How to Boost Your Relationship and Sex Life with Healthy Eating
Food and sex
Much of the
lore surrounding the desire- and performance-enhancing effects of
certain foods is anecdotal. But a good diet can help boost your libido
and ensure your body is working well. A poor diet can lead to a host of
health issues, which may negatively effect your sex life. For example,
erectile dysfunction is often linked to obesity and diabetes, which can
be caused by a poor diet.
Food is an important part of your
everyday life and overall health. So it may not surprise you that your
diet can affect your sex life. Changing your eating habits and behaviors
may not be a cure-all for sexual issues, but it’s a good place to
start.
Eating
a well-balanced diet and taking certain supplements may help improve
your overall health and sex life. It’s also important to avoid drinking
too much alcohol.
Healthy diet
Fueling your body with the
right kinds of food can help boost your mood and energy levels to
support a healthy relationship and sex life. For optimum health, eat a
nutrient-rich diet that’s low in trans fats, saturated fats, added
sugars, and sodium. Eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins. To avoid gaining weight, don’t
eat more calories than you burn in a day.
Arginine and L-citrulline
Arginine,
also known as L-arginine, is an amino acid used by your body to make
nitric oxide. This important chemical helps your blood vessels relax,
which promotes good blood flow. If you’re a man, good blood flow to the
erectile tissues in your penis is important for sustaining an erection.
When
you take supplemental arginine, your intestines break most of it down
before it reaches your bloodstream. It may be more helpful to take
L-citrulline supplements. L-citrulline is another amino acid that’s
converted to arginine in your body. A small study published in UrologyTrusted Source found that L-citrulline supplements were more effective than a placebo for treating mild erectile dysfunction.
Both
amino acids are also found in foods. L-citrulline is found in foods
such as watermelon. Arginine is found in many foods, including:
- walnuts
- almonds
- fish
- whey
- fruits
- leafy vegetables
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Zinc
The
link between zinc and sexual health isn’t completely understood, but
zinc appears to affect your body’s production of testosterone. It’s also
necessary for the development of sperm and semen in men. Adequate zinc
levels may boost male fertility. Zinc and other nutrients, such as
folate, may also impact female fertility.
Zinc is available in
supplement form. It’s also found in some foods. Oysters are nature’s
richest source of this essential element. Not surprisingly, they have
traditionally been viewed as aphrodisiacs, capable of kindling sexual
desire.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol may lower your
inhibitions and increase the likelihood that you’ll engage in sexual
activity. However, it can also cause acute or chronic erectile
dysfunction. It can lead to unsafe behavior too. When you mix sex with
alcohol, you’re less likely to use proper precautions to prevent
unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Out of control
drinking can also negatively affect your behavior and relationships with
other people. Don’t rely on alcohol to improve your sex life.
Sometimes,
food can be a source of stress and conflict in relationships. On the
other hand, you and your partner may bond over shared meals together.
Eating together
In
some sense, your brain is the most important sex organ. Sex begins with
affection, intimacy, and desire. Mealtime is a great time to unwind
with your partner and build intimacy in a relaxed and pleasurable
setting.
Food conflicts
Sometimes, different food
preferences and habits can be a source of stress in a relationship. To
help build intimacy and trust, talk to your partner about issues
surrounding your relationship with food. Sources of potential conflicts
include:
- cultural differences
- religious dietary restrictions
- tension between a vegetarian and omnivore
- tension between a picky and adventurous eater
If
either of you have a history of eating disorders or chronic dieting,
that can also influence your relationships with food and each other.
Support
Body
weight is tied to self-esteem and body image for many people. If your
partner is trying to lose weight, help them along the way. If you know
they’re an emotional eater, offer them support when they seem upset.
Criticizing their food choices or looking over their shoulder while
they’re eating won’t foster good feelings. Be supportive, not
destructive.
Many
diet-related health conditions can negatively impact your sex life, as
well as your overall health and quality of life. Take steps to prevent
and treat diet-related conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure,
and high cholesterol.
Excess weight
Obesity has been
linked to lower fertility. Being overweight or obese may also damage
your self-esteem, which can affect your libido and desire to be
intimate.
To lose excess weight, burn more calories than you
consume. Eat healthy portion sizes and limit foods that are high in fat
and added sugars. Getting regular exercise is also important.
High blood pressure
Eating
too much sodium can increase your blood pressure and limit your blood
flow. This can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and reduce blood flow
to the vagina in women. Certain blood pressure medications can also
cause undesired sexual side effects.
To help maintain healthy
blood pressure, follow a well-balanced diet, don’t eat too much sodium,
and include potassium-rich foods daily. If you think you’re experiencing
negative side effects from blood pressure medication, talk to your
doctor. An alternative medication may be available.
High cholesterol
A
diet high in saturated or trans fats can increase your “bad” LDL
cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in
your arteries, which can limit blood flow and contribute to
atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most heart
disease. It can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
To help
maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels, eat a well-balanced diet
that’s rich in fiber and low in saturated and trans fats. Include foods
that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
