8 foods to avoid before sex

1. Coffee
Too much caffeine raises your cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone. According to Nicole Kasal, a health and wellness coach and founder of Cleanse Culture, high amounts “make it more difficult for your body to relax, and lower your libido.”

2. Anything too salty (think French fries or movie popcorn)
They increase water retention and bloating explains Dr. Robert Kominiarek D.O., FACOFP, author and medical director of the Alpha Male Medical Institute. Another downside? “Blood flow is what makes an orgasm possible, and too much salt will make it more difficult to get to that point,” says Kasal.

3. Fruits
Avoid them, especially post-meal. “Fruit digests really quickly — a lot more quickly than anything you could possibly eat,” explains Kasal. And that can lead to cramping, gas, and general discomfort — symptoms you don’t want to experience before getting it on.

4. Alcohol
Ever watch a rom-com and notice that as soon as a frisky couple has a few drinks and hops into bed, one of them falls asleep almost immediately? It’s not just a plot point: Wine and beer increases your levels of melatonin, which is also know as the sleep hormone. “Just one glass makes you sluggish,” says Kasal. In fact, it can also cause erectile difficulties, inhibit orgasms, and increase your partner’s chances for premature ejaculation.

5. Mint
It’s great for kissing, but studies show it can put a damper on your desire and energy for a quick romp. And chewing peppermint gum is an added buzzkill because you tend to swallow air, which leads to more gas, says Dr. Kominiarek.

6. Carbonated beverages
If you’re sensitive to carbonation, stay away from tonic water and sodas, suggests Dr. Kominiarek. Belching is the last thing you want is be doing during a romantic night.

7. Cruciferous vegetables
Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli are all methane-producing foods. Just make sure you cook them well or they’ll make you really gassy, says Dr. Kominiarek.

8. Soy
The more testosterone, the higher your sex drive — for both men and women. But excessive amounts of soy in your diet can cause a hormonal imbalance, says Kasal. Case in point: A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that men who consume 120 milligrams or more of soy a day had a significant decrease in testosterone.

So what should you eat? Kasal likes eggs because “they balance hormones and promote a healthier libido.” Dr. Kominiarek suggests anything high in zinc (oysters, pumpkin seeds) or Omega-3s, like fish and nuts.