Five Common Mistakes That Steal Testosterone

It’s one of the first—and most upsetting—casualties of aging… Testosterone levels start to drop as men get older. And it doesn’t wait until retirement. It can start as early as your 30s.

INH ResearchOctober 3, 2014

But age isn’t the only threat. There are some common—and sneaky—factors that drain this hormone from you no matter how old you are.

Here are five common mistakes that steal testosterone:

1. Going Low-Fat: You know all the myths about eating fat… But heart health and a slim waistline aren’t the only reasons to add more of it to each meal. Research shows that it only takes six weeks of reducing fat intake to lower your testosterone levels. Just dropping from 40% to 25% fat a day means around 15% less T.

So if you have been one of the millions of people in the U.S. afraid to touch fat, your testosterone levels could be suffering. Try adding avocados, coconut oil, and grass-fed butter to your meals. These clean fats will help set the table for healthy, natural production.

2. Skipping Sleep: It isn’t always easy to get a good night’s sleep… But if it’s happening more than a night or two a week, it could put your hormones in jeopardy. Just one full week of getting five or less hours of sleep each night can drop T levels by up to 15%.1 And that’s only one week. If you’re making a habit of burning the midnight oil—or have sleep problems you need to address—the damage could be even worse over time. Trying natural sleep aids will help you fall asleep easier—and keep your testosterone levels from sinking.

3. Drinking Too Much Alcohol: A glass of red wine with dinner can be good for your heart and help boost your health. But if you’re having more than two drinks a day, you’re helping your body convert testosterone into estrogen.2 That’s the female sex hormone. It’s true that men need this hormone in small amounts… But when it comes from sacrificing testosterone, it can put out your fire fast.

If you’re a beer drinker, it only gets worse… The hops in beer are estrogenic. They may even help women avoid hot flashes during menopause.3 Your best bet is to limit your alcohol to a glass of wine. If you prefer to sip the hard stuff instead, limit it to a drink or two on the weekends. This helps prevent inflammation and spares testosterone.

4. Over-Exercising: Health Watch readers know that less is more when it comes to exercise. But spending less time in the gym—and turning up the intensity—doesn’t just help keep your heart in top shape. A study at the University of British Columbia found that long-distance runners had at least 20% less testosterone.4 But it’s not just about running less. It’s about greater intensity.

Another study reveals that high-intensity interval training causes bigger testosterone spikes after workouts that normal running.5 It may not be as easy as a jog… But high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can cut your gym time in half—and brings your T levels to where they need to be to fight aging.

5. Eating Soy: It not only lowers your sperm count,6 eating soy depletes your testosterone. It may even prevent your body from being able to make more of it over time. One study found that taking a soy protein supplement led to a 19% drop in serum levels of this hormone in only two weeks.7 But avoiding soy isn’t always easy. That’s because it’s a popular filler ingredient in processed foods. It’s a cheap way to help foods—especially powders—emulsify. That’s why many protein supplements contain soy even though it isn’t being used as a protein source. But even “healthy” foods aren’t immune. Most of the salad dressings you’ll find—even the organic ones—use soybean oil as their base. Always make sure to read the labels on the foods and health products you buy to avoid this testosterone killer.

You don’t need dangerous hormone therapy or an expensive doctor’s prescription to start reclaiming your youthful vigor. There are natural ways to do it. But you need to protect any gains you make. Fixing these simple mistakes is the first step to reigniting your fire—no matter how low the candle may be burning.

Testosterone levels decline about 1% a year after age 30. This is just one more symptom of what we call “Male Aging Syndrome.” Most men think problems like lack of energy or libido are a natural consequence of getting older… when it may actually be an easy to fix chemical imbalance! See the four ways you can break free of Male Aging Syndrome here.

References:
1http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/2011/20110531-sleep.html
2http://www.fammed.wisc.edu/sites/default/files//webfm-uploads/documents/outreach/im/handout_testosterone.pdf
3http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20167461
4http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1724199/
5http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23310924
6http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18650557
7http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/16/12/2796.full

https://www.institutefornaturalhealing.com/2014/10/five-common-mistakes-that-steal-testosterone/

This sex position is really, really good for your health

Particularly if you sit at a desk all day

We all know that having sex has lots of benefits: it's great for our skin, for our mood, for reconnecting with our partners and it can burn lots of calories.

BY ANYA MEYEROWITZ  28/03/2019

There's one position in particular though that has some unexpected health benefits and might have you feeling healthier, and in better shape, in no time.

Doggy style, or from behind, is a brilliant position for many reasons but did you know that it also helps to straighten your back and work your core?

For lots of us it's a pretty comfortable position so it doesn't necessarily feel like we're doing all the hard work, like girl-on-top sometimes can, but our body is actually really working in this position.

This position is particularly good if you sit at a desk or don't have brilliant posture as we tend to naturally straighten our spine and core while catching some action in doggy style.

Does this mean we can cancel that early morning Pilates class?

https://www.redonline.co.uk/health-self/relationships/a26969008/doggy-style-sex-health-benefits/

8 things women should do after sex for good hygiene

Even if you really don’t feel like getting out of bed, practicing these good habits after sex could save you from very unsexy consequences.

DECEMBER 31, 2018

Practicing good post-coital (after sex) hygiene in the long run, will help you to ward off infections and germs that may create bigger health issues.

It might be tempting to skip that part and fall straight to sleep, but that window right after intercourse is when you want to take action in order to ensure that no undesirable bacteria can fester, especially where you can’t reach.

There are many things you can do to clean up, but here are the most important in the list of things you should do.

1. Pee, even if you don’t feel a need to

Outside molecules, including bacteria, can enter the urethra, your urinary tube, very easily during sex, putting you at risk of contracting a urinary tract infection.

The best way to flush out those harmful intruders is by peeing, even if you don’t feel a compelling urge to do so.

If you really have nothing to pee, drink a glass of water and enjoy a short, but romantic cuddle session, then use the bathroom.

If you still need more time, there are other things you can tend to first in your cleanup routine.

2. Wash yourself

A full shower will take care of most aspects of your post-coital cleanup checklist.

Avoid using overly hot or overly cold water, as your private parts will still be tender from your intimate activities.

Use mild soap. There is no need for anything extra perfumed, or even feminine washes, which can actually damage the pH in your vaginal tube.

There are a lot of products that you’ll find in pharmacies that are marketed as helping you to “keep fresh”.

These are things like wipes and sprays that are made with harsh chemicals like detergents, perfumes or lotions, which are actually unsuitable for your skin and can cause a rash or other skin problems. Also avoid scented pads and tampons.

If you don’t take a full shower, do a gentle rinse with warm water instead, or use a clean wet towel to wipe every part of your body that might be exposed to bacteria.

The best way to clean up after sex is to take a full shower; but if you’re too lazy to, at least give your body a quick wet wipe-down before sleeping. — AFP

3. Gargle with mouthwash

Also, swish with mouthwash to eradicate germs and bacteria in your mouth.

Enjoy the foreplay, but don’t forget the cleanup after. Certain sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea (yuck!), can occur in the mouth as well.

Mouthwash in particular, is most effective in killing bacteria for this purpose.

With brushing, you might just end up transferring the germs onto your toothbrush, and obviously, you do not want that.

Gargle for about 15-20 seconds, spit, then rinse away those icky germs with water.

4. Wash your toys

While it is perfectly normal to use toys and lubrication to help with intercourse, these too must be washed.

All you need is some soap and warm water to eliminate most of the germs. If you want to be extra diligent, some silicone toys can be boiled to kill off the germs.

For anything that is powered with a battery or has some sort of mechanism, read the manufacturer’s instructions before immersing in water or subjecting it to germ-killing temperatures.

5. Douching is a no-no

This is one thing on my list that you should not do in your cleanup routine.

The practice of douching is a misguided and old-fashioned method that is now discouraged, as it has been found that douching can lead to more infections, rather than eliminate them.

The vagina has its own self-cleansing mechanism, which includes good bacteria that help to keep the pH levels healthy and balanced.

Rarely does the vagina require any additional help in keeping clean. Do your part in keeping the outside area of your private region clean, but the vagina will take care of itself.

Gargling with mouthwash, as seen in this filepic, is more effective in getting rid of sexually-transmitted infections in the mouth than brushing your teeth.

6. Change into clean clothes and new underwear

In the course of being intimate with your partner, you can hardly be expected to be mindful of what’s happening to your clothes.

Body fluids that stain your underwear and clothes will develop bacteria, so those clothes are probably not something you would want to wear again – toss them right into the laundry basket and pick some fresh new garments to wear.

It is a good idea to toss the bedsheets into the wash as well.

7. Notice any changes or discomfort

Your body should return to normal quite soon after intercourse.

Note any changes, such as lesions, sensations or bumps, and monitor them.

If these physical changes, or any discomfort you feel, becomes worse or does not go away within reasonable time, it’s best to see a doctor for your symptoms.

Write down where you initially felt the discomfort, or what you noticed about physical symptoms, such as whether the size changed, the pain intensified, etc.

I recommend writing these down immediately, as you may not remember them later.

8. Get tested

Ideally, you should know about your partner’s sexual health before jumping into bed with them.

This is a discussion to have with your partner even if it is an uncomfortable topic to bring up.

If you still can’t be sure about the health of your partner, pay attention to symptoms like bumps, pain or sores around your genitals, or unusual discharge.

It’s always a good thing to get an STD (sexually-transmitted disease) test just to be sure, scary as it might be.

The test itself is not painful, but of course, the fear of getting positive results is more daunting.

That’s why, ideally, your sexual partner should be someone trustworthy and loyal, who will not put you at risk of contracting an unwanted STD, and vice versa.

It would be ideal to know the condition of your partners sexual health before having sex with them. HIV, for example, can be tested for with the self-test kit seen in this filepic.

Final words

When you are pregnant, it is even more critical to take extra care and follow the steps above.

You can safely have intercourse when you are pregnant, but you do run the risk of being more prone to infections.

Take care of your basic personal hygiene post-intercourse, and you’ll be able to avoid many problems later on.

https://www.star2.com/health/2018/12/31/women-health-after-sex/

Durex condoms are recalled after they fail burst pressure tests raising fears they will split during sex

• Durex this week recalled batches of its Real Feel and latex-free condoms 
• The company says the products failed quality tests and might break during sex
• Six, 12 and 18-packs of the condoms should not be used but returned for refunds

By SAM BLANCHARD FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 20:35 BST, 30 July 2018 | UPDATED: 10:21 BST, 31 July 2018

Durex has recalled 10 batches of condoms because they might burst during sex.

The company's six, 12 and 18-packs of 'Real Feel' and latex-free condoms failed to pass tests of their burst pressure as they near their use-by date, Durex warned.

All the condoms were made this year and are on sale in the UK – they have an expiry date of between December 2020 and February 2021.

Durex says condoms in the batch could burst more easily than normal, and a health authority warns this could lead to a risk of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections.

People have been warned not to use the condoms if they think they are from an affected batch, and to return them for a refund.

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Durex has recalled 10 batches of its Real Feel and latex-free condoms, saying they failed to pass 'rigorous' burst pressure tests, meaning they could split during sex

Durex, one of the UK's major condom manufacturers, recalled the products on Monday, July 30.

The recall specifically affects the non-latex Durex Real Feel and the Durex Latex Free condoms, but none of the company's other products.

These condoms failed to pass 'rigorous' quality tests, the company revealed, but it says there is no immediate safety concern for customers.

Durex said: 'Our tests have shown that some batches which are currently on the market in UK and Ireland do not pass the requirements for burst pressure towards the end of the shelf life for the product.

'Our condoms are intended to provide a method of contraception and prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through a non-latex barrier that offers a benefit to consumers sensitive to latex.

'There could be an increase in the number of condoms that burst' 

'Only for the batches of condoms affected by this issue, there could be an increase in the number of condoms that burst during application or use.'

Condoms are the only method of protection against both sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, and male condoms are 98 per cent effective when used properly.

However, they can split, which means a woman could become pregnant or sexually transmitted infections could pass between partners.

Durex advises people to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if a condom leaks or bursts during use.

WHICH CONDOMS COULD SPLIT DURING SEX? 

Durex has warned condoms in any of the following batches could break during sex, leading to an increased risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections:

• Durex Real Feel 6 Pack, Batch Number 1000438054, Expiry Date Jan-2021
• Durex Real Feel 12 Pack, Batch Number 1000444370, Expiry Date Feb-2021
• Durex Real Feel 12 Pack, Batch Number 1000474804, Expiry Date Feb-2021
• Durex Latex Free 12 Pack, Batch Number 1000444367, Expiry Date Feb-2021
• Durex Latex Free 12 Pack, Batch Number 1000433145, Expiry Date Jan-2021
• Durex Real Feel 12 Pack, Batch Number 1000419930, Expiry Date Jan-2021
• Durex Real Feel 12 Pack, Batch Number 1000444367, Expiry Date Feb-2021
• Durex Real Feel 12 Pack, Batch Number 1000416206, Expiry Date Dec-2020
• Durex Real Feel 18 Pack, Batch Number 1000434066, Expiry Date Jan-2021
• Durex Real Feel 18 Pack, Batch Number 1000430479, Expiry Date Jan-2021

The company advises customers to return the products for a refund.

+2

The batch number for condoms can be found on the bottom of the box they were bought in, or on the back of the individual foil wrappers

It added there was no immediate safety concern but it had decided to recall the products after consulting with the relevant regulatory authorities.

If a condom tears it reduces protection from pregnancy or STIs 

'Anyone using affected batches are advised to stop use over concerns they do not meet safety standards,' the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said in a statement.

'There is a risk that the condom might tear or leak reducing its protection from sexually-transmitted diseases and pregnancy.' 

John Wilkinson, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) director of medical devices said: 'It’s important that you check the batch numbers to see if you have a product from an affected batch.

'If you have affected products stop using them' 

'If you have, stop using them as there is a risk that they will tear or leak. If you have any questions, please speak to your healthcare professional or sexual health provider.

Our highest priority is making sure that all medical devices are acceptably safe and work effectively.'

He urged anyone with any concerns about condoms or any medical device to report it to the MHRA. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6008289/Durex-recalls-batches-condoms-fears-burst.html

Cordyceps and its role in sexual dysfunction

Priced at RM150,000 to RM200,000 (USD40,000 to USD50,000) per kg, the Cordyceps sinensis root is often mistaken for a mushroom, and has several nicknames such as “caterpillar fungus” and “Himalayan viagra”.

NOVEMBER 27, 2017

This is no cheap herb to get your hands on, and for a good reason.

Hailing all the way from the Himalayas, the Cordyceps herb can only be harvested during certain seasons of the year.

The root also boasts a variety of health benefits, including aiding in heart disease, energy levels and sexual dysfunction.

To find out more about Cordyceps, we speak to Eu Yan Sang senior nutritionist Kua Goh Yoke Lian to find out the origin of the herb and its benefits.

What is Cordyceps?

Cordyceps sinensis is actually a product of a parasitic fungus infecting moth caterpillars with its spores.

The fungus latches onto the caterpillar, then takes it over completely, killing the caterpillar in the process and mummifying it.

The entire caterpillar-shaped fungus is then collected, dried and preserved for medicinal purposes.

Is this still how it is made today?

Not necessarily. There are some forms of Cordyceps that are manufactured in the labs.

Although cultivated in a lab, this type of Cordyceps has a 99.6% similarity in its DNA to the natural Cordyceps. This is because it is cultured in a simulated natural habitat similar to the natural Cordyceps sinensis.

Is Cordyceps considered vegetarian?

It depends on your individual definition of vegetarianism.

Many people consider Cordyceps to be vegetarian as the caterpillar dies from the fungus infection, and not at the hands of humans.

However, those who are more devoted in staying away from meat may consider this to be non-vegetarian.

Also, Cordyceps can be manufactured in a lab and does not involve actual caterpillars in the process.

Are there many different types of Cordyceps?

There are many different species of Cordyceps, but the one associated with powerful health benefits and used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is Cordyceps sinensis.

This pricey herb is actually a result of a parasitic fungus infecting moth caterpillars and taking their bodies over completely, killing and mummifying them in the process. — Handout

What are some of the benefits of Cordyceps?

Cordyceps has been used for a long time in TCM to treat a variety of ailments.

• Cardiovascular system: It enhances the circulation of the blood, regulates blood pressure, and also strengthens the heart muscles, which in turn improves the cardiac function.

It also aids in regulating the heart rhythm, ensuring regular blood flow by hindering the clotting of platelets.

The herb remarkably increases cardiac hypoxia tolerance.

• Lung tonic: It is associated with something called the lung meridian in TCM. It helps in strengthening this meridian.

• Boosts respiratory function: Studies show that it can alleviate respiratory ailments such as asthma, tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis by protecting the lungs.

It decreases the production of phlegm as well.

• Boosts immune system: The Cordyceps fungus increases the growth of immune cells and promotes antibody production in the body, enhancing its resistance to bacterial, virus, yeast and fungal infections.

It helps with post-cancer recovery too.

• Anti aging: The herb has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce weakness, stress and fatigue associated with aging, and boosts energy during over exertion.

• Combats sexual dysfunction: Cordyceps helps in boosting testosterone levels in men.

It also increases the energy levels and reproductive capabilities of both men and women.

• Kidney health: Associated with the kidney meridian, the herb strengthens the kidneys and other renal functions.

It also prevents excess toxins from accumulating in the body. It has a diuretic effect and thus, prevents kidney pain.

• Enhances energy levels, targets fatigue and exhaustion, and boosts exercise capacity: Awareness of this benefit was popularised by Chinese female athletes who obliterated three long-distance running world records during China’s Seventh National Games in 1993.

It takes care of oxygen utilisation by the cells and tissues of the body.

• Supports liver function: Studies show that it helps improve and restore liver function in cases of liver damage, such as from chronic hepatitis B and C infection.

What role does Cordyceps play in sexual dysfunction?

Cordyceps can effectively stimulate the secretion of DHEA from the adrenal cortex, which stimulates both men’s and women’s sexual function and energy.

Animal experiments show that Cordyceps can stimulate mouse MA-10 cells to produce progesterone, as well as significantly increasing testosterone, resulting in increased sperm formation.

For men, Cordyceps sinensis mycelium can effectively delay muscle fatigue, and promote and extend erectile capacity and endurance.

Generally, men feel a bigger impact than women in terms of sexual dysfunction when consuming Cordyceps.

How is Cordyceps typically consumed?

Cordyceps can be double-boiled to form a decoction, boiled into a tea, or consumed as a capsule.

It is usually recommended to be consumed once daily, using between four to eight grams of Cordyceps each time.

For a quicker option, there are also Cordyceps capsules and pre-packaged drinks with Cordyceps in them.

http://www.star2.com/health/2017/11/27/cordyceps-role-sexual-dysfunction/

People Who Smoke Pot Have More Sex, Study Says

When Dr. Michael Eisenberg talks to his patients about sex, they sometimes ask him whether marijuana might affect their libido or their performance. “Use of the drug is increasing as it becomes legal in more states, and some men—as well as some doctors—worry that it could cause erectile dysfunction other sexual problems,” he says.

Amanda MacMillan / Health.com
Oct 27, 2017

So Eisenberg, an assistant professor of urology at Stanford University School of Medicine, and his colleagues conducted a study to see if there really was a connection. They found reassuring news for those patients: Overall, regular marijuana use does not seem to impair sexual desire or performance. In fact, people who smoke marijuana tend to have more sex than those who don’t.

The new study, published today in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, is based on surveys of more than 50,000 Americans ages 25 to 45, collected between 2002 and 2015. As part of a larger health questionnaire, people reported how often they’d smoked marijuana during the past 12 months and how often they’d had intercourse with someone of the opposite sex during the past four weeks.

Eisenberg and his colleagues crunched the numbers, and found that the more frequently people smoked marijuana, the more sex they had. For both men and women, those who used marijuana on a daily basis had about 20% more sex than those who said they never used the drug.

Women who abstained had sex an average of 6 times over the past four weeks, compared to 7.1 times for daily users. For men, abstainers averaged 5.6 times and daily users averaged 6.9.

The authors point out that the study was not able to find a cause-and-effect relationship between pot and sex. “We don’t want people to start smoking marijuana because they think they’re going to have more sex,” says Eisenberg. “It’s certainly possible that people who use marijuana happen to have similar traits, like lower inhibitions, as those who also have more sex.”

The link was seen across all subgroups in the study—including people of both genders; different races, ages, and religions; those who were married or single; and with kids or without. The link also remained after the researchers adjusted for use of other drugs, such as cocaine and alcohol. This suggests that there may be something about the drug itself that boosts sexual function, says Eisenberg—or at the very least, doesn’t hamper it.

Overall, about 25% of men and 15% of women in the survey reported having used marijuana. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 20 million Americans are current marijuana users, and the drug is legalized for medical or recreational use in 29 states.

If marijuana does, in fact, increase people’s desire for sex, it may have to do with the fact that cannabinoid receptors in the brain—which are activated by the drug—are known to be active during sexual activity, the authors write in their paper.

But Eisenberg says that marijuana’s effects on sexual function likely vary from person to person. In their paper, the authors cite a 2003 review of studies in which 51% of marijuana users reported increased sexual arousal while 26% reported a decrease. (In those same studies, however, 74% of people said they believed marijuana increased sexual pleasure.)

They also cite research suggesting that small amounts of marijuana can enhance sexual function, while larger quantities can inhibit it. And they point out that their new study only asked how often people had sex—not the quality of it. More research is needed, they say, to determine marijuana’s effects on things like erectile function, orgasm frequency, vaginal lubrication and fertility.

As a physician, Eisenberg says there are other reasons doctors may discourage marijuana smoking—like its harmful effects on the lungs. But he says it’s helpful to know that, in general, it’s probably not also a direct cause of sexual problems.

This article originally appeared on Health.com

http://time.com/5000368/marijuana-smokers-more-sex/

Top 7 reasons to live in gratitude

Gratitude begins with a thought. If believed, it grows into that wonderful feeling of “well-being” that begets balance and wholeness in the entire body. The really good news is that you can experience gratitude whenever you wish…

Dr. Brad Cutler

Gratitude begins with a thought. If believed, it grows into that wonderful feeling of “well-being” that begets balance and wholeness in the entire body.

The really good news is that you can experience gratitude whenever you wish…

The very thoughts of relief, of peace, protection, connection, abundance and joy can bring about this feeling. And how you think and feel about the events of your life — your perspective — provides a basis for your physical well-being.

Make the best of stress

Stress is defined as a psychological stimulus producing disturbing physiological reactions, leading to illness. In other words, stress is to perceive something as negative and then continue to respond poorly to life events. Stress, by this definition, can make us sick.

A different kind of stress is the good stress, the kind of stress that we respond to properly. By choosing to perceive an event as positively as possible, we bless our lives and others’ lives, and eventually overcome unwanted outcomes. This is called eustress which creates health, happiness and fulfillment.

Many “problems” may be seen from different perspectives, and multiple solutions are usually available. If you choose to turn any stress in your life to eustress, much more “good news” appears in your life as a result of your positive perception.

And the habit of seeing the positive creates an environment for gratitude to develop. Over time you may begin to see how the value of positive perception influences the outcome of events that come your way, and experience far-reaching benefits — confirmed by research — in just about every aspect of your life…

Top 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude

1.  Gratitude improves physical health.

Gratitude can “lower blood pressure, improve immune function and heart health, optimize cholesterol levels and help you sleep better. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and they report feeling healthier than other people, according to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences. Another study found that gratitude lowers inflammation and improves heart rate variability in patients with Stage B Heart Failure.

2. Gratitude improves psychological health.

Gratitude reduces lifetime risk for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders, and is a key resiliency factor in the prevention of suicide. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. It’s the most significant variable for our ability to live long, healthy and happy lives.

Recent research also shows that expressing gratitude leads to other kinds of positive emotions, such as enthusiasm and inspiration, because it promotes the savoring of positive experiences.

Grateful people are more likely to behave in a pro-social manner, even when others behave less kind, according to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky. Study participants who ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback. They experienced more sensitivity and empathy toward other people and a decreased desire to seek revenge.

3. Grateful people sleep better.

Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Spend just 10 minutes jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer.

4. Gratitude improves self-esteem.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athlete’s self-esteem, which is an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs – which is a major factor in reduced self-esteem – grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments.

5. Gratitude improves sexual fulfillment.

Dr. Amie Gordon reports that couples who expressed appreciation were more committed, more responsive, and more likely to stay together. “These findings provide evidence that gratitude is important for the successful maintenance of intimate bonds.”

The greatest sexual fulfillment, springing from gratitude, is found in long-term, committed relationships. Additionally in “Gratitude Sparks Oxytocin and Love” we see how gratitude triggers what is often called the bonding hormone. The 2015 study, published in the journal Personal Relationships, found that a spouse’s expression of gratitude was the “most consistent significant predictor” of a happy union and that it buffers their negative communication.

6. Gratitude enhances short-term memory.

Cognitive functioning and mental focus are actually increased when negative thoughts and judgments are replaced with thoughts and gestures of gratitude. Research shows that negative thoughts hinder short-term memory. “A positive outlook keeps the mind uncluttered from those kinds of thoughts that interfere with your ability to function (mentally) at a high level,” said Bart Rypma (Journal of Affective Disorders.)

7. Gratitude can increase your wealth.

Gratitude has been show to increase happiness which in turn has been known to have a positive impact on earnings. Adolescents who report higher levels of happiness go on to earn more as adults. Managers who thank their employees experience harder work and increased output – in one study 50% increase. Studies have shown that restaurant customers come back and tip more if they are thanked for their generosity. Simply writing “thank you” with a smiley face on their checks produces consistently higher tips.

References 

1. Stress Definition by The American Heritage® Stedman’s Medical Dictionary

2. Justin R. Garcia et al. Variation in Orgasm Occurrence bySexual Orientationin a Sample of U.S. Singles.  The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Volume 11, Issue 11, pages 2645–2652, November 2014

3. Amie M. Gordon et al., To have and to hold: Gratitude promotes relationship maintenance in intimate bonds. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 103(2), Aug 2012, 257-274

4. Watson. Bridging the Love, Sex, and Gratitude Gap. Psychology Today.

5. Adler MG, Fagley NS. Appreciation: Indivdual Difference in Finding Value and Meaning as a Unique Predictor of Subjective Well-Being. Journal of Personality February 2005.

6. Emmons RA, McCullough ME. Counting Blessing Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life. Journal of Personality and Social PsychologyFebruary 2003.

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9. Grant AM, Gino F. A little thanks goes a long way: Explaining why gratitude expressions motivate prosocial behavior. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2010 Jun; 98(6):946-55.

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