
February 7, 2020
Is Good Sex Good for your Heart?
Did you know that a healthy sex life could help you have a healthy heart, too?
Sex can be good for overall health. Sex will not only boost your libido but can boost your immune system, too. Sex is a natural pain reliever and can improve sleep. Studies have also found that sex can lower blood pressure and reduce stress – both of which can improve your heart health.
Sex can be a fun form of exercise, too. No, this doesn’t mean that if you have a healthy sex life you never have to go to the gym again. But sex uses about five calories a minute, which is more than you’ll burn sitting on the sofa watching Netflix.
Furthermore, a study published in American Journal of Cardiology found that men who had sex once a month or less had a 45 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease than men who reported engaging in sexual activity twice a week or more.
Thanks to the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign, February is the time of year when many women start to think a bit more about their cardiovascular health. But your heart health should be a priority all year.
When it comes to women and heart disease the numbers are sobering. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year and taking more lives than all cancers combined. Yet, only about 55 percent of women know that heart disease is their No. 1 killer and this number is even lower in minorities and younger women.
Now that you know the risk, it’s time to take better care of your heart. In addition to a healthy sex life, here are other things you can do to improve your cardiovascular health.
7 Steps to Better Heart Health
- Reduce your blood sugar. Sugar Support, a dietary supplement offered by our Ageless Balance line, is a high-potency formula of berberine, biotin, chromium, and other minerals that’s designed to support normal blood sugar levels and healthy cholesterol levels.
- Control your cholesterol. For better cholesterol, reduce your consumption of saturated fats, found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy products. Instead, opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, mackerel, herring, walnuts and flaxseeds. Add more soluble fiber to your diet, too, by eating foods like oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears.
- Manage your blood pressure. Losing weight, exercising regularly, reducing your stress, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol, sodium and caffeine can all help lower your blood pressure.
- Eat better. The American Heart Association recommends a diet of fruits and vegetables, fish, fiber-rich whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
- Lose weight. If you’re eating right and exercising regularly and still having trouble losing weight, call Dr. Mia today to schedule a consultation.
- Get active. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week and doing strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week.
- Quit smoking – or don’t start! According to the Mayo Clinic, within a year of quitting, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker.
Whether you need help losing weight or with improving your sexual function, MiBella Wellness is here for you. Call Dr. Mia today to schedule your appointment.