Eating habits that can have a negative impact on men’s sexual health
By Radhika Agrawal
22 January 2023
This article is a repost which originally appeared on GQ India.
Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.
Key Points
‧ Diet has a high impact on sexual performance.
‧ Negative habits like smoking, excess caffeine and alcohol, and poor sleep can also negatively affect sexual performance.
‧ Switching to a healthy diet may reverse many of the above problems.
POV: You take your date out for pizza and wine, the two of you click instantly, and they even invite you back to their place. Everything is going splendidly—until your erection bails on you midway. If you’re not sure what went wrong, it might be a good idea to take a closer look at your diet leading up to the anticlimactic event. Junk food can have an adverse effect on your libido and excessive drinking can leave you with an unfortunate case of whisky dick.
“Sexual health and nutrition share a closer relationship than most realize. What we put into our body determines how it functions, and a lousy diet can influence erectile function through its effects on the biology of blood vessels and nerves, leading to issues that will affect sexual performance,” says Dr. Rushikesh Trivedi, Metabolic Expert at Fast&Up.
When we talk about men’s sexual health, we are not only referring to the sex drive or libido, but also the ability to have and maintain an erection, which is known as erectile function. Your diet and nutrition can have a positive or negative impact on your sexual health and performance, both directly and indirectly. We spoke to Dr. Trivedi to understand how this happens. Here’s everything you need to know about the relationship between nutrition and sexual health in men.
Following a healthy, balanced diet is not only the key to looking good in the bedroom—it’s also responsible for your sexual health. If you are noticing a decrease in your sex drive or erectile function, it’s time to start cutting out unhealthy and junk foods from your nutrition plan. “Making smart dietary choices can help turn things around. It is critical to consume meals high in zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids for optimal sperm health and production. Nuts, beans, shellfish, green vegetables, seeds, seafood, and other foods fall under this category,” advises Dr. Trivedi. He also suggests consuming supplements from trusted and certified brands to meet your dietary needs.
Let’s not forget that an improper diet is also linked to weight gain and obesity, which can lead to self esteem issues and other health problems. “Carrying those extra pounds can increase the odds of developing unwanted health and sexual problems,” says Dr. Trivedi.
You may not realize it, but your unhealthy lifestyle habits can affect your sexual patterns in the long run. Smoking, excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, erratic sleep schedules, and a stressful routine can lead to sexual dysfunction over a period of time. It is essential that you take care of your cardiovascular health to improve your sexual health.
According to Dr. Trivedi, the most common causes of sexual problems are fatigue and depression. Exercising can boost your mood and help you have better sex. “By exercising on a regular basis, you increase your blood flow and stamina. You’re also releasing more endorphins, which generate positive emotions in the body akin to morphine,” he says.
