Go with your gut to have fun between sheets
Want to improve your sex life this year? Dr Sunni Patel has a surprising solution
YOU might think linking sex with the gut is far-fetched but the science is very clear. The gut is responsible for our digestion but it also plays an important role in lots of our body’s functions – from immune response and mood to sexual health and libido.
The gut is home to trillions of bacteria known as the gut microbiome. These need to be properly balanced and if they are out of whack there’s a knock-on effect on our health and wellbeing, right down to our desire. So first, let’s talk basics. Sex is about attraction – both parties must feel attractive and attracted. Poor gut health, which is a consequence of an imbalance in the gut bacteria, can increase the amount of bloating, gas, acid reflux and bad breath. All of which can affect our ability to perform sexually, to feel sexy and even respond to any sexual advances.
People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gut health issues can find having sex (or even thinking about it), stressful. And that will affect their sexual satisfaction and can even get in the way of doing the deed.
Gut bacteria also plays a part in maintaining good skin and healthy hair as well as our levels of the “love hormone” oxytocin and women’s oestrogen levels. So, gut health can play a very strong role in how we look, how we feel and whether we’re in the mood.
Recent research revealed that 80 to 90 per cent of our serotonin is produced in the gut (and not all by the brain as previously believed).
Known as the “happy hormone”, serotonin is vital for good mental health, well-being and balancing moods, so it goes without saying that looking after the flora of your microbiome will keep plenty of that happy serotonin flowing and your sex life running smoothly. A gut that’s producing fluctuating levels of serotonin will cause mood swings and libido changes that will affect how frequently you feel like having sex – and even whether you want it at all.
Serotonin isn’t just about mood, though. On a very unsexy note, it also helps regulate bowel movements and keeps feelings of nausea at bay.
And let’s be honest, who wants to get jiggy when they have a rum tum? So what should you be doing if you would rather watch paint dry than get passionate?
Wherever possible avoid stress, large quantities of alcohol or frequent antibiotic use. All these are known to impact your good gut bacteria. ● Add prebiotic fibre to your diet – foods such as Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats, apples and onions will work hard to support your gut health. ● Complement your meals with probiotic foods that are fermented and cultured foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut and miso. All of these are great sources of good bacteria. ● Reduce gut inflammation by avoiding refined sugars and processed foods where you can. Think of adding blueberries, dark leafy greens, turmeric and ginger to your diet – all are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
And lastly, getting plenty of exercise helps your gut bacteria and has the added benefit of improving blood flow and serotonin levels.