Beware of passion busters in the bedroom

Many of the daily habits could be behind your flagging libido.

London: Many of the daily habits -- from the cold remedies you use to the food you eat -- could be behind your flagging libido.

Treating the problem with drugs could not probably be the answer. In fact, the solution might be simpler, the Daily Mail reported. A few of the passion busters are: White bread: Eating too much white bread and other refined carbohydrates can zap your sex drive, says Helen Bond of the British Dietetic Association. "Foods such as white bread release the sugar more quickly than their wholegrain counterparts and too much sugar is associated with energy slumps," which mean no energy for sex, she adds. Cold and flu remedies: Over-the-counter cold and flu remedies are well-known libido dampeners, says John Tomlinson, specialist in men`s sexual health and trustee of the Sexual Advice Association. Iron deficiency: "Low iron levels are thought to reduce the quality of blood flow and so sap energy," explains Radha Modgil, a physician in West London with a special interest in sexual health. Blood pressure pills: "These can sometimes significantly reduce libido and cause erectile dysfunction," explains Graham Jackson, consultant cardiologist at Guy`s & St Thomas`s Hospital. "Because they reduce heart rate and blood flow, not as much blood gets to the genitals," he adds. Apple shaped figure: "Increased waist circumference, or being an apple shape, reduces the amount of a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) which is produced in the liver," explains Mark Vanderpump, consultant endocrinologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London. Baldness: Michael Irwig, assistant professor of medicine at George Washington University, discovered that 94 percent men taking hair loss drug finasteride developed low sexual desire, 92 percent suffered from erectile dysfunction and 69 percent experienced difficulty with orgasm. Herbal libido boosters: John Tomlinson says, "Just because something is natural, it doesn`t mean it is safe". As with any of these products - for libido or otherwise - some of them really are very dangerous, and Tomlinson says he would advise against buying anything off internet. Some products are made in appalling conditions and can actually be poisonous. Diabetes: When it comes to sex, good blood flow is important, says Tomlinson. "Not only does diabetes cause nerve damage, which means you`re less sensitive to touch, but 50 percent of men with diabetes will eventually suffer from erectile dysfunction and low testosterone, which are huge reasons for low sex drive." IANS