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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Could your diet be ruining your sex life? Nutritionists reveal key foods to avoid - and the ones you should be sticking to instead
Loss of libido is a common problem thought to affect up to 1 in 5 men and 1 in 3 women across the UK. But thankfully, nutritionists have now shared the top foods to avoid to keep your sex life as active as possible - and the produce you should be sticking to instead. Vinny Kodamala, from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, and Kerry Beeson, a nutritional therapist from Prep Kitchen, revealed to FEMAIL the best and worst dishes for a low sex drive. Those to avoid included full-fat dairy, red and processed meats and baked goods, such as biscuits, cakes, and pastries. The products can increase high cholesterol, which can negatively impact your sex drive, according to Vinny. Meanwhile, Kerry suggested that the romantic oysters and champagne duo works perfectly as a starter during date night because they do actually have some scientific backing when it comes to being aphrodisiacs. She also suggested incorporating leafy greens and watermelon in your diet for their nitric oxide-boosting properties, which helps to widen blood vessels and aid blood flow around the body, including to the genitals. Read on to find out the food items that can help improve a person's sex drive, according to the nutritionists, and the ingredients to avoid... EAT WHOLE GRAINS & HEALTHY OILS Vinny explained: 'The food we eat plays an important role in maintaining our health. The same goes for sexual health, as eating the recommended amount of fruit, vegetables, and whole grain products can help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. 'Some dietary choices can also increase the risk of men getting erectile dysfunction. As erectile dysfunction is related to blood flow, your blood vessels need to be in good health. 'Therefore, eating healthier foods reduces your risk of common vascular problems caused by high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high triglyceride levels, and obesity.' 'Ensuring you're eating a balanced diet with the recommended amount of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains is a brilliant place to start,' continued Vinny. Examples of whole grain products include oats, brown and wild rice, barley and quinoa. Elsewhere, the best fruit and vegetables to eat are produce such as watermelon, pineapple, pomegranates and cucumber. Meanwhile, the expert added: 'Studies have found that a Mediterranean diet involving lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and healthy oils like olive oil, can prevent or improve erectile dysfunction.' AVOID FOODS WITH LOTS OF SATURATED FAT Vinny warned: 'You'll want to avoid foods that contain a lot of saturated fat or raise triglyceride levels such as cakes, pastries and biscuits, as these increase levels of bad cholesterol.' Try to limit your intake of the following: fatty foods, full-fat dairy, sugars, processed and fried food, suggested the expert. Vinny continued: 'Saturated fats tend to come from animal products, though they can also be found in some plant-based foods. These are often referred to as "bad" fats, as consuming too much can lead to increased cholesterol levels.' Top sources of saturated fats are red and processed meats, including beef, lamb, pork, bacon, and ham, milk and cheeses, especially hard cheeses, full-fat milk, and butter as well as baked goods and snacks, such as biscuits, cakes, and pastries. The expert also warned against trans fat, a type of unsaturated fat, that are found in bread, margarine, doughnuts, cakes, and pastries and some fast food products. Vinny explained: 'They typically come from an industrial or artificial source, but they're also found in hydrogenated vegetable oil, a type of cooking oil that can be added to food to prolong its shelf life. 'Like saturated fats, trans fats can raise cholesterol levels in the blood, however, they are considered more damaging.' DITCH FAST FOOD 'Avoid eating large amounts of processed or fast food, as these are often high in fat and sugar, which can contribute to obesity,' warned Vinny. Continuing her advice, the nutritionist said: 'You'll want to avoid foods that can contribute to high blood sugar when eaten in large amounts - such as sugary and highly processed foods. 'While starchy foods like pasta and potatoes can be part of a balanced diet, it's important to enjoy them in moderation and opt for wholegrain or less processed versions where possible.' Meanwhile, Kerry insisted: 'High-fat foods like pizza and deep-fried foods are hard to digest, so you're likely to feel tired and sluggish afterward.' TRY OYSTERS AND CHAMPAGNE Kerry suggested that the romantic oyster and champagne duo works perfectly to help improve a person's sex drive. The nutritional therapist said: 'Oysters contain high levels of zinc, an important mineral for the production of testosterone, a vital hormone for sexual function in both men and women.' Discussing champagne, she continued: 'It's thought to boost nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide helps to widen blood vessels and aid blood flow around the body, including to the genitals. 'However, while alcohol can relax us and may initially encourage libido, as Shakespeare famously said: "It provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance".' DON'T DRINK TOO MUCH ALCOHOL Vinny said: 'While some individuals may mistakenly believe alcohol is an aphrodisiac, excessive alcohol consumption can increase a man's risk of developing erectile dysfunction and can make it worse. 'If you drink regularly and you're experiencing erectile dysfunction, you should try and reduce your intake or give it up to see if this helps.' STICK TO NITRIC OXIDE-BOOSTING FOODS INSTEAD Instead of relying on alcohol to improve libido, Kerry suggested considering these nitric oxide-boosting foods instead, which can be incorporated into meals at home. 'Spinach, kale, and cabbage are rich in nitrates, which your body converts to nitric oxide,' explained the expert. She continued: 'Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that your body converts to arginine and then into nitric oxide.' Kerry also suggested sunlight, saying: 'Did you know that sunlight can be a surprising ally in boosting your libido? 'Along with its role in vitamin D production, sunlight also stimulates the production of nitric oxide.' ENJOY SPICY FOOD 'Using strong flavours and spices can enhance the sensory experience of your meal. Chilis are also a known aphrodisiac - they contain capsaicin, which improves circulation and blood flow,' explained Kerry. She added: 'Beyond nutrients, the way you eat can be just as important in boosting your libido. 'Foods that you might eat with your fingers like asparagus, watermelon, or oysters, can heighten your sensory experience and add to the mood.'
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
Bad influence Birmingham boyfriend and the girlfriend told to ditch him by judge
This is the first picture of a seemingly doomed couple destined to go their separate ways after robbing a Lloyds Pharmacy together. Wayne Green carried out a bizarre crime spree to add to his disgraceful tally of 118 previous offences. He involved his girlfriend Sharon Deen in the chemist raid. READ MORE: 'Animals' - Honeytrap kidnap gang jailed for 'cowardly and vile' attack on pal She was also present nearby, but not directly involved, as he burgled a home and stole bananas, which the couple were seen munching as they walked down the street afterwards. Finally, they were together as Green rammed police vehicles while driving a drug dealer's car which contained large amounts of cocaine and heroin inside. Green had also burgled a takeaway taking a staff member's mobile phone while acting on his own. Sentencing both at Birmingham Crown Court last month, Judge Peter Cooke told 43-year-old Deen to effectively dump Green. He assured their immediate separation at least by jailing him but sparing her further custody. The couple both have issues with drug addiction. In an unusual move, Judge Cooke dealt with Deen on her own, without Green present. Addressing her over a video link which she joined from HMP Foston Hall, he told her: "If you are going to turn your life around you need positive influences in your life. "I'm sorry to have to say this because I know you two are fond of one another, but Wayne Green will never be able to be the positive influence you need. "A man with 118 offences and years in prison behind him even before today. "He is never going to be the positive influence you need. "As soon as you accept that and move on the better." Deen, of Hilltop Road, Oldbury, was handed a 15-month suspended sentence after admitting robbery, assault and two counts of possessing class A drugs. Then Green was brought back into the dock in court, having been verbally disruptive throughout the hearing. At one stage he temporarily 'sacked' his barrister only to back down from the decision because he wanted he and his partner to be sentenced that day. Judge Cooke said: "I have dealt with Sharon Deen already. It maybe of some comfort to you I felt I was able to give her a suspended sentence. "This is not a stage in the proceedings for a dialogue between you and me. You have been verbal from the dock this afternoon." Green, of Hob Moor Road, Small Heath, admitted the same offences as his girlfriend as well as dangerous driving and two counts of burglary. He was sentenced to five years and banned from driving for the same length of time. Green burgled in Smethwick stealing a worker's £1,000 iPhone from behind the counter on October 5. Later the same night he broke into a home in Merrivale Road, while the occupants were asleep. He stole a purse, £100 in cash, biscuits and bananas which he and Deen were caught on camera eating afterwards. The couple robbed a Lloyds Pharmacy on the morning of October 17 when two female staff challenged them for trying to steal shampoo and conditioner. Deen spat in the face of one worker and dragged the other to the ground by her hair while Green pushed and shoved at them to free his partner. Three days later, on October 20, they were alone together in a drug dealer's car in Oldbury when police tried to stop them. Green, who was driving, tried to ram force vehicles and then stuffed drugs into his mouth before officers ultimately detained them. Police checks confirmed the car belonged to a significant drug dealer, with Green claiming he took it. Elizabeth Hartley, defending Green, said he had a difficult upbringing and a 'consistent struggle' with class A drug addiction, which he was now addressing in custody. Elisabeth MacDermott, for Deen, told the court she had learning difficulties and came from a deprived background. She added she had taken positive steps in custody towards tackling her drug addiction as well as taken educational courses. Judge Cooke said: "It is quite clear I am dealing with a very limited person with a number of frailties and vulnerabilities. "She has been assessed as having an IQ of only 70. "It is fair to say her antecedents (criminal record), while not insignificant, are of a different order and magnitude from her co-defendant." He ordered Deen to complete 35 days of rehabilitation activity as part of her sentence.
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Sex-mad TRNSMT revellers risk catching dangerous STIs like Gonorrhoea & Chlamydia with random festival hook-ups
Health bosses are urging frisky festival goers to wear condoms to avoid TRNSMT'ing anything other than good vibes SEX-MAD TRNSMT revellers are being warned of the increased risk of catching dangerous STIs with random festival hookups. Over 50,000 music fans are expected to descend upon Glasgow Green this weekend for TRNSMT 2025, and as many as a quarter of them could be getting giggy with it in more ways than one. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Sex-mad TRNSMT revellers are being warned of the increased risk of STIs Credit: Roddy Scott 2 As many as a quarter of the 50,000 music fans could be lapping up the sun, songs and SEX Credit: Michael Schofield According to a new survey by Lloyds Pharmacy, 25 per cent of concertgoers have gotten down and dirty at a music festival. And over half of the 500 18 to 40-year-olds surveyed said they'd be up for partaking in concert coitus. But health bosses are urging frisky festival goers to wear condoms to avoid TRNSMT'ing anything other than good vibes. Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor sexual health nurse Emma Ostridge, says: "Lots of people attending music festivals may end up having sex while they're there. For those attending, it's important to be smart and think proactively about protecting yourself and your sexual health." This weekend's TRNSMT is expected to see the mercury skyrocket to highs of 27C, but the event could also be a hotbed for sexually transmitted infections like Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. Emma adds: "A lot of people at festivals may be having intercourse with people they have met there and may not be familiar with the other person's sexual history. When having sex with a new partner, it's always important to take precautions. "Drinking alcohol at events like music festivals can also impair decision making, leading people to make riskier choices than they might usually and could result in condomless sex with unfamiliar partners. "If you're worried about acquiring an STI while attending a festival, the best thing you can do is wear protection. If you're worried about STIs afterwards, you can order an STI testing kit online or contact your local sexual health practice if you begin to present symptoms." The survey also found that almost 60 per cent of respondents think UK music festivals should be doing more to promote safe sex amongst visitors. Meanwhile, two thirds said that they would like easier access to condoms on festival grounds and 71 per cent said they would support music festivals providing free condoms to visitors. TRNSMT reveller swings toilet seat around her head Emma continued: "Wearing a condom is a great way to protect you from unplanned pregnancy and reduce your risk of acquiring many common STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. "While condoms can be a good preventative measure, there are some factors which might make them less effective."
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The exact number of drinks it takes for alcohol to cause a hangover revealed – and it's less than you think
WAKING up with a dry mouth and pounding head after what you thought was a light night? It can take fewer drinks than you think to cause a hangover - less than a bottle of wine, according to a GP. 1 Dr Bhavini Shah, from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, said as little as eight units of alcohol can leave you feeling its effects the day after. How many drinks does this amount to, you may ask? It depends on the type of booze you're sipping on. A shot of vodka, tequila or gin amounts to one unit, so if you down eight shots on their own or with a mixer, it's pretty likely you'll wake up hungover the next day. Four pints of lower strength beer may also leave you tired and nauseous the morning after. And since a large glass of wine is three units, just under three of those can leave lingering effects. Dr Shah walked through how you'll likely feel after each unit of alcohol. 'One or two units of alcohol increases the heart rate, expands blood vessels, and gives a slight 'buzz' which commonly makes people feel more sociable or talkative," he said. 'After four to six units, alcohol begins to impact your nervous system, decreasing reaction time and affecting areas of the brain associated with decision making, resulting in poorer judgement and potentially more reckless behaviour. 'After eight units, your vision and sleep will be affected and you will have consumed more alcohol than your liver can process in one night, resulting in a hangover. Watch Abi go from alcohol addiction to soobriety like Tommy Fury "And after ten units, your coordination will be highly impaired and you can expect symptoms of nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting, as well as dehydration and headaches. 'After 12 units, you are at great risk of alcohol poisoning.' Laura Jennings, nutritionist and founder of the NutriMethod told Sun Health that as little as two drinks can cause a hangover if you're opting for dark drinks like whiskey and brandy, or your overall diet is largely made up of processed foods. For context, the NHS advises that you have no more than 14 units of booze throughout the whole week. It recommends you space the drinks out and have a few booze-free days, rather than having them all in one go. For men, anything over eight units in a single session is considered a binge. For women, this is six units, alcohol safety charity Drinkaware says. How long does booze stay in your system? Alcohol is toxic, so every time you drink your body has to work to get rid of it from your system. But it's worth noting hangovers affect everyone differently, depending on your tolerance, weight, hydration and sleep levels, your gender, and even your genes. 'It takes, on average, one hour for your liver to remove one unit of alcohol from your body," Dr Shah explained. "One unit of alcohol could be a small glass of wine (125ml), half a pint of beer, or a single spirit and mixer (25ml). 'There are additional factors that contribute to how long alcohol remains in your system depending on your metabolic rate such as your weight, height, gender and body composition." For example, research suggests that women may be worse affected by hangovers. "There have been some studies to suggest that females make less of an alcohol processing enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase in the liver compared with males," the GP said. "This allows a greater proportion of the alcohol to potentially reach other organs, exposing them to the toxic effects of alcohol. "Water constitutes approximately 55 per cent of the average weight of a female. When alcohol is consumed, it is initially absorbed by the water present in the body. "It has been suggested that as females typically have a lower percentage of water in their bodies compared to men, the alcohol absorbed becomes more concentrated." Can I get rid of the booze in my system? Dr Shah said: 'Your body will metabolise alcohol at its own rate and there is not much evidence that you can speed up this natural process. "However, there are steps you can take to reduce the symptoms of your hangover. 'Going to sleep is a good way to let your body naturally remove alcohol from your system by itself. "Drinking water is also essential as it will prevent the dehydrating effects of the alcohol and reduce the impact of headaches. "You should also try to eat bland foods as these will increase your blood sugar without upsetting your stomach.' Surprising hangover cures If you've woken up with a groggy head and an aching body from a day or night on the booze, you need to nourish your body to help it regain strength. Unhealthy, high calorie foods could derail you weight loss efforts as well as make the hangover worse. Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at says: 'Excessive alcohol consumption damages your liver. To detox your liver and alleviate nasty hangover symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and dehydration, try some of the below ingredients.' Onions and garlic Both of these foods contain a nutrient called sulphur, according to Shona, which is essential in liver detoxification. 'Toxins in the body essentially join to the sulphur and are then excreted from the body.' Lemon peel Adding some lemon peel to a glass of water or shaving some onto your food could help alleviate some of your hangover symptoms. Shona says: 'Lemon peel contains a substance called limonene, which helps your body to detoxify itself by removing carcinogens from the body. 'There is research that suggests lemon peel may even offer an effective solution to migraines and headaches, given that it's a great source of Vitamin C.' Grapefruit It's the substance naringin in grapefruits, which helps to protect the liver from all kinds of damage. Shona says: 'There are a lot of medicines out there that don't mix too well with grapefruit however, so consult your GP before adding too much grapefruit into your diet if you're on any prescribed medications.' Pickle juice An odd one, but pickle juice is packed with electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which Shona says are essential in a whole host of the body's vital processes. She says: 'Electrolytes help to keep us hydrated by regulating the amount of water in our cells to ensure they're able to function properly. 'If you're hungover, it's the perfect remedy.'
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Revealed: What your TOENAILS say about you, according to experts
You probably don't pay them much attention on a daily basis. But your toenails could tell you a lot about your health, a doctor has revealed. Whether it's nutritional deficiencies, diabetes or circulatory issues, checking the condition of your nails could highlight issues such as infections, diabetes or even cancer. Sheena Bagga, a pharmacist prescriber from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, has revealed everything you need to know about toe and nail health – and eight symptoms to look out for. 'While often overlooked, your toenails and feet play a huge role in your overall health and it's important to pay attention to their condition,' she said. 'While everyone's toes look different, healthy nails should have a smooth surface with light pink or translucent colouration without much variation in shade or hue. 'While a lot of the time problems with toes and nails are easily treated, if you are facing symptoms due to issues such as diabetes, poor circulation, or nutritional deficiencies, consuming a healthy, balanced diet is crucial to support your overall health.' So, do you recognise any of these symptoms? YELLOW DISCOLOURATION This can indicate a toenail infection, Ms Bagga explained, and it can occur on any part of the nail. It causes the nail to discolour, become crumbly or thicken. Another cause can be nail psoriasis, where the nail plate can become pitted with patches or lift up from the nail bed underneath. To help prevent toenail infections, it's good practice to keep your nails short, clean, and tidy, she advised. It's also important to wear a clean pair of socks every day and wear shoes that fit correctly. DARK NAIL STRIPES This is known as Melanonychia, which can appear as a brown or black band running lengthwise along the nail. Most of the time it is simply a normal variation in the pigmentation of the nail. However, in some rare cases, it is a tell-tale sign of Subungual Melanoma, a type of skin cancer. 'To help prevent Melanonychia, it's crucial to focus on good nail and foot hygiene,' Ms Bagga said. 'You also want to try and avoid any nail trauma - if you do injure your nail, allow it to fully heal properly and avoid picking at it.' SWOLLEN TOES This can be caused by a number of conditions including lymphatic issues, poor blood flow, or even gout. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterised by sudden, severe joint pain, often in the big toe, caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is more likely to occur in people who are overweight, and consuming a healthy diet that aids weight loss can help manage the condition. Meanwhile there are less serious causes of toe swelling such as sitting or standing for long periods of time, wearing shoes that are too small, being overweight, dehydrated, or eating a diet that's heavy in salt. 'Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help with some of these common issues, along with regular exercise and movement,' Ms Bagga advised. WHITE TOENAILS White lines or spots on the nail. also called 'leukonychia', are often caused by trauma such as stubbing your toe. However sometimes they can be a sign of deficiencies in protein, zinc, or iron. Although rare, fully white nails are slightly more concerning and could be an indicator of a systematic illness in another part of the body, Ms Bagga warned, including liver cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes. BLUE DISCOLOURATION If your nails have a bluish hue and you notice that your toes feel unusually cold, it may be a sign that they are not getting proper circulation, Ms Bagga said. This is a common symptom of a condition called Raynaud's disease, which causes narrowing of the smaller arteries which supply blood to the extremities. 'Regular exercise can help improve blood circulation, which can be beneficial for managing the symptoms of Raynaud's, alongside helping you maintain a healthy weight,' she added. ITCHY TOES Athletes Foot is a common fungal infection that shows as itchy white patches between your toes. It can also affect the soles or sides of your feet, sometimes causing fluid-filled blisters. To help prevent Athlete's Foot, make sure to completely dry your feet after washing them, especially between your toes, Ms Bagga said, as well as wearing clean socks every day. ULCERS ON TOES OR FEET Unlike a blister that occurs under the skin, an ulcer is a break in the skin's surface, appearing as an open wound. It's very important that these are looked after to reduce any risks of infection, the doctor warned. 'During the time the wound is exposed, it can leave you vulnerable to developing an infection, which in serious cases can lead to amputation,' Ms Bagga said. SPOON NAILS Ms Bagga advised that people inspect their toenails on a regular basis, as if they start to change shape and look curved or 'spoon'-like, it could indicate an iron deficiency or anaemia. Iron is essential for producing healthy red blood cells and maintaining proper nail health, so it's important to speak to a healthcare provider who may recommend taking a supplement, she said. WHAT IS AN INGROWN TOENAIL? An ingrown toenail is a 'common' problem that occurs when the nail grows into the toe. An affected digit may be red, painful or swollen. The nail may also curve into the toe. Signs of an infection include pus oozing out of the toe and feeling hot or shivery. Ingrown nails can usually be treated at home by: Soaking the foot in warm water three-to-four times a day for a few days to soften the skin and stop the nail growing into it Keeping the foot dry for the rest of the day Wearing wide, comfortable shoes Taking painkillers if necessary The NHS advises we leave the nail to grow out rather than cutting or picking at it. If the at-home treatment does not work, or the toe is painful or appears to be infected, see a GP. Patients should also seek the help of a doctor if they have a fever or diabetes. A foot specialist may then cut away part of the nail or remove it entirely. A local anaesthetic will first be applied to numb the area. Ingrown toenails can be prevented by:
