Catching a Cold? Having Sex Might Help!

It’s that time of year again --- when the weather gets cooler, the leaves change, everything starts coming out with a pumpkin spice flavor, and everyone around you starts sniffling. Catching a cold or battling the flu is as much a part of Fall as Halloween decorations and tailgate parties. But it doesn’t have to be. “How?” you ask? Simple. Have sex!

No, Seriously...

The best way to fight a cold or the flu is to boost your immune system. Most people reach for the vitamin C, but studies have shown that reaching for your partner once or twice a week can have a similar immune system boosting effect, increasing the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) – known to fight infection --- by 30%.

In addition, sex is a known stress-reliever. Sex releases endorphins and oxytocin – hormones that react with the pleasure centers in your brain – which create feelings of relaxation and can help fight depression and anxiety. These same endorphins can help you sleep more soundly too, since they help relax your body and quiet your mind, and everyone knows that rest is very important when it comes to fighting the cold or a flu.

An Effective Pain Reliever

Oh, and you know that old “Not tonight, I have a headache” excuse? Once again, the hormones released after an orgasm can also be effective pain relievers. In a migraine study conducted at Southern Illinois University, half of the female participants reported relief of their headache or migraine after a climax. So sex can actually get rid of that headache!

Not to mention that sex, being a physical activity, burns calories. It is recommended that adults get at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily to keep your heart healthy, and sex can have comparable benefits to spending time on the treadmill (and it’s much more enjoyable!).

So, enjoy the upcoming Fall and Winter seasons. The cooler weather is a perfect time to snuggle close to someone, and help boost each other’s immune systems!