SLUGGISH
....For better sexual and reproductive health, steer clear of foods that make
you feel sluggish and kill your libido.
THE NATIONAL Institutes of
Health (NIH) just released a study that links soda with depression. “Oh but I
drink diet soda,” you say. Turns out the risk is even greater for those on the
artificial sweeteners. Ever hear of the depressed guy who had the libido of a
stallion? Yeah, we haven’t either.
In another study involving
more than 21,000 individuals published in The New England Journal of Medicine,
it was concluded that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can interfere
with genes that affect weight increasing a person’s risk for diabetes.
“Dental cavities, diabetes,
obesity, dehydration, and bone loss are just a few of the negative consequences
of drinking too much of this beverage”, says Rachel Fiske, Certified Nutrition
Consultant and Owner of Madrona Wellness in San Francisco
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Potato chips and crackers
Even with the more natural,
“healthier” alternatives offered today, many of these snacks are deep-fried in
bad oils that may potentially create carcinogenic compounds.
Fiske says, “If it isn’t
trans-fats that are used in chips and crackers, other highly rancid and cheaper
oils are used, and to make matters worse, they are heated at destructive
temperatures. This combination of bad fats with high heat will lead to
oxidative damage to the tissues and cells of the human body,” interfering with
hormone regulation (including the sex hormones), skin health and weight
maintenance.
Cheese
Most commercially bought
cheeses come from cow’s milk treated with antibiotics and other growth
hormones. “Over-consumption of dairy products will increase the exposure of these
toxins (hormones) in our bodies, interfering with our bodies natural production
of hormones, including sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone).
Too much accumulation of
xenoestrogens (“bad” estrogens from the environment and food) could contribute
to sexual dysfunction and mood issues,” says Fiske. If you can’t part ways with
your dairy, at least make sure to choose cheese that is not from cow’s milk
treated with antibiotics or hormones.
Alcohol
“While alcohol can lower
psychological inhibitions and increase the desire for sex, as alcohol acts as a
depressant it can inhibit physiological symptoms and hinder the body’s ability
for sexual activity, despite perhaps the presence of desire,” says clinical
psychologist Dr. Julie M. Mullany.
Chronic alcohol consumption
can be particularly detrimental to men as it decreases testosterone production.
Don’t think this is all a guy thing either. “Testosterone in both women and men
in the proper amount helps support a healthy libido,” says Fiske. So you might
have the guts to hit on someone but…there won’t be much other action.
Pizza
This convenient comfort
promotes insulin surges. Fiske says, “Excessive insulin can impair ovarian
function thus leading to reproductive issues and difficulty in conceiving.” If
you see a family in your future, lay off the pie.
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
dress. (AGENCIES)
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