The Sex Diet: How Nutrition Affects Your Libido

Unfortunately some medications such as opioids, anti-psychotics, cancer treatments and beta blockers can directly affect sex drive, as do some health issues including depression, fluctuating hormones, arthritis and aging, writes the Daily Mail.

However, where possible there are some changes you can make to help you get back in the mood, specifically with your diet. Nutritionist Sarah Flower reveals her top tips on what foods you can consume to help turn you on and what foods to avoid to prevent turning off.

HOW DOES NUTRITION AFFECT LIBIDO?

1: Fats affect nerve transmission

Increase fats such as essential fatty acids, omega-3 and natural oils by filling up on oily fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and flaxseeds. Good healthy fats such as oily fish act as anti-inflammatories and support nerve transmission and neurotransmitter actions.

2: Alkaline lowers libido-crushing inflammation

Reduce body inflammation by opting for an alkaline diet – fill up on dark green leafy vegetables and avoid processed foods, sugar and refined grains. This will be of particular help to those who have a health issue that is affecting their libido such as arthritis, obesity, hormone imbalances, diabetes and heart disease.

3: Minerals get your blood rushing

Boost blood flow and support micro-circulation by eating plenty of vitamin C-boosting berries as well as rich and leafy greens including kale and broccoli. You can also aid blood flow by eating plenty of zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, red meat, chickpeas and spinach. Zinc is particularly vital for healthy sperm and boosting male fertility. Cocoa also contains zinc, making dark chocolate which is also rich in phytonutrients, a good option.

4: Vitamin B crushes stress and boosts your mood

Enhance your mood by eating plenty of foods rich in B vitamins, such as pork, poultry, bread, wholegrains, eggs and pulses. I would also recommend taking a B-Complex which can help combat feelings of stress, lack of energy or depression. They are also vital in supporting the adrenal glands, which produce a variety of hormones.

5: Vitamin D primes your hormones for stimulation

Vitamin D is fast becoming the star vitamin and must-have for our overall health including our immune system, blood pressure and even cholesterol, but it also plays an important role in our sex drive. vitamin D deficiency can lower hormones (estrogen for woman and testosterone for men) which affect mood, sexual desire and performance. To improve mood and libido, I would advise taking a vitamin D supplement daily from October to April and for those who don't spend much time outside, throughout the year.

5: Antioxidants protect sperm from damage

Spirulina has been found to protect sperm and testes from the damaging effects of mercury poisoning, safeguarding male fertility. You can buy spirulina in powder or capsule form. It is also a little powerhouse of antioxidants.

FOODS TO GET YOU IN THE MOOD

Goji berries.

Goji berries are believed to be a strong sexual stimulant, as they increase testosterone levels which stimulates libido in both men and women. They also improve overall stamina, mood and wellbeing, all of which are vital components for an exciting sex life.

Avocados. Avocados contain high levels of folic acid which helps metabolize protein, therefore giving you more energy. Avocados also contain vitamin B6, a nutrient that increases male hormone production, and potassium which helps regulate a woman's thyroid gland, two elements that help get both men and women in the mood.

Bee pollen. Not only is bee pollen great for sex drive, it also gives you a boost of confidence, sustainable energy, increases your endurance, relieves stress, and enhances your immunity. It also has a huge effect on sperm count and is even believed to increase fertility.