meat products, and a
handful of artificial
additives, canned soups
should be reserved for
your emergency kits only. Excessive dietary sodium
and low potassium intake
could lead to hypertension
(or high blood pressure)
which could result in
diminished blood flow to certain parts of the body,
including sexual organs.
For both men and women,
during times of arousal,
adequate blood flow is
necessary to ensure that sexual organs can function
properly and optimally
during sex. Cut back on
excessive sodium and
make a healthier soup from
scratch.
Artificial Sweeteners
There have been an
abundance of health
complaints reported from
users of aspartame since its
introduction to the modern
food supply. If you’re striving for weight loss and
choosing diet products
(sodas and sweets),
chances are you’ve been
consuming this substance.
Fiske says, “Aspartame can inhibit serotonin and could
cause headaches,
depression, irritability,
anxiety attacks, insomnia.
Serotonin is considered a
“feel good” hormone and without sufficient supplies
of this, mood and libido
could suffer.” It is proven
that aspartame can affect
the neurotransmitter
dopamine, which is necessary in the proper
amounts for normal sexual
behavior. Stick to small
amounts of natural
sweeteners instead -- just
don’t over indulge!