by Anne Stjern

Created on: November 07, 2009

Doctors and fitness experts say that in order to maintain good health a person needs to eat a diet low in sugar and saturated fats, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. What should be added to the list of healthy 'to dos' is have sex regularly and often. According to medical research, having sex on average two to three times a week results in everything from increased hormone levels to improved dental health to a lower risk of heart attack.

Sex and a Healthy Heart

Cardiovascular exercise is a key element in the majority of fitness plans, with a common recommendation of 30 minutes of cardio, three times a week. Granted sex is not a substitute for a power walk or a session on the elliptical machine but is does play a significant role in a heart healthy lifestyle. Making love increases heart rate and consequently blood flow to both the heart and the brain creating a workout for the entire cardiovascular system. Additionally, sex is a terrific stress reducer and lowers blood pressure, both of which are very heart healthy.

Increased Protection Against Illness and Pain Relief

Colds, flu, and other viruses are less likely to affect adults who have sex 1-2 times weekly. Individuals who regularly make love have a higher concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that increases the body's ability to fight off infection. Another byproduct of sexual activity is pain relief through the release of the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for releasing endorphins that provide natural pain relief. Studies show that prior to climax, the amount of oxytocin in the bloodstream is up to five times normal levels.

Improved Mood and Self Esteem

The connection between hormones and mood has been a subject of research for decades but anyone who has ever has ever experienced PMS, had low energy days, sleepless nights, or felt the happy surge of dopamine after a cigarette could attest to its power. Low levels of the sex hormones neurotransmitters, serotonin, norepinephrine testosterone, progesterone, GABA and estrogen have been linked to high anxiety and panic disorders, sleeplessness, irritability depression, and other emotional problems. Sexual climax releases these hormones creating a more balanced level in the body and reducing anxiety, irritability, insomnia and depression by balancing the controlling hormones. Self esteem rises, mood improves, and we are in a happier mindset for managing our daily lives.

Sex for a Tight Body

A toned, tight body-inside and out-is a goal many people share which regular bouts of energetic sex can help to achieve. Making love is an excellent way to work off an average of 150 calories every 30 minutes and uses every major muscle group from chest, abdomen and arms to thighs and gluts. For women, tightening up the muscles used for giving birth and reducing incidences of incontinence is an added benefit.

These are just a few of the health benefits that regular sex provides adults. The comfort and closeness a couple feels with each other, the confidence to face a sometimes harsh world, and even an improved sense of smell, are in no small part positively affected by a healthy, vibrant, sex life.

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