Did you know that your gut can affect your sex life? Here are 5 ways

Your gut and sex life are closely connected. This means that having digestive problems can have an impact on your sexual health. Read on to learn more.

Aayushi Gupta Updated: 1 Sep 2022, 19:35 pm IST

This article is a repost which originally appeared on healthshots

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Do digestive problems affect your ability to engage in sexual activity? If so, you’re not alone in this. Many people who have digestive problems also have discomfort during sex. This is merely a piece of knowledge regarding the link between sexual and digestive health. There are many ways in which gut and sex life are connected.

HealthShots spoke to Dr Sanjay Kumavat, Consultant Psychiatrist and Sexologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, to find out how gut health and sex life are interlinked.

What’s the link between gut health and sex life?

Most of us have watched the movie ‘Piku’, in which the character played by actor Amitabh Bachchan has a preoccupation with his bowel movements. Well, in this context, we aim to understand the “feel good” feeling that a person experiences during both bowel evacuations and while eating food when hungry. Well, this feel-good phenomenon occurs because of the hormone serotonin that’s released following both gut acts. Dr Kumavat says, “The serotonin hormone is a ‘happiness hormone’ of the body and is present in the entire gut. This establishes that gut health relates to sexual health as its activity of happy mood also positively affects our libido.”

Can gut health issues affect sex life?

A healthy gut has an adequate secretion of serotonin. However, gut health depends upon the microbial flora, which helps in the secretion of serotonin. “Any inflammation of the gut disturbs the serotonin secretion and, thereby, the libido,” says Dr Kumavat. All the symptoms related to the gut can adversely affect a person’s physical, emotional, and sexual life.

Ahead are 5 ways in which gut health affects your sex life:

1. Indigestion can lead to discomfort

According to Dr Kumavat, “If you’ve eaten a lot of food or are experiencing indigestion, the pain and discomfort can impact your sex life.” In fact, having irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes constipation, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and bloating, can make having sex painful and add emotional stress to the act of sexual activity. Additionally, having sex can make some people experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as heartburn and acid reflux, which can also make sex uncomfortable.

2. Indigestion can decrease serotonin levels

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that works in the brain to regulate and stabilise mood. The person feels less anxious and depressed thanks to this chemical, which makes sex more enjoyable. The serotonin system can be altered by irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting, which makes it harder to experience sexual pleasure.

3. You may develop UTI

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are quite common in people with digestive issues. Indigestion can promote bacterial growth that causes vaginal infection and, in severe cases, it can even lead to kidney issues if left untreated . Additionally, if you already have a UTI, you are more likely to develop digestive problems that could have an impact on your abdomen, particularly your lower abdomen. You might feel a lot of pressure and agony during sex because of everything.

4. Gut microbiota can affect erectile function

Microbiologist Susan Erdman’s research suggests that a key component of sex may be the gut microbiota. According to Dr Kumavat, “The gut microbiota can control hormone levels, inflammatory mediators, and other aspects of male erectile function.” Due to this, preserving the proper balance of these bacteria is essential for sexual, mental, and physical health.

5. Gut issues can cause stress

“Stress concerning gastrointestinal issues may take the fun out of the most intimate scenarios and even impede attempts to conceive a child. Instead of producing serotonin, the body will feel stressed, secreting cortisol,” says Dr Kumavat.

Now you know that your gut health is crucial for your sex life. So try to keep digestive issues at bay by eating healthy and adding probiotics to your daily routine because it can help alleviate the physical symptoms of the gut, thereby improving mood and libido.

 

 

Best tips for biohacking your skin this winter

How to biohack your skin for winter

Fend off the dreaded seasonal flakiness!

Cassandra Green

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Body+Soul

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Our Takeaways:

· What happens on the inside of your body can express itself via your skin.

· Vitamin D is necessary for good skin health. Controlled sun exposure and dietary Vitamin D can help to develop and maintain good skin health.

· If you suffer from regular itching or rashes, medical advice may be needed.

Get the jump on dryness this winter with a few simple routine changes that will replenish your body, inside and out.

Biohacking is a do-it-yourself approach to biology that’s designed to optimise your body for better health and wellbeing outcomes. While it might sound a little intense, biohacking often begins with a simple blood test to ascertain if, and in what ways, the body may be deficient.

From there, a health professional can recommend a course of action – via supplementation or complementary therapies – to bring the body back into balance.

The high-tech technique relates to our internal health – gut, liver, kidneys – but can also apply to the body’s largest organ: the skin. Adjustments may need to change seasonally as our bodies live in a state of flux based on our environment, and given how harsh winter can be, now is a good time to make some well-informed tweaks.

In fact, recent research commissioned by skincare brand Cetaphil found that eight million Australians feel they look older simply because winter has rolled around. The main complaints were dullness, dehydration, dry flaky skin, cracking skin and looking paler. Dr Yalda Jamali, a specialist in facial aesthetics and cosmetic dermatology, says taking stock of your skincare routine and wellbeing as the mercury plummets can help to see you through the season.

Hack it from the inside

Top up your vitamin D

“I always advise getting regular blood tests at your GP to check for deficiencies,” Jamali tells Body+Soul, adding that she doesn’t like to prescribe supplements unless there’s a deficiency. “However, the one supplement that I do recommend is vitamin D. Our bodies produce vitamin D when sunlight (specifically UVB rays) hits our skin, and in winter, we usually get less sun exposure.” She says this essential nutrient can also be sourced naturally through the winter sun (being sun safe, of course), and from your diet (through eggs, liver, fatty fish and beef).

Overhaul your sleep routine

“Studies have shown that chronic poor sleep quality is associated with increased signs of intrinsic ageing and poor skin barrier function,” says Jamali. “Good- quality sleep will allow your skin to recover more efficiently from UV-induced damage. I also recommend using a silk pillow, which helps to prevent sleep lines forming, and also keeps your skin better hydrated as they don’t absorb as much moisture as cotton pillow cases.”

Don’t skimp on self-care

“If you’re feeling run-down or struggling with your [overall sense of] wellbeing, this can have a knock-on effect on your sleep, diet, exercise, relationships and all of your activities of daily living,” explains Dr Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist and senior lecturer at the University of Sydney. “All of these things can contribute to skin disease,” he tells Body+Soul.

“Sometimes, when other facets of your life become difficult, you might not have the bandwidth for self-care activities [such as] taking your medications or attending medical appointments.” So don’t skimp on your self-care this winter, and be sure to speak to someone if you’re struggling. Tech can also assist with the winter blues, including sun lamps, which are designed to mimic the rhythm of the summer sun, to regulate melatonin and release serotonin.

Hack it from the outside

Boost your barrier

Dermatologist Dr Leona Yip says barrier and protective products are essential in winter to trap and lock in moisture.

In the shower

Winter is a good time to re-think your showering habits. Jamali suggests a few simple changes, such as not showering in extremely hot water, and not excessively drying your skin afterwards but instead aiming for gentle taps with your towel.

She suggests opting for calming and pH-balanced cleansers and avoiding overuse of products with acids such as AHAs or BHAs. If you suffer from dry skin already, use emollient substitutes for your shower wash.

On the hair

Sydney hairstylist Anthony Nader, owner of online retailer SSS Hair, says adding a mask onto dry hair before you shampoo will mean it “can absorb 100 per cent into your hair scales”. This method will fill up the porous scales with the goodness of your pre-wash mask, rather than plain water from the shower.

“Oil is a beautiful treatment for those of you with highly thirsty hair that needs loving to go from complete dullness to high-voltage, megawatt shine,” he tells Body+Soul. “The cooler months are the time to take more care of your hair as it needs that extra volume and shine to protect against the elements.”

In the clinic

Winter, Jamali says, can also be the perfect time for salon procedures such as microneedling, chemical peels, laser treatments and radiofrequency as UV radiation needs to be kept to a minimum following treatment. The same goes for retinols.

“Topical retinoids can make you photosensitive, so I always advise starting them in the winter when we’re less exposed to UV radiation,” she adds.

When it’s more than just dry skin

Dr Yalda Jamali, an expert in facial aesthetics and cosmetic dermatology, explains what to look for and when to seek medical advice for skin issues

It’s common to suffer from dry skin during winter. However, if you feel that your skin is developing rashes, is bumpy and rough in texture, or is excessively itchy or red, seek medical advice. Even if you have dry skin but it’s not settling with increased emollient use, seek advice. Using the wrong products on your skin or excessive itching can lead to long-term implications such as scarring.

Dermatitis is a broad term used to describe a group of itchy inflammatory conditions. It can be pretty confusing as many conditions fall under this term. For example, eczema is a type of dermatitis (atopic dermatitis); however, not all dermatitis cases are eczema. It’s difficult to give broad advice on how to manage different kinds of dermatitis during winter, but if you’re suffering from flare-ups, the simple rule is to avoid triggers, keep the skin well moisturised and seek medical advice.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by very well-defined red and scaly plaques. Winter can flare up psoriasis, and my advice is to keep skin well moisturised; this will help the redness and itching. You can’t overdo emollients and ointments. The more you apply, the more hydration is locked into the skin to ease the symptoms.

 

 

 

 

10 Natural Ways to Boost Your Libido

Boost Your Libido with These 10 Natural Tips

Medically reviewed by University of Illinois — Written by Alexia Severson — Updated on May 11, 2019

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Healthline

Edited for content

The natural approach

Looking to spice up your sex life? There are a variety of things you can do in your everyday life that can help boost your libido and enhance your sex life.

1. Try eating certain fruits

Little evidence supports the effectiveness of certain foods, but there’s no harm in experimenting.

Figs, bananas, and avocados, for example, are considered libido-boosting foods, known as aphrodisiacs.

But these foods also provide important vitamins and minerals that can increase blood flow to the genitals and promote a healthy sex life.

2. Try eating chocolate

Throughout history, chocolate has been a symbol of desire. Not just because of its delicious taste, but because of its power to improve sexual pleasure.

According to one study, chocolate promotes the release of phenylethylamine and serotonin into your body. This can produce some aphrodisiac and mood-lifting effects.

According to another study, the effects of chocolate on sexuality are probably more psychological than biological.

3. Take your daily herbs

Next time you decide to sit down for a romantic dinner, add a little basil or garlic to your dish. The smell of basil stimulates the senses. Garlic contains high levels of allicin, and increases blood flow.

These effects may help men with erectile dysfunction.

Ginkgo bilobaTrusted Source, an extract derived from the leaf of the Chinese ginkgo tree, is another herb found to treat antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.

4. Take a tip from Africa

Yohimbine, an alkaloid found in the bark of the West African evergreen, has been known to work as a natural Viagra.

Some studies suggest that Yohimbine bark can help you maintain an erection. It will also enhance the quality of an erection. However, researchers say there is no natural equivalent to match Viagra.

5. Boost your self-confidence

The way you feel about your body affects the way you feel about sex. An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise may cause you to have a poor self-image. These things can discourage you from having and enjoying sex.

You can boost your self-esteem and your sex drive by shifting the focus from your flaws to your attributes. You can also focus on the pleasure experienced during sex.

6. Stick to one glass of wine

Two glasses of wine might be one too many. Drinking one glass of wine can put you at ease and increase your interest in becoming intimate. But too much alcohol can ruin your ability to perform by affecting erectile function. Too much alcohol can also inhibit your ability to orgasm.

7. Take time to meditate and relieve stress

No matter how healthy you are, being stressed out is going to affect your sex drive. Women are particularly susceptible to the effects stress can have on one’s sex life.

Men, on the other hand, sometimes use sex to relieve stress. And sometimes differences in the approach to sex may cause conflict.

To relieve stress, participate in sports activities, practice tai chi, or take a yoga class.

8. Get plenty of sleep

Those with a hectic lifestyle don’t always have the time to get the right amount of sleep. Being busy also makes it difficult to make time for sex.

People who balance work with caring for aging parents or young children are often left exhausted, which can lead to a reduced sex drive.

Boost your energy and sex drive by taking naps when you can and eating a healthy diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

9. Keep your relationship in check

After you’ve had an argument with your partner, chances are you’re not in the mood to have sex. For women, sensing emotional closeness is important to sexual intimacy. That means unresolved conflicts can affect your sexual relationship.

Communication is essential for building trust. It’s important to prevent resentments from building up.

Consult a doctor

Even if you’re taking a natural approach to boosting your sex drive, it still might be a good idea to talk with your doctor. They can help you identify underlying problems.

Your doctor may suggest some strategies for enhancing sexual health.

These may include communicating with your partner, making healthy lifestyle choices, and treating underlying medical conditions. Knowing the root of the problem affecting your sex life will make it easier to find a solution.

10. Trial and error

There are a variety of different approaches that may enhance your sex drive naturally. However, it’s important to remember that every couple is different. It may take a little experimentation to find out what works best for you.

If you do decide to turn to prescription drugs, remember that desire is at the core of sex. It’s important to remember that a little blue pill may not be the answer if emotional issues are affecting your libido.

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Speaking up about orgasms

Speaking up about orgasms

Men often don’t talk about delayed or absent orgasm. Still, these issues can have a profound impact on their sex life.

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Harvard Men’s Health Watch

Edited for content

Published: October, 2020

Erectile dysfunction continues to be the main sex-related issue among older men. Yet, two other problems also can arise with age: anorgasmia, the inability to achieve an orgasm during sex, and delayed orgasm, in which it takes longer than usual to reach orgasm and ejaculate despite proper stimulation. Men can experience either one or both.

While these conditions can cause stress for both men and their sexual partners, they don’t have to hinder a healthy, active sex life.

“Orgasms are pleasing and satisfying, but you often can achieve sexual satisfaction without one,” says urologist Dr. Michael O’Leary, director of Men’s Health at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “With the right approach, these conditions can have little, if any, impact on whether you can enjoy intimacy.”

Two similar conditions

With anorgasmia, you can get an erection and enjoy stimulation from intercourse even though you can’t reach orgasm. Research has defined delayed orgasm as taking longer than 30 minutes to achieve orgasm and ejaculate, although the time can vary per person. Some men with delayed orgasm can experience the sensation of orgasm but don’t ejaculate.

It’s not known how common these conditions are, as men are often reluctant to discuss them with their doctor or partner. Nor is it clear why they become more frequent with age.

However, a report in the November 2015 issue of Fertility and Sterility pointed to a combination of possible factors, like changes in penis sensitivity, lower testosterone levels, medication side effects, and lack of exercise.

The conditions also can occur when a man enters a new relationship. For instance, a man may feel under stress about pleasing his new partner. If he has not been sexually active for a while, he may struggle with performance anxiety. Men also may feel pressured to climax within a specific time frame, which can exacerbate the problem.

Treatment and options

Before rushing to your doctor for help with either of these conditions, Dr. O’Leary suggests that you first look at the larger picture of how it affects your overall sex life.

“It’s normal to want to maintain the sexual vigor of your youth, but men have to realize that their body changes with age. Sometimes, that means your sex life, too,” he says. “Even if you don’t always have an orgasm, you and your partner can still experience pleasure from the intimacy that accompanies any sexual encounter.”

Still, if an orgasm problem affects your sex life, certain strategies could help. The following are some options to discuss with your doctor.

Sexual therapy. Therapy with a sexual health expert can address the issues that may be causing orgasm trouble, especially if it’s related to a new relationship or some other psychological issue. “Many times, it’s not a physical problem, but the connection between the brain and body,” says Dr. O’Leary.

Testosterone. Since both anorgasmia and delayed orgasm can be related to low testosterone levels, a simple blood test can determine if you might benefit from supplementation.

Medication. There are no FDA-approved drugs to treat anorgasmia or delayed orgasm. Even so, one drug, called cabergoline (Dostinex), has received attention. Orgasm is associated with a surge in prolactin, a hormone made in the brain’s pituitary gland. If blood prolactin levels are always high, there is no surge. Cabergoline lowers levels to allow the surge normally experienced with orgasm.

A study in the March 2016 issue of Sexual Medicine found that men’s orgasm problems improved after they took 0.5 milligrams of cabergoline twice a week for about 10 months. About half of the group said their orgasms returned to normal. The drug tends to be well tolerated and it’s presumed safe, although its long-term effects are unknown. Consult with your doctor about whether this could be an option.

Some antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), may cause anorgasmia or delayed orgasm. In fact, doctors will sometimes prescribe these drugs for men with the opposite problem, premature ejaculation. If you take an antidepressant, talk with your doctor about lowering your dosage or switching to a different one.

Change sexual positions. Modifying sexual positions or foreplay practices with your partner may increase arousal and help achieve orgasms, according to guidelines from the American Urological Association.

Penile vibratory stimulation. This clamplike device is placed around the penis and vibrates to stimulate the nerves in the base of the penis. It’s used before sex and can be incorporated into foreplay.