A lot of people who have a low libido problem are often unaware that it can be the result of preventable sexual health problems. A variety of factors come into play when it comes to a person's sex drive. Mood, physical health and mental health are a few of these factors. So, if you want to make sure that you're not accidentally lowering your libido, here are some habits you need to start avoiding.

“It may sound strange that diet may have anything to do with your libido, but yes, if you have not been eating a well-balanced diet of late, then you are bound to see your sex drive plummet. Cut down on SoS (Salt oil Sugar) because excess of these three things lead to chronic non-communicable disease like diabetes, hypertension and obesity— which does affect libido in a great way,” says Dr Deepak Jumani, senior sexual health physician. Some foods that can increase your libido are red-coloured fruits and vegetables (pomegranate, raspberry, carrot, beet root), green vegetables, cow’s ghee and cow’s milk.

“Too much of alcohol is one of the biggest and most common contributing factors to a drop in libido. It is said that alcohol can increase your desire but decrease your ability to perform. At the end of it, the yield is not a happy one. Liquor can severely hit your reproductive system by affecting your testosterone and estrogen levels. Drinking too much can impact your sexual performance, especially erectile function in men, and eventually give your sex drive a big blow,” adds Dr. Jumani.

“Steering clear of the old cliché, if you really have been too tired or getting insufficient sleep, then it may be negatively affecting your sex drive. More than 25% people report that lack of sleep and excessive workload does not allow them to be ready for sex with their partner at the end of the day,” says Dr Sudhir Bhola, sexologist on Lybrate.

Like mentioned earlier, a large intake of too many sweets or sugary juices and sodas can result in a lower libido in people. In fact, in men sugar can be responsible for lowering testosterone levels which can lead to the accumulation of belly fat as well as insulin resistance. And of course, this means his sex drive will go down.