In order to enjoy an active sex life, we need to know what to avoid and what to strive for… There are many important factors that determine our success in bed. These are, for example: proper nutrition and exercise. There are also some things to avoid, again for the same reason. Here they are… 1. Stress Yes, it has been officially proven – excessive stress can play a devastating role in our sex life, as the intimate act involves both physical and psychological factors. We may be physically ready, but if our mind is “floating” somewhere and we are drowned in cares and worries, our sex life will hardly be up to par. Whether the problems are personal or professional, when our body is under stress, it releases the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. This will lead to a sudden drop in testosterone levels, which will not have a favorable effect on intimate life. Scientists have also proven that excessive stress also damages the quantity and quality of sperm. Everything said so far applies to both men and women, as their ovaries also produce hormones. If we are still under stress, we should avoid taking antidepressants, as they lower sexual function. Various exercises like breathing techniques, yoga, meditation would prove helpful in this case. These methods will help reduce stress levels and can also be extremely helpful if we practice any of them before heading to bed. Stress is often caused by lack of sleep. So, taking enough time to rest is a good start to dealing with the problem. 2. The “wrong” foods and stimulants When we talk about sex, and not only then, we have to be careful about what we eat. In order to enjoy a good sex life, it is important to carefully select the foods we consume, so that we can supply our body with all the necessary nutrients. NEWS_MORE_BOX The “right” foods are: fruits and vegetables to be eaten in moderation throughout the day. Dividing food into smaller portions, but more often, is necessary so that we do not feel bloated and heavy in the stomach during sex. Stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine certainly impair sexual performance, so we should avoid caffeine and foods containing it whenever possible. It is believed that they lead to the risk of impotence. On the other hand, proteins help to increase the libido, so it is recommended that foods containing proteins are present more often in our menu. 3. Pills designed to improve sex Not all pills offered on the market are safe and many couples experience the opposite effect – deterioration of sexual function. Such medications should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription, as there is a possibility of taking the wrong dose or their intake coincides with that of other medications.Sex pills can interact with nitrates, and people who take drugs for heart problems have a lot of the salts in their bodies. These people should refrain from such medications. Even popular pills like Viagra and Cialis could lead to prolonged and painful erections if overdosed. This condition is reached because the pills allow blood to flow into the male genitals, but block its way back. In addition, with regular use, such medications could lead to blurry and blurred vision.