Does fast food affect your sex life? Four scientific reasons to say no to fast food

By John Santana
Interview originally published in SI magazine of El Heraldo de Barranquilla.

If you're planning a romantic getaway this weekend, chances are a trip to your favorite fast food restaurant is on the itinerary. But beware: what you eat could be sabotaging your sex life more than you think.

The journalistic team for this section consulted Dr. Luis Roberto Montaño, a sports physician from Barranquilla, who explained to us, using scientific evidence, why frequent fast food consumption can decrease sexual desire and affect intimate performance. And no, this isn't an urban myth.

Four reasons why fast food affects your sex life

1. Increases overweight and low self-esteem

Excessive sauces, refined carbohydrates, fried foods with recycled oil, and frozen cold cuts promote weight gain. According to Dr. Montaño, this leads to self-esteem issues, reduced agility, and fat accumulation in the circulatory system, factors that directly affect intimacy performance.

“That's enough to destroy good sexual performance,” he warns.

2. Blocks blood flow

Trans fats and elevated triglycerides clog arteries in the heart, brain, and the rest of the body, impeding proper blood flow. This has a direct impact on both erections and emotional connection.

"Let's remember that sex is 60% mental and 40% mechanical. Without good blood flow, both aspects are affected," explains Montaño.

3. Decreases pleasure hormones

Chemical additives and preservatives found in sauces, processed breads, and imported products reduce the production of endorphins, the so-called "pleasure hormones."

“Fewer endorphins mean less sexual desire,” says the specialist.

4. It steals your energy… just when you need it most

Sugary soft drinks cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, followed by a drop in energy. The result: tiredness, sleepiness, and no motivation for a night of passion.

And what about aphrodisiacs?

Although there is still no conclusive scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of so-called aphrodisiac foods, Dr. Montaño insists that a healthy diet and a positive mental disposition are key to a satisfying sex life.

What to eat before an intimate encounter?

Instead of fast food, the specialist recommends:

• Fish
• Chicken
• Fresh fruits
• Natural juices

These foods promote circulation, hormone production, and sustained energy.

Conclusion: Fast food from time to time?

Yes, you can… but in moderation.

"Once every two weeks is fine. The body can eliminate certain toxins, but if they accumulate in excess, the effects will be negative," Montaño concludes.

Because in the end, as the doctor says:
“Food influences everything. We are what we eat.”