Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (257 page)

Spinach, which is a source of iron and calcium. Muscles need calcium to spasm and contract.

AVOID

Alcohol creates blood sugar highs and lows that will not help performance.

Coffee. It contains caffeine, which can raise blood-sugar levels, disturb sleeping patterns, and deplete the body of essential nutrients. Substitute with dandelion coffee or tea, which are delicious, caffeine-free, and can aid relaxation.

Sugar—use cinnamon or agave syrup instead.

White processed foods such as white pasta, white rice, and white bread. These are refined carbohydrates, high in sugar, that convert quickly into glucose, making your blood-sugar levels soar within minutes.

Canned food with added salt and sugar, as salt increases the risk of water retention and high blood pressure, while sugar is calorie-rich and nutrient-free, so check soups and canned beans to make sure that they are sugar- and salt-free.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Saw palmetto acts like a tonic for men and has been used for centuries to treat an enlarged prostate (see page
351
).

The herbal extract ginkgo biloba may help with erectile dysfunction.

The African herb yohimbine may also help, but as with all herbal supplements take only on the advice of your GP.

The amino acid L-arginine has been found to help impotence. (If you suffer from cold sores, avoid this amino acid.)

EXTRA TIPS

Reduce stress. Take up relaxation exercises like yoga or meditation.