Hot Sex and Heart Health: How They're Connected

Poor blood flow can put the kibosh on arousal before it even gets going. Along with hormones, good blood flow drives the body's sexual response. When you are aroused, your blood vessels swell and cause a feeling of fullness throughout the genitals. Increased blood flow down below makes things tighter for him and more sensitive for you, and also enables the vagina to become lubricated.

The most obvious deterrent to good blood flow is cardiovascular disease. Whether it's high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart attack, blood just doesn't get where it needs to go — genitals included. Diabetes, pelvic trauma, and childbirth can also cause poor blood flow.

The best way to keep your blood — and your sex life — pumping is to prevent heart disease and diabetes in the first place, or to properly treat them if you do have them. Heart-healthy choices in your diet are essential, and don't forget exercise, which boosts blood flow and strengthens blood vessels. Consider the following tips to help improve your heart health:

Take a vitamin
Daily multivitamins can help your body to function at its best, particularly vitamins that include Omega 3s. Omega 3s can help to lower cholesterol and improve circulation. Fish oil tablets contain omega 3s, but many multivitamins now include this crucial ingredient, so you won’t have to take multiple vitamins to reap these benefits. ·

Eat heart healthy
Not all food is created equal, especially when it comes to your heart. Avoid saturated fats and greasy, fried foods. Sugary and fatty foods are also a problem, so avoid those rich desserts. Instead, opt for a diet full of lean, healthy fare such as fresh fruits and veggies, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy. ·

Exercise is also important
Not only should you perform moderate cardio (get the green light from your doctor before you begin any exercise or diet program), but you should make sure that you perform strengthening and resistance exercises. This can include squats, lunges, planks, crunches or resistance training with weights. Muscle burns calories faster than fat, so the more muscle you build, the faster your metabolism will be (which means you be at a healthy weight… crucial for a healthy heart!). Yoga can also be a wonderful way to help you get in shape and de-stress at the same time. It’s a very centering and relaxing practice, and it help you to focus on the present and shed the stress of the day. 

Self-stimulate regularly
It sounds a little strange, but the truth is that sex really works on a “use it or lose it philosophy.” The more you self-stimulate, the better your circulation will be, and the more attune you will be with your sexual desires. You can even self-stimulate with your partner!

Lastly, make sure you have regular doctor’s visits and stay committed to your health and well-being, inside and out!