The Healing Power of Sexual Intimacy – Help your Heart!
February is National Heart Awareness month! In my last blog, we covered some stunning facts about the number one killer in the United States today – Heart Disease. We discovered that over 80% of the causes can be prevented with lifestyle choices. What if one of those was sexual intimacy?
As women in today’s 24/7 chaotic world, our lives are fuller and richer than ever, but often at the expense of sexual intimacy. In my book, Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You: What Your Libido Reveals About Your Life, I delve into how a woman’s libido is a reflection of her overall health. Having a healthy sex drive not only indicates a well-balanced life, but sexual intimacy has significant health benefits.
Studies have shown that couples in happy marriages with healthy intimacy experienced lower rates of heart disease. Conversely, people who experienced “social rejection” which is characterized by feeling unwanted or estranged from someone you have a close relationship with, showed more signs of inflammation and increased risk of heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. (1)
In my book, Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You: What Your Libido Reveals About Your Life, I outline the 8 benefits of physical and emotional intimacy.
Here are Four of the Health Benefits of Physical Intimacy
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Sex promotes longevity - Per Dr. David Weeks, clinical neuropsychologist and author of Secrets of the Superyoung, sex slows down the aging process – fewer wrinkles, better posture and more youthful appearance.
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Sex eases depression and alleviates stress – Many studies have shown that sleep may be deeper and more restful after engaging in satisfying sexual intercourse because it allows the release of distracting thoughts and negative thinking behaviors.
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Sex boosts the immune system – Healthy sex increases the body’s natural production of antibodies, specifically immunoglobulin A (IgA,) which are the first line of defense in helping to fight against widespread infectious diseases such as flu and cold viruses.
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Sex improves brain health. Can’t remember the last time you had sex? Having sex can improve brain function and the sense of smell. With sexual activity, more oxygen-enriched blood flows to the brain, including the vital part known as the hypothalamus and hippocampus. These are parts of the brain’s limbic system which are responsible for memory and learning.
Want to know the other four benefits of why sex is good for you? Check out my book at:
Happy reading and healthy intimacy!
