10 surprising reasons to have an active sex life; part two

I talked to you last week about why you should be concerned if your libido has gone from overdrive to stuck in neutral. Here’s another reason why you should take action and address performance issues with your doctor: resuming an active sex life may give you some rather unexpected but welcome health benefits. 

1. It reduces pain. Sex triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin and endorphins, which may help improve your pain tolerance.
2. It may improve your sense of small. Sex causes a surge of the hormone prolactin, responsible for your ability to enjoy scents, which is important because our sense of smell tends to diminish as we age.
3. You may have fewer sniffles. Having sex a few times a week has been linked with a healthier immune system.
4. You could feel happier. Studies have associated sexual activity with an improved state of mind.
5. You might lower your blood pressure. Sex is a natural stress-reliever.
6. It burns calories. One estimate is that sex burns about five calories per minute, depending on your weight.
7. It has been linked to better cardiovascular health. An active sex life may contribute to fewer heart attacks and strokes. This is because it triggers the release of DHEA, a hormone that supports healthy circulation.
8. It makes you feel better about yourself. Loving sex raises your self esteem.
9. It can strengthen your emotional connection with your partner. High levels of oxytocin, released during sex, are believed responsible for building trust and helping us to bond.
10. Men, it reduces your risk for prostate cancer. Frequent sexual activity has been linked to lower prostate cancer risk in older men.

Dr. Decker Weiss, NMD, FASA and naturopathic cardiologist, travels around the world training physicians and pharmacists on safer ways to use fewer prescriptions and provide more vitality to their patients with natural medicines. A pioneer in the application of effective natural alternatives to bypass and angioplasty, Dr. Weiss has helped over 10,000 patients with his definitive holistic approach to cardiovascular disease management. His background in preventative and integrative cardiology runs hand-in-hand with early sexual performance issues.