Sex isn’t just a great way to make your partner happy — it’s also good for your body. Having sex regularly can help you fight colds and flu, build your immune system and reduce stress, among other things.
In addition, sex is a form of moderate exercise — burning about 150 calories an hour. And, according to the American Heart Association, physical activity is essential for reducing your risk of heart disease.
1. It Fights Colds and Flu
As a rule of thumb, experts say that couples should have about once a week. It’s important to remember that this number can vary, depending on a couple’s individual preferences and relationship habits.
For example, some couples might feel that having sex daily is more satisfying than once a week, while others would think that once a week is too much. This is because different people have different sexual desires and stamina, so it’s up to the individual to determine what’s right for them.
One study found that a healthy sex life can reduce the risk of colds and flu, as well as improve immunity. The researchers surveyed 112 people and measured their levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is thought to help fight off infections.
Those who had sex more frequently – around once or twice a week – had significantly higher IgA levels than those who had sex less often. “Sex may be the first line of defence against colds and flu,” says Carl Charnetski, one of the researchers on the study at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.
In addition, a healthier sex lifestyle can also reduce stress, which is linked to an increased risk of colds and flu. It’s important to eliminate stress from your life, as it can impact your health and overall well-being.
Another study found that people who have sex a lot have lower blood pressure and cholesterol than those who have it less often. The researchers believe this is because the activity helps to strengthen your heart and decrease your blood pressure.
Having sex can be a great way to exercise, as it increases your heart rate and gets your muscles moving. It’s not as intense as running laps, but it’s still a form of moderate exercise that can burn about 150 calories an hour in women and 69 calories in men.
2. It Builds Immune System
When it comes to health, there are a lot of different factors that need to be taken into consideration. There’s no one right answer to how many times sex in a week is good for your health, because it will depend on the person and their needs. Nevertheless, there are some benefits of sex that you can take advantage of.
For starters, it helps fight colds and flu by creating an antibody that prevents you from catching the viruses. In fact, it can even help you to feel better when you’re sick, explains Jennifer Lorenz, a licensed professional counselor.
But keep in mind that you’re more likely to catch the flu from someone else, so it’s best to avoid getting sex with someone who has influenza. This is because close contact increases the risk of passing it to you, says Mark, who’s an associate director at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Regardless of the time of year, it’s always wise to get your flu shot, a common preventative measure. Also, you can take some over-the-counter medication to boost your immune system.
Research suggests that people who have sex at least twice a week tend to have higher levels of the immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies that help protect their bodies from illness. These antibodies are important for keeping your immune system strong, especially if you’re interacting with a lot of people on a daily basis.
3. It Reduces Stress
A regular sex schedule helps reduce stress and keeps your immune system strong. It also boosts a substance called immunoglobulin A, or IgA, which is important for fighting germs.
Sex also releases feel-good hormones, like dopamine and endorphins, that can help calm your nerves. These can improve your mood, make you more compassionate and bond you to your partner over the long term.
It lowers cortisol, the primary stress hormone, and it stimulates neurogenesis (the production of new brain cells), which can make you more resistant to future episodes of stress. These are the same effects you get from exercise.
Another way that sex is good for health is that it helps to regulate your sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, your hormones can become imbalanced, and this can affect your libido.
Getting a good night’s rest can help to relieve stress and keep you in a good mood for sex, too. Try power napping if you’re having trouble sleeping, or set the mood with some soothing music, aromas, and lighting.
Research shows that couples who get more sex in a week have a better relationship. It also helps to boost sexual satisfaction and reduce divorce rates.
4. It Burns Calories
According to a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, men who have sex at least twice a week are less likely to get heart disease than those who do not.
Having intercourse on a regular basis can also help you burn calories, which is beneficial if you’re trying to maintain a healthy weight. Sex is also an excellent source of relaxation and bonding, which can be good for your mental health and mood.
In fact, sex can boost your immune system, helping it fight off infections and prevent diseases. It can also improve your sleep quality and increase your energy levels.
But it’s important to note that sex should not replace your regular workout routine, which is why you should still follow a healthy diet and exercise plan, says Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD, a physician and health expert. In addition, sex should be done at an intensity level that will benefit your overall health.
For example, you’ll burn more calories by sexing at a moderately high intensity for longer periods of time than you would by doing the same activity at a low or moderate level, says Michael Henri, MA, BA, founder of Michael Henri Coaching. He recommends switching up positions and increasing your heart rate as much as possible to burn more calories in the bedroom, he adds.
You can also burn more calories by doing a variety of activities during sex, such as contorting into a pretzel or doing downward dog poses. This is because your body will need to work harder to perform the movements, and that can also help you burn calories.
While it is important to keep your calorie count in check, you should also make sure you have some fun while having sex. This will not only be good for your mood, but it could also help you slow down your aging process!
5. It Reduces Pain
Aside from the obvious physical benefits, frequent sex also helps to reduce pain. It can help to clear up kidney stones and reduce recurring kidney infections, which are a leading cause of pain for many women.
Sex also lowers the amount of cortisol, which can help to regulate the body’s stress response. This can make you feel less anxious and reduce your need for pain medication.
Another surprising way sex helps to reduce pain is that it can help to reduce inflammation, which is the culprit behind joint pain. This can help to keep your joints healthy and reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
It can also help to strengthen muscles and ligaments. This can be especially helpful for people with arthritis, as they will have more movement and less stiffness.
Finally, sex can also help to improve your overall health by reducing the risk of heart disease. According to a study, men who had sex two to three times a week were less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases than those who did not have any sex.
While there is no recommended number of times a week you should have sex, it is very important to make sure that you are having sex on a regular basis. This will ensure that you are getting the most benefits out of this activity.
While it is important to have sex, you should always remember that it is not just about physical intimacy but it is also about emotional bonding with your partner. This will help to increase the chances of having a successful relationship.