Lifestyle and Sex

Description

The following is an exploration of some the issues surrounding various popular lifestyle choices and their impact on sex, positive or otherwise.

Smoking and sex



Smoking is a well-known health risk, but it may affect your sex life. Recent studies have shown that smoking can lead to impotence. Smoking interferes with circulation and, thus, can cause weak and infrequent erections due to the restricted blood flow. Women's sexual performance is also altered by smoking, as smoking affects the blood supply to the sexual organs.


Coffee and sex



From time to time, the health concerns regarding coffee-a favorite drink to start the day-have made the news. While, caffeine may be helpful when we need a quick pickup, it also can be harmful to the heart. The effects of caffeine on the body can be divided into two main groups: its stimulation of the sympathetic nerves, and its suppression of the parasympathetic nerves. The sympathetic nerves affect the capacity for work and study, whereas the parasympathetic nerves affect sexual response. Since caffeine depresses the parasympathetic nerves, the notion that caffeine is a sexual stimulant is a misconception. Caffeine, the main ingredient in coffee, also has some beneficial effects as well. It can be a nice perk for anyone fatigued or suffering from the afternoon doldrums. In conclusion, caffeine can be both good and bad depending on how it is used, but it is clear that its use for sexual performance is not recommended.


Exercise and sex



Many people suffer from lack of exercise. Lack of exercise leads to obesity and a loss of self-confidence, which also affects sex. Regular exercise is good for the mind as well as the body. And the physical strength and stamina acquired from exercise is closely related to sexual performance. Regular exercise and training are more effective in enhancing sexual performance than medications, which may side effects. Also, regular exercise can bring a couple closer together, as well as improve their sex life.


Obesity and sex



Everyone knows that obesity is the culprit of many medical problems. Statistically, there is a 20% higher chance of death for people overweight versus persons of normal weight. In addition, obesity is a big hurdle for an enjoyable sex life. For some people, overeating becomes a substitute for sex. Obesity negatively impacts self-esteem. Low self-esteem or loss of confidence is very detrimental to an individual's sex life because psychological factors play a big role in sexual function. An obese man may shrink in despair at the sight of his belly eclipsing his manhood, and at the same time, he will be limited in the number of available sexual positions. Furthermore, in the case of women, a lack in self-confidence due to obesity may cause self-consciousness and a loss in affection. Since a large part of the sexual act is visual, regular care for one's body can be an act of consideration for one's partner. However, obesity is not an enemy of sex for visually reasons only. Overweight people have difficulty maintaining their health, and since they are highly susceptible to chronic illnesses, it makes things more difficult. Once health is lost, it is not possible to enjoy a normal sex life. Only a healthy person can enjoy a vibrant and enjoyable sex life.


Appetite and sex



A great amount of energy went into the making of human civilization and this was possible only by the intake of food (i.e., protein) by human beings, which in turn was motivated by the desire to live. The instinct to live is closely meshed with the reproductive urge. These urges, hunger and sexual desire, respectively, translate into physical and mental energy. Hunger and sexual appetite, together, affect our daily lives intimately, and the type of food we eat can even change our sexual desire. Some believe, for example, that intake of a lot of meat, alcohol, and sugar can change a person into a violent and self-centered sexual partner, as compared to a person with a normal intake of these substances. On the other hand, vegetarianism, it is believed, reverts the sex to a gentler variety, and even makes an individual more considerate in bed, studies show. There are people who change their diet for better sex. In some parts of the world, older men insecure in their sexual prowess often seek out foods allegedly beneficial to sex: foods normally otherwise avoided. In Korea, for example, such "delicacies" as dog soup, snake soup, and turtle soup are often sought out as aphrodisiacs, but other than being higher in protein and caloric content, there is no evidence indicating that sexual performance is enhanced as a result. A hardy appetite, however, is a good indication of a person's health, and this is reflected in his energy for life and sexual desire.


Abstinence and sex




There is a general consensus among people that a degree of mental and physical health may be gained through asceticism and sexual abstinence. However, abstinence within the framework of asceticism is quite different than abstinence within the larger society. Sexual desire depends on who desires it, and is closely related to the what, how, and where of one's eating habits. Therefore, there is a fundamental difference in abstinence within the confines of a sexually exposed, mass media-driven society, as opposed to that within a society isolated from such temptations. Continually suppressing sexual desire does not help the body, mentally or physically. Some people believe that an extreme amount of stamina is lost due to sex and, thus, either abstain from sex or avoid ejaculation. However, the amount of energy required for one ejaculation amounts to a mere fraction of the caloric content of a meal.