Promoting sexual health is more than just a matter of good hygiene or preventing infectious diseases that undermine one’s sexual health. It also entails having a good and balanced diet. Good food allows the body to acquire various nutrients that are needed by the internal organs to function well. Even the skin is rejuvenated through the consumption of nutritious meals and water.
A poor diet can wreak havoc on your sexual health. Let’s discuss some consequences of a poor diet.
- Irregular periods
The lack of a balanced, nutritious diet could possibly expose you to several physiological problems. Women, for example, could experience irregular periods or even totally miss several periods due to overeating and over-exercise.
- Osteoporosis
Missing menstrual periods may be a sign of decreased estrogen levels. Low estrogen levels as well as over-training can lead to osteoporosis. Women who lack calcium intake can also develop a higher risk of osteoporosis or brittle bone syndrome. Osteoporosis causes a woman’s bone density to decrease, leaving her skeletal system weak and vulnerable to fractures. Low estrogen levels during the peak years of bone-building through the preteen and teen years, can affect bone density for the rest of your life. Bone growth lost during these years cannot be regained.
- Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance can related to food can have a host physician and psychological effects. Some problems include difficulty conceiving, depression, sleeping difficulties, oversensitivity, mood swings, and anxiety.
- Anorexia and/or Bulemia
Improper eating habits can also cause some women to develop psychological problems. Anorexia and bulimia are two of the most common eating disorders reported today especially among younger women. More than just being drawn into a pattern of near-fatal under-eating. self-inflicted starvation is a very dangerous effect of having an imbalanced sense of self-worth and self-image. Young women with this disorder starve themselves almost to the point of death. This can lead to damaged teeth, stunted growth as well as cardiac effects.
- Anemia
Diets low in iron rich foods can lead to anemia which can cause fatigue and , if severe, major health problems. Anemia is common in menstruating women, especially if periods are heavy. Try to consume a diet high in iron rich foods which include beans, spinach, red meats, liver, and iron fortified cereals to name a few.
- Decline in Male testosterone
Among men, hormonal changes are also caused by poor nutrition. Over-exercise overtraining also causes a sharp decline in male testosterone levels. Men with testosterone problems usually suffer from low sperm count, lack of sex drive, and erection problems.
Indeed, food is not only for the stomach. Good and proper nutrition is also essential to male and female health, especially in the area of sexual ability and performance. By eating the right kinds and amounts of food — plus getting sufficient rest and exercise, men and women can improve their sexual performance and overall sense of well-being.
