Performance anxiety is a common sexual condition in which a man or woman feels anxious about the sexual performance. In men, this can often result in premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, according to Eric Maisel in the book "Performance Anxiety." In women, performance anxiety can cause painful sex and discomfort, the author notes. Eating certain foods can help relieve anxious feelings to encourage healthy and comfortable sexual desire.
Bananas
Bananas are rich in the compound tryptophan -- the chemical that the body converts into the mood heightening compound serotonin, according to Diane Mayer in the book "The Everything Health Guide to Controlling Anxiety." A 2010 study in the journal "Disease Models and Mechanisms" found that low levels of tryptophan in mice resulted in an increase in social avoidance. This infers that the presence of serotonin may help to relieve stress in certain situations. Mayer suggests eating one or two bananas 30 minutes before performance.
Kava
Kava is a traditional Polynesian plant that promotes relaxation and is usually present in ceremonial gathering, Joe and Teresa Graedon say in their book "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." Kava has anti-anxiety action due to the kavalactones that act to relax muscle tension. The authors suggest taking 70 mg twice a day for one to two months for the full benefits of performance anxiety relief.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish varieties like sardines, tuna, mackerel and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids may help to increase cognitive performance and reduce the symptoms of stress and depression, fight mood swings and encourage blood flow, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- "Performance Anxiety"; Eric Maisel; 2005
- "The Everything Health Guide to Controlling Anxiety"; Diane Mayer; 2005
- "Disease Models and Mechanisms"; Increased Vulnerability to Psychosocial Stress in Heterozygous Serotonin Transporter Knockout Mice; Alessandro Bartolomucci, et al.; 2010
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe and Teresa Graedon; 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
