How Exercise Benefits One's Sex Life

The only real way to prevent the sluggishness, overweight, depression, winter hibernation and overindulgence of comfort foods is to exercise.

Aerobic activity increases the heart rate, blood flow, and circulation which means it is easier to become aroused. If you are worried about smelling, you can always shower together. On the other hand, sweat contains pheromones, or sexual hormones, a key ingredient to sexual chemistry. Usually if you use deodorant, fresh sweat doesn’t smell bad. Only when bacteria is left and grows is there the putrid smell associated with B.O..

Besides the instant benefits of circulation and hormones, exercising regularly will help the overall sex drive in men and women. Regular aerobic activity provides more energy, circulation, a balanced immune system and battles depression. But physical exercise before going to bed with someone also provides the body with a release of extra hormones, pheromones and increase in circulation which will aid in the ability to ahem, GET IT ON! Oh, yeah, and people always talk about how many calories are burned when you have sex, too. I guess that depends on how aerobic you are.

Here are a few ideas for exercise to increase circulation and getting those pheromones rolling:

Go the to the gym together.
Take a stroll  after dinner.
Go dancing. Ladies love a man who can dance. And they'll love a man who just tries to dance too!
Yoga or meditation.
Hiking in a scenic forest.
A walk in the moonlight.
Sunset on the beach.
Play a sport.
If you happen to be taking dance classes and want to show off, your partner will probably be a willing subject.
Vacuuming--way more romantic if a man does this as chore play to show off how great he is to his wife.

The Oops Child: Birth Control, Pregnancy, and Antibiotics

Birth control has side effects but other medications can effect that. Antibiotics can render birth control's function as nonexistent. I'm actually surprised how many pharmacists don't mention this when people pick up their antibiotics--even when asked if the medication could have effect other medication. Really, I am speaking from personal experience. I once asked my pharmacist directly after my consult whether it could interact with my other medications.

He said, "No."

I said, "Um . . . what about my birth control?"

"Oh, well, yeah."

Considering I had just been at an alternative school and taught a class of teenage mothers and heard them discuss how many were pregnant because they didn't realize antibiotics negated birth control, it came as no surprise the local pharmacist was negligent. Though, I have sense learned no pharmacist ever mentions the causation between birth control, antibiotics and pregnancy.

How scent attracts the opposite sex

Have you ever noticed how certain smells effect your mood? For example, the smell of Oregon rain might make one feel refreshed. The smell of baked goods makes one feel cozy and at home. That’s not all smells can do; they can also stimulate the libido!

Recently, studies have shown how spicy smells affect the libido. Dr. Alan Hirsch, author of What Flavor is Your Personality, researcher and founder of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, has studied the effects of various smells which arouse men and women. Among men, the spicy smell of cinnamon rolls and pumpkin pie ranked as the number one olfactory sexual trigger, increasing sexual stimulation by 40%, measured by penile blood flow.

It would seem that men want women to be made out of sugar and spice and everything nice.

Other scents stimulated men on lower levels, but there weren’t any food scents that sexually repulsed men. Women on the other hand, were aroused by scents like licorice, baby powder, citrus and cucumber, which increased their libido by up to 14%, but smells like charcoal barbeque smoke and cherry scent decreased their arousal by 18 %!

And bad news for men--the smell of cologne also decreased women’s arousal.

The moral of this story is that the best colognes for men and women are baked goods with lots of cinnamon and spices. And in order for you or your house to smell like baked goods, it helps to know how to make them. That in itself can be pretty sexy for attracting women.

Dangerous Aphrodisiacs to Avoid

Often in the past, aphrodisiacs have been rare, expensive and even dangerous items such as Spanish fly, powdered rhino’s horn and tiger testicles. The psychology behind believing such substances were aphrodisiacs may be because they are rare and difficult to obtain. Therefore, one who can acquire them is more powerful and virile. Because specific animals are seen as having strength or sexual superiority by some cultures, the animals are then considered to possess this power in their sexual organs and therefore thought to pass ability on to men who consume these ingredients.

Other infamous aphrodisiacs such as Spanish Fly, Cup of Gold, and belladonna are dangerous. Spanish Fly is actually a beetle that causes urinary tract irritation which one registers as a sexual feeling, but it also causes permanent kidney and genital damage. Cup of Gold is a plant also known as solandra brevicalyx, solanaceae. This Central and South American flower can lead to death through excessive sexual drive. Yow! 

Belladona is another plant in the solanacea, or nightshade family, that can cause a variety of side effects, among them, hallucinations, psychotic behavior, respiratory arrest, convulsions and coma. It is also  easy to buy on the internet and in some herbal shops. I actually was surprised to find a bottle of homeopathic medicine of belladonna in my local health food store in Portland, Oregon. Though, I am sure the dosage is minuscule so that someone doesn’t overdose, I am not going to mention the store that sells it, as there are other herbs far safer and better to use.

So instead of going out there and buying powdered rhino horn (which is an endangered species because people still kill them for their horns which are sold on the black market as aphrodisiacs),or applying black pepper to the genitals as was done a thousand years ago in China, consider if such methods are truly worth it.  Try the safest and most potent natural Viagra’s: yohimbe bark or damiana. You can buy either as herbal tinctures in most health food stores. I have also found damiana alcohol sold in a liquor shop in a bottle in the shape of a woman’s body.

Aphrodisiacs: Miracle Herbs and Common Supplements to Aid in Sexual Function

Aphrodisiacs have been around for thousands of years. Two thousand years ago men applied black pepper to their genitals to cure impotence, men still ingest dangerous substances such as Spanish Fly and belladona, endangered animals are poached in order to be made into aphrodisiacs. When Viagra first came out it was pretty common to hear stories about old men with heart conditions who weren’t supposed to take it, yet they found a way to acquire some and then died. Hopefully happy.

As an alternative to black market aphrodisiacs that kill endangered species—or you, let’s look at some cheap, natural ingredients and supplements. These aphrodisiacs work by aiding in sexual function naturally by making up for the nutrition that the body is lacking.

Nutrient/Vitamin	What it’s found in	Effect
Black pepper	Spicy food	The alkaloid affects the mucous lining of the genitals and stimulates the organs in men.
Caffeine	Coffee, chocolate, energy drinks	The caffeine stimulates the body
Capsaicin	Chili peppers, cayenne pepper, curry, garlic, spicy food	The heat of capsaicin stimulates endorphins and nerve endings when ingested. Also high in Vitamin C and good for circulation.
Chocolate (my favorite drug)	Cocoa, chocolate, candy, etc.	Chocolate has over 30 chemicals that stimulate, relax, release endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, etc.
***Damiana	Herbal supplement, liquor (in a bottle shaped like a woman)	This South American plant contains chemicals that increase sensitivity in the genitals.
Dopamine	Fava beans	Dopamine is a chemical in the brain necessary to increase libido and decrease depression.
Garlic	Common root herb	The heat aids in increasing sexual desires. Also keeps mosquitoes away, so be sure to have some before a romantic or unromantic camping trip.
Ginger	Root/spice found in supermarkets, pumpkin pie, stir-fries, etc.	This spice stimulates the circulatory system and aids digestion.
Ginko	Supplement found in vitamins and herbal stores.	This supplement increases circulation and aids sexual dysfunction, causes the release of nitric oxide, and widens the blood vessels and erectile tissue. Also good for the memory, so you will have the added benefit of remembering your recreational activities.  (Not to be taken by people with heart disease or blood thinning drugs.)
Ginseng	Very common in Korean food and some Japanese food, found in teas, soups, dietary supplements and raw.	This plant usually grown in Korea, relaxes muscles, increases circulation and acts as a hormonal stimulant. (Similar to Viagra.)
Kava kava	Supplement found in the health food store	This Polynesian aphrodisiac aids in relaxation.
L-arginine	Supplement found in the health food store	This amino acid increases the nitric oxide in the blood vessel walls to maintain erection.
Phenylethylamine	Red wine, aged cheese, chocolate	In small amounts, increases arousal, stimulates the senses, and causes relaxation. Too much can cause headaches, fatigue and a lack of sexual desire.
Phytoestrogen	Soy products, cardamom, saffron	A plant chemical that mimics estrogen and helpful for women. This decreases; vaginal dryness, cholesterol, the likelihood of some cancers, and the side effects of menopause such as lowered sex drive.
Chlorogenic acid	Sunflowers	Aiding sexual stimulation.
Tryptophan	Black beans	Amino acid that relaxes.
***Yohimbe Bark (nature’s Viagra)	Must purchase in a healthfood store	It increases circulation, enhances libido, fights depression by releasing serotonin in the brain, relieves impotence caused by stress, fatigue or tension.

Aphrodisiacs: Science or Witchcraft?

Research done by the Health Professional Follow-Up Study found that regular exercise, weight loss, and weight maintenance were all “bedroom boosters”. Prescriptions, diet and exercise are considered science but the realm of aphrodisiacs are erroneously considered magic.

Some conservatives will claim that herbs and “potions” are witchcraft. It’s true that wise women who knew of medicinal cures long ago were thought of as witches—and sometimes burned at the stake for it. But cooking with aphrodisiacs is no more witchcraft than pharmaceuticals, nutrition or psychology.

The idea behind aphrodisiacs is that they aid in curing sexual inadequacies, whether those problems may be mental or physical. In reality, most aphrodisiacs are not true cures, but are herbs, vegetables and fruits rich in specific vitamins that heighten the body’s sexual functioning.

Hundreds of years ago, introducing a new exotic food into European culture from the Americas like chocolate or tomatoes did have a stimulating effect on the body, supplementing people with vitamins they normally wouldn’t eat. Exotic foods like coffee or rare foods like truffles were difficult to obtain, so eating a reputed aphrodisiac had nutritional benefits. A boost of Vitamin A, B, C, etc. can increase energy, stamina and overall well being. Small doses of caffeine increase energy.

Another way aphrodisiacs work is that they stimulate the psyche if one is eating a food or meal that reminds them of sexual organs such as bananas, asparagus, oysters or figs. In times of the past, people used food that symbolically resembled parts of a man or woman’s body in rituals, potions and cooking to inspire arousal. The subconscious isn’t a bad way to go. All seeds and nuts were symbols of fertility and virility because they represented male or female organs. Plants such as cucumbers, bananas and carrots are considered phallic because of their long, slender shape. Oysters and figs are symbolic of female organs.

Between the psychology and nutrition of aphrodisiacs, usually that is all one needs in order to benefit. But in some circumstances, the body needs more. Sometimes one needs something to enhance the libido. That is where true aphrodisiacs come in. Damiana, yohimbe bark, chocolate, and fava beans stimulate serotonin and dopamine and help decrease depression. Some plants have natural hormones or help increase hormones needed for sexual function such as soy which contains phytoestrogen for women, or ginko for men. Other herbs that promote circulation include ginger, and capsaicin (chili pepper).

In some cases when that isn’t enough, there are still other factors to examine such as exercise and medical conditions. For more information on this, see previous posts "Out of Order: 30 million American Men Battling Sexual Dysfunction" and "Out of Order: Sexual Dysfunction Solutions." More posts on aphrodisiacs are to come in the upcoming months.

Medications that effect sexual function

Many medications and prescriptions have side effects that we don’t think about. Some of these can influence sexual function. These range from anti-depressants to over the counter medications. Because everyone’s body is different and will react differently to side effects, sometimes people aren’t even aware their body is being affected in a negative way until they consider the medications they are taking and note how this may be effecting their lives.

There are medications noted to increase or decrease sex drive because it effects hormones. Dopamine increases sex drive whereas serotonin inhibits it. Drugs that block testosterone in men, like steroids, will cause difficulty with libido and circulation. Birth control can suppress or increase sexual function, depending on how it plays on that woman’s natural hormonal balance. It can be pretty frustrating, possibly even more depressing, for people on an anti-depressant who suddenly lack a sex drive and have one more stress factor in their lives.

If an anti-histamine, allergy medicine, or birth control is noted to cause dry mouth, it may also have other dehydrating side effects. Some people may also experience headaches. The medication can also cause a lack of natural lubrication. Imagine if one is taking two medications which are dehydrating, such as an allergy medicine like Claritin and birth control. If a woman notices an increase of side effects due to the medications she is taking, there will probably be an increased need to use lubricating products.

What people often don’t consider is that there are over-the-counter medications like Benadryl and cold medications which are known to cause drowsiness. Being tired is going to decrease the sex drive.

Websites like Net Doctor, always suggest that if one notices side effects on sexual and is concerned, it is a bad idea to stop taking one’s medication. It is important to speak with a physician to see if there is an alternative medication available with fewer or different side effects.

Prescription medications that cause sexual dysfunctions include the following according to Harvard Guide to Women’s Health:
Opiates (codine, morphine and methadone)--effects libido
Anti-depressions--increases difficulty in achieving orgasm
Chemotherapy/Cancer (anti-estrogens, cyclophsphamide)--vaginal dryness, reduced libido, reduced ability to orgasm
Anti-hypertensives (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics and anit-adrenergics)--reduces libido and ability to orgasm
Barbiturates --causes many different sexual dysfunctions at high doses
Anti-cholinergics (propantheline and methantheline)--reduces libido
Benzodiazepines (alprazolam and diazepam)--difficulty achieving orgasms

Switching prescriptions isn’t always an option. For those interested in learning natural remedies to aid sexual function, please see the post on Miracle Herbs and Aphrodisiacs later next month.

Out of Order: Natural Sexual Dysfunction Solutions

 “Yeah, all this aphrodisiac stuff is great and all but I need something a little stronger. I need something that’s more than just nutrition,”one who has read about aphrodisiacs might say.

The idea behind aphrodisiacs is that it provides the nutrients to heighten the body’s sexual functioning. A boost of Vitamin A, B, C etc. can increase energy, stamina and overall well being. Aphrodisiacs can also stimulate the psyche if one is eating a food or meal that reminds them of sexual organs such as bananas, asparagus, oysters or figs. Some plants have natural hormones or help increase hormones needed for sexual function such as soy which contains phytoestrogen for women or ginko for men.

Usually that is all one needs. But in some circumstances, the body needs more than vitamins. Sometimes one needs something to enhance the libido. That is where true aphrodisiacs come in. Damiana, yohimbe bark, chocolate, and fava beans stimulate serotonin and dopamine and help decrease depression. And when that isn’t enough, there are still other factors to examine.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association in a study reported in February 1999, about 43 % of women and 31 % of men suffer from sexual inadequacy.  In the article mentioned above, the causes for impotence ranges from lacking the ability to be aroused, inability to orgasm, premature ejaculation, or other sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction. The latter term specifically refers to not being able to achieve or maintain an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse 50 % of the time. Thirty million American men suffer from erectile dysfunction. Is it really so surprising that drugs such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are so popular?

Below is a list of reasons one might develop sexual dysfunctions and potential preventative measures one can take to remedy this. These are all natural and drug free ways to aid sexual health

List of Potential Problems and Potential Cures

Cause	Solution
Inadequate diet	Providing the vitamins and minerals the body is lacking.
Too much Fat	The body doesn’t need Omega 9 since our diet is already so rich in it. Try to avoid too much corn and canola oil, transfats, etc.
Not enough fat	The body needs more Omega 3 and 6’s which are found it fish oil,
Not enough exercise	When one does aerobic exercise at least three times a week, the body has more energy through out the day, sleeps better at night, decreases depression and increases circulation and sexual hormone production.
Prescription Medications	Some medications ranging from anti-depressants to birth control effect the body’s hormone production and sexual functioning. If an alternative prescription can be substituted,  some times that is a happy alternative.
Diabetes	Causes poor circulation.
Smoking	Decreases circulation.
Drinking	Damages the blood vessels and can cause a little too much relaxation in some cases.
Too much caffeine	Can cause a variety of symptoms including headaches to the caffeine low.
Aging	Yeah, try to avoid that one.
Stress	Effect the psychological and physiological functioning.
Depression	Effect the psychological and physiological functioning. Kava kava and St. John’s Wort are common herbal remedies, (not recommended for women taking birth control as it makes the birth control ineffective!)
Seasonal Depression	If you need more sunlight or Vitamin D, go to a tanning salon, get some sunlight and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit.

Out of order: 30 million American men battling erectile dysfunction

30 million American men battling erectile dysfunction: Is Viagra the only answer?

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association in a study reported in February 1999, about 43 % of women and 31 % of men suffer from sexual inadequacy.  The kinds of impotence in men ranges from low libido, delayed or inability to orgasm, premature ejaculation, physical defects or abnormalities, and other sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction. The latter term specifically refers to not being able to achieve or maintain an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse 50 % of the time. Thirty million American men suffer from erectile dysfunction. Is it really so surprising that drugs such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are so popular?

But are these drugs really the answer when the side effects may include headache, flushing, runny nose, visual problems, heart attacks, and interfere with many prescriptions--including heart medications?

There are plenty of people who believe so, otherwise it wouldn't be such a booming industry, some elderly men wouldn't be lying about heart conditions in order to obtain these drugs, and these prescriptions wouldn't have become so easily accessible to purchase through the internet. There are now prescription medications for women, though studies show they do no have the same results. Although erectile dysfunction is considered a medical condition, Harvard Health reports that female sexual dysfunction is not yet considered a medical condition. . . . Interestingly, this dysfunctions occurs 10% more in women.

So what are the alternatives? The cause of the sexual dysfunction will effect the cure. Viagra, Levitra and Cialis primarily aid in blood flow and circulation. Natural remedies that increase blood flow might include: damiana, yohimbe bark, capsaicin (chili peppers and other spicy foods), ginger and regular exercise. If the problem is libido, Viagra and other drugs that stimulate circulation will not help. In those cases, medications that promote dopamine and serotonin are key. Natural mood stimulants include chocolate, small amounts of wine, fava beans and black beans.

Book Review: Plain Facts for Old and Young: Natural History and Hygiene of Organic Life (Sex, Marriage & Society Series)

Book Review: 

Plain Facts for Old and Young: Natural History and Hygiene of Organic Life (Sex, Marriage & Society Series)  

Or in Lady Chatterley's words, Children of the Corn Flakes

A number of years ago, Lady Chatterley remembers reading about Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the inventor of Corn Flakes, and how his religious zealotism discouraged sexual health to the point that he suggested castration and using acid to burn away genetalia. Recently she attended a workshop on Victorian sexuality through a local chapter of Romance Writer's of America and his name was referred to again. But to imagine where this zealot came from, imagine the era:

At the end of the 1800's, sexually transmitted diseases were life threatening and caused death.

Sexuality considered a sin punishable by eternal torment. (As if the STDs weren't enough.)

Masturbation was thought to cause blindness, mental retardation and other maladies.

To those obsessed with health and religion such as Kellogg, the words sexual health meant abstinence. And this abstinence had to be maintained by any means as these quotes from his books via Wikipedia explain.

In his Plain Facts for Old and Young, he wrote:

“

A remedy which is almost always successful in small boys is circumcision, especially when there is any degree of phimosis. The operation should be performed by a surgeon without administering an anesthetic, as the brief pain attending the operation will have a salutary effect upon the mind, especially if it be connected with the idea of punishment, as it may well be in some cases. The soreness which continues for several weeks interrupts the practice, and if it had not previously become too firmly fixed, it may be forgotten and not resumed.

”

and

“

a method of treatment [to prevent masturbation] ... and we have employed it with entire satisfaction. It consists in the application of one or more silver sutures in such a way as to prevent erection. The prepuce, or foreskin, is drawn forward over the glans, and the needle to which the wire is attached is passed through from one side to the other. After drawing the wire through, the ends are twisted together, and cut off close. It is now impossible for an erection to occur, and the slight irritation thus produced acts as a most powerful means of overcoming the disposition to resort to the practice

”

and

“

In females, the author has found the application of pure carbolic acid (phenol) to the clitoris an excellent means of allaying the abnormal excitement.

”

In his Ladies' Guide in Health and Disease, to prevent masturbation, he suggested:

“	Cool sitz baths; the cool enema; a spare diet; the application of blisters and other irritants to the sensitive parts of the sexual organs, the removal of the clitoris and nymphae...

 These disturbing books are available on Amazon.com. Or if you really want to support Kellogg's legacy, all you need do is buy a box of Corn Flakes.