Cold, Flu, COVID Season’s Here: How About Having More Sex?
Here we are. Right on the brink of cold, flu and COVID season combined. And who would've thought that when it comes to proactively fighting these viruses as well as combating some of the symptoms that come right along with them, having sex would be a truly effective, all-natural and totally satisfying remedy?
Before getting into that, though, I think it's important to put on record that while the cold, flu and COVID are all viruses, they are not one and the same. While I'm pretty sure you hear about what makes COVID, well, the way that it is ad nauseum (you can check out some CDC info here), as you're navigating through things like fevers, sore throats, coughing, congestion, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath and other things that can make being sick an absolute nightmare, it's important to keep in mind that while a cold and the flu are both respiratory viruses, the flu has much more severe symptoms.
Not only that but the first 3-4 days are when you typically catch the brunt of it all with colds and the flu taking 1-2 weeks to fully get past. It's also important to keep in mind that if you happen to have a fever, chills and a load of fatigue, that is usually not a common cold; that's usually the flu; however, if you're not exactly sure, you can always make an appointment to see your doctor (because again, COVID).
Now with all of that out of the way, how in the world does copulation (and/or oral sex) prove to be just about as effective as "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Sit tight. You might just be surprised.
Sex Lowers Your Stress Levels
There's nothing good that comes from being stressed out all of the time. That's why I'm such a huge supporter of people being extremely proactive when it comes to balancing out the stress triggers that are in their life. That said, I'm pretty sure it comes as no shocker to you that when you are stressed, it can compromise your immune system (more on that in just a sec). When that happens, your body can actually produce flu-like symptoms (ugh). That's the bad news. The good news is when you have sex, it raises your endorphin and oxytocin levels which are both feel-good hormones. Sex also has the ability to lower your cortisol (your natural stress hormone) levels as well as your blood pressure — and when it comes to managing stress, that is always a good thing.
Sex Boosts Your Immunity
There is absolutely no way that you can fight off viruses that lead to sickness if your immune system is shot. One way you can do that is by checking out the article, "Ready To Try 10 Quick & Easy Immune-Boosting Hacks?" on our site. Matter of fact, one of the points in it happens to give sex a big ole' shout-out. While it's kind of a long and scientific tale, the main reason why sex is so great for your immunity is because it helps your system to produce the kind of antibodies that are able to fight off viruses, bacteria and other germs that could lead to you not feeling very well. So, if you've not been making sex much of a priority these days, here's a really solid reason why you should definitely consider doing so.
Sperm/Semen Is a Multivitamin
An article that I wrote for the site a couple of years ago that received quite a bit of traction was, "Do You Swallow? The Unexpected Health Benefits Of Sperm". While I know that going down/giving head may not be everybody's cup of tea (check out "Sooo...What If You HATE Oral?"), there's absolutely no way around the fact that sperm and semen (the fluid that carries sperm) are literally like a multivitamin. They're packed with protein, vitamins B12 and C, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, citrate, sugar, sodium, melatonin and more with a teaspoon of it equaling to around a stick of gum (five or so calories).
Since sperm/semen also contain oxytocin and progesterone, not only can they help to strengthen your immune system, they can help to get — or keep — you in a good mood too. Sperm/semen also have a great reputation for helping to decrease depression-related symptoms, speed up the healing process of wounds, fight aging signs, reduce inflammation and increase your overall lifespan. Plus, since the cold nor the flu can be spread via sexual fluids (sperm, semen or vaginal fluids), that's one more reason to consider giving sperm/semen a shot (pun intended); especially as a "intercourse alternative" until you're up to feeling better.
Kissing Increases Your Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Levels
If you like to kiss a lot and you rarely ever get sick, there could be a correlation between the two. Something that is located within the mucous membranes of your lungs, sinuses, stomach, intestines and bodily fluids are antibodies known as Immunoglobulin A (IgA). These are cool because they help your body to get better at fighting off illnesses.
So, when you and your partner exchange saliva, you are actually increasing each other's IgA levels. There are even studies which cite that having sex 1-2 times a week can significantly boost your IgA levels too. Crazy, huh?
Orgasms Can Clear Up Congestion
Are you someone who fakes orgasms? If so, this is a good reason to quit — right here and right now. Believe it or not, experiencing an orgasm can help to clear up a clogged up nose! While scientists and medical professionals are still trying to unpack exactly why this is the case, what they believe is, going through all of the phases of an orgasm — excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution — can work together to help to clear out your nasal passages. And since a stuffy nose is one of the most annoying things about being sick, this is definitely some pretty good food for thought.
Orgasms Are a Natural Pain Reliever
Remember how I gave a shout-out to endorphins earlier in this piece? Another benefit that comes from them is they're a natural painkiller. So, whenever you are touched or touched, that helps to stimulate the release of them. In fact, there is plenty of data to support that sex helps to reduce the discomfort that is associated with headaches and even migraines. Sex can help to soothe body aches too. So, if you happen to be someone who tries and avoids sex when your head is pounding, according to science, it's something that you actually should be totally open to running to instead of away from. Let me tell it, it beats the hell outta Advil and NyQuil. Maybe that's just me, though.
Certain Positions Can Reduce the Chance of Spreading Germs
Even though viruses like colds and the flu cannot be spread via sexual fluids, they can when someone coughs or sneezes (which is why still wearing a mask during this pandemic is so important). That's why you can definitely still run the risk of getting your partner sick if you decide to have sex while you are contagious (which is around two weeks with a cold or COVID and 3-7 days for the flu). Still, if you want to be able to get into some of the benefits that sex provides after the first few days of falling ill, the key is to get into positions where you and your partner aren't exactly face to face like spooning, doggy style and/or reverse cowgirl.
Sex Improves Your Quality of Sleep
One way that you can definitely make yourself vulnerable when it comes to catching a virus is not getting enough sleep ("getting enough" means sleeping no less than 6-8 hours every night, not every once in a while). That's because a result of sleep deprivation is a weakened immune system and, as we already addressed, the worse off your immune system is, the more susceptible you are to falling ill. I think we all can attest to the fact that a good round of sex can produce some of the best sleep EVER. That's because sex increases hormones like oxytocin, prolactin, progesterone, endorphins and dopamine — all of which help you to feel really good as they relax your system and calm your mind as well.
Like I said, virus 2.0 season is right in our faces (pun intended); that's unavoidable. But if you're open to having more sex than usual, you literally increase your chances of avoiding them. I can't think of a more gratifying, pleasurable and rewarding way to do it either. I really can't.
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Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
Blac Chyna Opens Up About Her Initial Fear To Share Her Spiritual Journey With Others
Watching Angela “Blac Chyna” White’s transformation in real-time has truly been a sight to see. It wasn’t that long ago that she announced that she was reversing her cosmetic surgeries in an effort to go back to who she was before the world came to know her as Blac Chyna. In previous interviews, she stated that she was dissolving her facial and lip fillers, removing her breast implants, and getting a butt reduction, as well as removing the dimple piercings that enhanced her fame and controversial tattoos.
In a recent Tamron Hall interview, the mother of two said that she has “fully recovered” from the procedures. She is also celebrating one year of sobriety and opened up about being worried about how her new journey would be received by others.
“I’ve been in the entertainment industry for so long, right, and of course, like, you know, coming out, I’m like young, I’m gonna do wild things as we all have,” she said.
“...I feel like by me being vocal and showing everybody you can change your life and things can get better, like through myself, that right there is an accomplishment, and that’s a part of freedom, too.”
But as she started on her journey, many people have shown her grace, which is something she’s grateful for. “And then the fact that people have been showing me grace, it’s like amazing,” she said. “And I feel like when I did it, I just did it. It was more so like spiritual thing and I feel like people see that, and I’ve always been like my authentic self, so what you see is kinda what you get with me, and that’s just kinda what it is.”
Chyna, who recently received an honorary doctorate from Sacramento Theology Seminary and Bible College, has also repaired her relationship with her mom, Tokyo Toni. The social media celebrity surprised her daughter on the Tamron Hall Show. Prior to the sentimental surprise, Chyna dished on the reconciliation and having a better understanding of her mom.
“I must say, some of the things I have to take accountability for because, like my actions. As a mother, you don’t want to see your daughter doing certain things ‘cause it’s like it doesn’t matter what my past was or what we’re going through, I didn’t raise you that way,” she admitted. “So, it’s like, okay, maybe I was a little bit wrong. Maybe I was acting out a little bit. But I feel like as we grow older, I kinda see more, and I understand more.”
Chyna will be starring in season two of Fox's reality competition show Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.
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