Taking care of your health and well-being can actually help improve your love life. (Representative image: News 18)
Staying healthy and eating right is more than just looking and feeling good. It actually improves blood circulation, energy levels, confidence and even hormonal balance.
Sex permeates our pop culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian homes. As a result, most individuals trying to deal with sexual health issues or seek information about sex often rely on unverified online sources or follow unscientific advice from friends. To address widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is publishing a weekly sex column titled 'Let's Talk Sex'. Through this column, we hope to start a conversation about sex and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance.
In this article, I'll share some lifestyle changes that can help you have a healthy sex life.
You know that taking care of your health is important, but did you know that it can also benefit your sex life? Yes that's true. Staying healthy and eating right is more than just looking and feeling good. It actually improves blood circulation, energy levels, confidence and even hormonal balance. Your health and sex life are closely related. Your physical and mental health have a direct impact on your sex drive and sex life. Get ready to learn easy tips that will help you feel sexier and enjoy intimacy more than you have in years.
Eating Right for Better Sex – Nutrition Tips
What you put in your body has a direct impact on your sex drive and performance in the bedroom. To increase your sex drive, focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Some foods are especially helpful for your sex life. Here are some specific sex drive-boosting foods and tips:
- Avocados are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which are good for your heart and blood circulation.
- Bananas provide potassium and vitamin B6 to maintain hormone levels.
- Broccoli is rich in folic acid, which helps metabolize estrogen and vitamin C.
- Fatty fish like salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health and blood circulation.
- Moderately dark chocolate contains mood-boosting compounds like phenylethylamine.
- Peppers contain capsaicin, which can increase heart rate and blood circulation.
- For men, foods high in zinc, such as oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds, may help increase testosterone, which is important for sex drive and erections.
- For women, foods rich in iron, such as red meat, poultry, and spinach, help ensure enough iron for energy and hormonal balance.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your body functioning properly. Dehydration can sap your energy and cause headaches, which can lower your mood. For added benefits, drink green tea, which contains compounds that help relax blood vessels.
- Too much saturated fat, found in red meat and full-fat dairy products, can clog arteries and reduce blood flow to the genitals. Cut down on fatty, fried, and processed foods that are high in unhealthy trans fats. Replace them with healthy fats like fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
- Drinking alcohol reduces arousal and sexual function in both men and women. Smoking reduces blood flow, which reduces alertness and performance. It also accelerates the aging of blood vessels and tissues in the genitals. Stopping this will significantly improve your sexual health and life expectancy.
Exercises to improve sexual function
Exercise has many benefits for your health and well-being, including your sex life. Regular physical activity promotes circulation throughout the body, including the genitals. This means increased blood flow to the penis, clitoris, and pelvic area, which is important for arousal and orgasm.
- Cardiovascular Exercise: Exercises that increase your heart rate and breathing are good for your sex life. Activities like walking, jogging, biking, and swimming are all easy options. Aim to do aerobic exercise for at least 30 to 60 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week. As your endurance improves over time, you may notice an increase in stamina even during sex.
- Pelvic floor exercises: Exercises like Kegels that target these muscles can help improve arousal, make orgasms more intense, and prevent problems like erectile dysfunction in men. To do Kegel exercises, tighten the muscles you use to stop the flow of urine. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds, release and repeat 10 to 15 times, several times a day.
- Physical training: In addition to aerobic exercise, strength training and resistance training are key. Focus on exercises that build muscles in your core, legs, and glutes, such as planks, squats, lunges, and bridges. Stronger muscles provide more flexibility and stamina during sex. Aim for 2-3 strength training sessions per week, taking breaks in between for best results.
- Stay active every day: A good exercise routine is important, but staying active throughout the day can also be helpful. Take the stairs whenever possible, go for a walk during your breaks at work, do some light stretching, and get up and move around if you sit for long periods of time. This small boost in activity will keep your blood flowing and help your sexual function and performance in the long run.
Manage stress and get enough sleep
- Reduce stress: Too much stress can have a negative impact on your libido and sexual function. When you're stressed, your body produces the stress hormone cortisol, which can reduce testosterone levels and deplete your energy. To reduce your stress levels, try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Get enough sleep: Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Lack of sleep can increase stress and irritability and decrease sex drive. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, avoid screens or bright lights before going to bed, and make your bedroom as dark as possible.
Well, here it is! Taking care of your health and well-being can actually help improve your love life. Eating nutritious foods, staying active, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can help you feel energized and confident. When you're in a good mood, you're more likely to initiate romance. Making healthy choices can help you have the satisfying relationships and sex life you want. Remember, it's never too late to make positive changes. Focus on taking one step at a time. You are worth it!