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.

Ten strategies to give your sex life a lift—part two

Just like I promised last week, here are my last five strategies for living a “better sex” lifestyle. Remember, none of these will cause dramatic overnight changes, so practice, practice, practice!

• Men, add a daily supplement to your regimen. Malaysian men have used Tongkat Ali for centuries. Research indicates that a standardized form of Tongkat Ali called PhysTA supports male performance and satisfaction. It was developed by MIT in conjunction with the Malaysian government to ensure you get a standardized potency. It’s one of the first products of this type to be backed by clinical research. Available as Tenaga, it is safe to take just as you would a multi-vitamin or antioxidant.
• Dress to impress. Wearing clothes that make you feel attractive will boost your confidence.
• Get fit and maintain a healthy weight. When you’re in better shape, you feel better about yourself and your stamina increases.
• Get plenty of rest. It makes no sense to make all of these other changes if you’re just going to fall asleep when your head hits the pillow.
• Schedule cuddle time. Too little intimacy can kill your sex drive. Plan out “alone” time together that is non-sexual such as back massages or simply having a quiet talk. Build up your intimacy to build your sex drive.

JJ Virgin is one of the nation’s foremost fitness and nutrition experts, an accomplished public speaker and media personality. Her 25 years in the health and fitness industry, the past 10 in holistic nutrition and functional medicine, have earned JJ recognition as the go-to weight loss expert who can unlock the door to lifelong weight management through her sensible, no-fail approach to nutrition and fitness. JJ is the author of Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy published by Simon & Schuster Gallery and the co-star of the TLC reality series, Freaky Eaters.

Exercise your body and mind with a healthy hobby

You work hard and deserve a little “me” time. Getting involved with a hobby is an excellent way to spend your free time, especially if it’s something that keeps your body fit and your mind active. Wind down from a long day at work or spend part of your weekend doing something that truly sparks your interest (vegging out on the couch watching TV or working from home don’t count!). There are plenty of entertaining hobbies that benefit your health from the inside and out by sharpening your brain, pumping your heart and soothing your soul. If you don’t have one already, here are some of our favorite healthy hobbies:

• Gardening. Get some exercise, sunlight and fresh air, not to mention a sense of accomplishment from growing your own crop or watching your seeds blossom into beautiful flowers.
• Yoga. Get it out of your head that yoga is a “girly” workout. “Manly” yoga classes are springing up all over the country. Yoga is excellent for improving strength, flexibility and balance, as well as helping you de-stress.
• Learn a new language. Next time you’re at your favorite bistro, show off your skills by ordering in Italian! There are great at-home programs out there that enable you to learn a variety of languages on your own schedule, or find a class so that you have practice partners.
• Bowling. Depending on your weight, one hour of bowling burns off between 175 and 250 calories. Just don’t get too crazy with the beer and fried bowling alley food, which can turn this healthy hobby unhealthy!
• Cooking. Start experimenting with some healthy recipes and consider taking a healthy cooking class at your local community college.
• Mentoring. Have fun and make a difference. Mentors can do a number of things, such as  going to athletic events, getting pizza, playing video games, going to movies, shooting hoops, helping with homework and the list goes on! Programs such as Big Brother are a great opportunity to offer guidance and truly make a difference in a kid’s life.
• Join a league. Make some new buddies and get a good workout as well. Most cities have plenty of leagues to choose from, including bowling, tennis, basketball, softball and horseshoes. And don’t be self-conscious if you want to try a new activity: you can usually find beginner or amateur leagues.
• Water sports. Nothing is better than some fun in the sun! Jet-skiing, water-skiing, kayaking paddle-boating and wakeboarding are all fun, healthy ways to enjoy yourself during the summer months. Just don’t forget the SPF 30!

Could you be experiencing male menopause?

If you thought menopause was something only women had to worry about, think again! While testosterone levels naturally decrease with aging, this dip in hormone levels may indicate an onset of “male menopause.” Male menopause, or andropause, represents a change in testosterone levels and its associated symptoms.

While menopause in women marks a complete hormone plunge and loss of fertility, male menopause tends to be much more gradual. If you’re healthy, you may still be able to produce sperm well into your seventies or even eighties, although subtle changes in testosterone levels can begin occurring in your forties or fifties.

You may experience less-intense versions of the typical symptoms of female menopause (think hot flashes, night sweats and lack of energy), but other symptoms that may indicate a decrease in testosterone include:

• Sexual problems, such as fewer erections, dip in desire or smaller testes
• Sleep disturbances
• Emotional changes, such as depression, poor concentration, nervousness or anxiety.
• Physical changes, such as decreased muscle mass and bone density, an increase in body fat, hair loss and swollen or tender breasts.

 You are more at risk to experience male menopause if you are obese or suffer from certain conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, or if your overall health is in tough shape. If you think you may be going through male menopause, talk to your doctor! Together you can discuss treatment options available to you.

Five ancient energy boosters revealed

Are you throwing back highly-caffeinated energy drinks or spending a huge portion of your paycheck on the Starbucks drive-through every morning just to get through the Monday-to-Friday work week grind? If so, you may want to consider a more natural approach to boosting your energy.

Malaysians have been practicing health and beauty traditions for centuries. These traditions are known as ramuan and are all about synergy, balance and moderation, a holistic approach for attuning the body’s energies with nature’s rhythms. Here are five natural ramuan secrets for boosting energy:

Exercise—Regular exercise may play a significant role in a number of different health aspects, such as increasing energy, decreasing fatigue and even boosting sexual desire. Malays have long practiced senaman asak badan, a traditional form of exercise that consists of a combination of body movements and breathing techniques. Many of the movements include yoga-like postures (think bending tree, tiger, snake, warrior and blowing-flute poses). Benefits of senaman asak badan include improved flexibility, agility, endurance and strength.

Detox—Part of the ramuan regimen includes herbal cleansing to help purify and rejuvenate the body, promote a youthful complexion, improve digestion and optimize liver health.

Massage—Even though it’s ultra-relaxing, massage has been known to improve energy levels as well. Malays practice a traditional form of massage known as urut melayu, a deep-tissue massage with long, kneading strokes that focuses on blood flow in the urat, or veins and arteries. This traditional massage stimulates energy points while loosening and warming up muscles. 

Herbal supplements—There are a couple great supplements that make it easy to reap the benefits of rare, potent Malaysian herbs. Tenaga may support energy, overall well-being and sexual vitality in men, and Asmara may support energy, vitality, and postpartum firming and toning as well as overall emotional well-being in women.

Foods—Greens already pack a potent punch, so how about turning it up a notch? For lunch or dinner Malays eat ulam, a fresh, leafy herbal salad that they believe to have anti-aging properties and significant antioxidant activity. If you’re feeling adventurous, try this traditional ulam recipe.

Healing herbs and spices you should have in your pantry

Herbs and spices may have more to offer than just flavor! Some are believed to carry some impressive healing benefits as well. We think everyone should include the following herbs and spices in their pantries. We’ve also searched the Internet for a few tasty ideas for incorporating them into your diet:

Curry—Curry contains turmeric, the yellow spice that gives curry its distinctive color. Turmeric’s active component is called curcumin, which is associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor and anti-amyloid properties. (Amyloids are plaque-like proteins that build up in brain tissue and are thought to be responsible for diseases like Alzheimer’s and rheumatoid arthritis.) Try chicken curry for a tried-and-true favorite.

Ginger—No wonder your mother gave you ginger ale when you felt sick to your stomach as a child: Ginger is believed to help relieve nausea. It’s also thought to provide some relief from headaches, menstrual cramps, muscles soreness and arthritis. A gingery grilled salmon salad makes for a light, delicious meal that offers up ginger’s healing benefits.

Cardamom— Cardamom is thought to increase circulation as well as improve energy, digestion, asthma and bronchitis. It’s also believed to fight halitosis, perk up a bad mood and even function as an aphrodisiac. (If the aphrodisiac belief is true, we sure hope the bad breath-fighting qualities are as well!) Try baking up some cinnamon cardamom snickerdoodles for some sweet natural healing.

Garlic—Besides offering protection from Count Dracula, garlic may also support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Garlic is also thought to have antibacterial properties. It’s up to you to decide if the health benefits are worth the stinky breath, though! A delicious garlic-centric side dish that can accent pretty much any meal is garlic green beans.

Fennel seed—Fennel helps digestion in a couple ways: It stimulates the production of gastric juices and also soothes the nervous system, regulating the action of the muscles that line the intestine. Check out this recipe for beef tenderloins with ancho and fennel seeds: The combination of ground ancho, fennel seeds and star anise make for a brilliantly mouthwatering flavor fusion.

Cinnamon—Cinnamon may support healthy blood sugar levels and is also thought to detoxify the system. Did we also mention that it may support brain function and have antiseptic properties as well? While these benefits aren’t proven, sprinkling a little cinnamon on your oatmeal or toast adds a sweet kick (and possibly some impressive healing properties) to your morning. If you’re not watching your waistline you could also treat your taste buds to a cinnamon roll.

Sex offers more benefits than the obvious

We probably don’t need to spell out the reasons why getting between the sheets is an enjoyable activity. But, besides the obvious perks, sex may also offer a number of health benefits:

• Boosts immune function
•  Burns calories (about 85 for every 30 minutes)
• Enhances cardiovascular health
• Relieves stress
•  Increases self-esteem
• Naturally kills pain! This is because the “sex” hormone oxytocin causes a release of endorphins, thus decreasing pain
•  Frequent ejaculations may reduce the risk of prostate cancer
• Promotes a good night’s sleep

It doesn't hurt to give your performance a boost. The herbal supplement Tenaga may support sexual vitality as well as overall energy and well-being.

   

February 14th-21st is Sexual Awareness Week

February 14^th represents more than just flowers and chocolates this year: it also kicks off Sexual Awareness Week, a period aimed to raise awareness about sexual health. Make being proactive about your sexual health another Valentine’s Day gift to your honey this year.

It’s important for men to get screened for a few different things:

• HIV/AIDS. You can remain symptomless for years, so the only way to be 100 percent sure you aren’t infected and passing it on is to get tested.  There’s no better way to say “I love you” than to look out for your partner’s health as well as your own!
• Prostate cancer. If you’re at average risk, you should begin regular screenings around your 50^th birthday. Your doctor can help you determine if other risk factors warrant earlier screenings, such as your ethnicity or family history.
• Testicular cancer. Although not as common as prostate cancer, the American Cancer Society still urges men to get a testicular exam during their routine physical. Self-exams are a good idea as well: look for hard lumps, smooth bumps or changes in the sex or shape of the testes.

You already know a ton of reasons why you shouldn’t smoke, use drugs or binge drink, but here’s one more: it’s detrimental to your sperm quality! Men, especially those with a partner actively trying to conceive, should cut out unhealthy vices such as smoking (cigarettes as well as marijuana), heavy drinking and illegal drug use to maximize sperm effectiveness.

It’s also important to stay on top of any health problems. Sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes, mumps and testicle injuries are just a few conditions that can lead to infertility in men.

Did you know you may also naturally enhance your sexual vitality? The herbal supplement Tenaga is specifically formulated to support sexual health, vigor and hormonal balance, without side effects!

Keep your partner (and yourself!) happy with these relationship tips

Meeting the right girl is only half the battle: Keeping her is what’s really important. You should already know the basics such as being a good listener and not forgetting about romance, but here are some different tips that will prevent you from being clueless in your relationship:

• As corny as it sounds, just be yourself! Too often at the beginning of a relationship men concentrate so much on being the person they think their partner wants them to be that they lose their sense of self. You can only keep pretending for so long, though: eventually the real you always peeks through. Listen to the advice your mother gave you growing up and be yourself. Odds are she’ll like you just fine.
• Never compare your partner to someone else, especially an ex. Remember there’s a reason she’s your ex, and never, ever compare your partner to her.
• Be a provider. Don’t expect your partner to wear heels around the house or have a pot roast waiting for you every night when you come home from work, but remember that most women still want to know they’re taken care of. Make her feel protected, loved and provided for.
• Don’t let yourself go. Just because you’re in a long-term relationship doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to start slacking. No woman wants her man to look like a bum, so stay in shape, wear some cologne and iron your slacks.
• Don’t lose your connection to friends and family. Don’t forget about the things that made you happy before you met each other. Spending some time separate from one another will strengthen your connection.
• It’s okay to be vulnerable. You don’t always need to have the “I am man, hear me roar” mentality. Letting your guard down will intensify your bond.
• Be an adult. If you haven’t already: grow up! If your apartment looks like a frat house but you graduated college five years ago, that’s not acceptable. Neither is having a beer pong table in your living room.
• Keep the spark lit. Sex is a huge part of a relationship, and any feelings of inadequacy can really be damaging. Increase your sexual vitality with the supplement Tenaga, which may support your performance as well as improve your overall energy, in and out of the bedroom.

Top tips for a sexy Valentine's Day (and beyond!)

Nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin, author of Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy and co-star of TLC’s Freaky Eaters, offers the following approach for making every day feel like the sexiest Valentine’s Day ever:

I take an integrated approach to optimal wellness and long-term weight management. This means eating well, exercising consistently and having sex three times a week (at least) with a partner. Studies have shown that that this is critical for men’s brain and heart health (not sure why the studies didn’t include women, hmmm … ). I always get crazy reactions when I mention this in my talks or at dinner parties, seeming as how it isn’t something we usually think about in terms of a way to optimize health. I know that we all get fired up to lose weight when spring is right around the corner, but I am hoping that the quickly approaching Valentine’s Day holiday will inspire you to make regular sex with a partner a part of your optimal health routine. And before you ask: No, it doesn’t take the place of exercise!   

1. Try having a little romance before dinner. You won’t be as hungry for dinner (and you’ve already had dessert!)
2. Fire up your fitness. Not only will you improve your stamina, but you will have more confidence in your body. It improves every area of your life.
3. Show off silky smooth skin. Healthy fats from cold-water fish, nuts, seeds, eight or more glasses of pure spring water daily, a rainbow of non-starchy veggies, herbs, low-glycemic fruits and green tea all support healthier, younger looking skin. Also try adding an essential fatty acid blend that contains GLA, an omega-6 fat that has been found to help reduce inflammation and maintain pretty skin.
4.  Make sure your skin is looking its best by exfoliating. I love dry brushing before getting in the shower, which is also a great addition to your daily detox routine. Follow up with a bronzing lotion: think about how sexy you feel with a little tan!
5. Add 1-2 ounces of dark chocolate (go organic and raw) to your daily diet. The neurochemicals in chocolate mimic those you release when you are in love.
6. Set the right mood with arousal scents. For men these include doughnuts, cinnamon buns, pumpkin pie, lavender, oranges and black licorice. For women: cherry, almonds, black licorice and cucumbers. Good thing I said scents, as I am not recommending serving most of these foods. Instead try a lavender bath or an orange-scented candle. I’ve always loved cucumber water; I guess I know why now!  By the way girlfriends, when your man eats a few stalks of celery it raises his androstenedione, causing him to emit an odor that is sexually attractive to us. An added bonus is that celery may support healthy blood pressure levels.
7. Manage your stress. Nothing kills your sex drive like stress, so be sure to build some “daily bliss” into your schedule.

For an “inspiring” Valentine’s Day dinner, here is a sexy menu to get you in the mood! These foods have been considered aphrodisiacs for thousands of years. By the way, eat light and focus on finger foods – think about the movie 9 ½ Weeks but without the mess (I don’t find sticky to be very sexy!).

•  Arugula salad with orange slices, avocado, asparagus and pine nuts, with a lemon olive oil vinaigrette 
•  Seafood platter with oysters, jumbo prawns and grilled scallops 
•  Dark chocolate with berries
• Glass of Pinot Noir. Keep it to just a glass, though: a little wine is a great aphrodisiac, but too much is a total mood killer.
• Artichokes. Steam, then finish in the oven with olive oil and an Italian herb blend.

It doesn’t hurt to give your performance a boost, either. Try Tenaga to amplify your sexual vitality.

Fitness tips for men over 30

After you’ve blown out 30 candles you may start to notice your energy levels drop, as well as your metabolism and the ability to effortlessly stay trim around your middle. The good news is while staying fit is more of a challenge after your 20s, it’s not impossible! Even small changes add up. Here are a few tips to keep yourself in tip-top shape in your 30s and beyond:

•  Try incorporating small lifestyle changes into your routine, such as taking the stairs, walking to work or even parking at the far end of the parking lot. You should also think about joining a recreational basketball league or softball team: You’ll have fun and meet new buddies while getting a great workout.
• Getting in cardio is especially important for men in their 30s. Try doing your cardio after you lift, when you’re already tired. You efforts will reap even greater benefits!
• A good workout includes weight and resistance training. Did you know these workouts have been shown to decrease the cells’ aging process?
• Remember the “30 after 30” rule: you should be raising your heart rate for at least 30 minutes a day, every day. These 30 minutes don’t have to be consecutive, though: feel free to break them up in 15 minute increments if that better suits your schedule.
• The worst place to carry excess weight on your body is around your middle. Belly fat puts you at risk for a number of health risks, including heart disease, certain cancers and stroke, just to name a few! Prevent this by including core training exercises to your usual cardio routine.

You already know the importance of staying hydrated while working out, but you should be guzzling water even when you’re not! Drinking plenty of water touts a number of benefits, including better-looking skin, keeping appetite in check and even hangover damage control. Drinking a big glass of water after a night out can help a hangover from hitting you full force in the morning.

Could you unknowingly take a prescription male enhancement drug?

Sales of non-drug dietary supplement male performance products have reached an astounding $480 million, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. Demand is expected to grow by at least 25 percent annually. With so many new products hitting the market, it is imperative that you understand which natural products are safe and effective.

Recently, the safety of a number of non-pharmaceutical products was called into question. Lab analyses found that they were either spiked with pharmaceutical ingredients or with the chemical analogs of the active ingredients found in pharmaceutical drugs. Those unwanted ingredients were not listed on the labels.

You can be assured that Tenaga is produced in accordance with rigorous purity standards. It has been researched for safety, purity and efficacy, and contains no undisclosed ingredients.

Tenaga is available online, and at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe and other independent retailers.

Catch Tongkat Ali on The Dr. Oz Show Last Week?

In case you missed The Dr. Oz Show* last week, Dr. Oz and Chris Kilham (The Medicine Hunter) discussed traditional plant-based medicine and several herbs, including Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali), a root found in the ancient rainforests in Malaysia and neighboring countries that has been traditionally used to enhance sexual vigor and energy.** You can watch a clip from the show here.

More information about the sexual health benefits of Tongkat Ali can also be found here and here. Guys... are your engines starting to rev up yet?

* The Dr. Oz Show doesn't recommend or endorse any specific products that may contain Eurycoma longifolia. 

**Statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.