How many have seen that popular scene in a movie when an older man experiences a heart attack in the midst of his actions with a younger woman? The man collapses of a heart attack, the young female panics and sometimes controversy breaks out in the media… Of course, my having binged on these types of scenes could lead to many questions but one that I had after, “is this for real?”, was, “What could cause this type of premature evacuation?”
Evidently the common cause for most cardiovascular attacks stem from the interruption of a necessary balance of potassium and sodium. For one, our muscles will not work efficiently if we do not have the proper balance and taking potassium daily can prolong your life and increase your stamina. An important realization is our lifestyles’ affect our body’s potassium. People who use drugs, drink alcohol, or enjoy a caffeinated beverage are filtering it out. As a matter of fact, potassium is percolating through your skin as sweat so load up on potassium-rich food before in engaging in any steamy activity. The exit of potassium leads to an unfortunate increase in the concentration sodium and can cause bloating or swelling- which really doesn’t help in feeling sexy- and it slows the metabolism.(Haas)
Counteracting the sodium with greater levels of potassium enhances the cardiovascular activity, helps define the muscles, and supports the nervous system. It is essential to have a healthy level in your system so that the brain can communicate efficiently to the body: “Move, baby, move!”
Potassium may not be something stimulating or even slightly sensual but it is necessary for your body to respond to all playful and intense behavior with stability. Potassium is found within items that are considered aphrodisiacs: bananas, cantaloupes, leafy green vegetables, citruses, meats, and certain fish. Everyone should be practicing the daily intake of [2000mg] potassium because in order to maintain great cardiovascular health you need to be sure that there is the proper potassium/sodium balance in your body. Not only does the relationship “generate muscle contractions,” it also “regulates the heartbeat.” (Haas) Now, where would we rate in bed if we couldn’t hold on tight to our lovers or other… things…and, of course, I think everyone can grasp how unattractive dropping dead could be. A dwindling level of potassium could lead to hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, fatigue,” even, “depression and other mood changes.” (Haas) Scary to think that one may not have the ability to avoid a poor sexual performance simply because their diet is low in fresh foods – How tragic.
Yes, the food we regularly consume does have potassium. However, the challenge of maintaining proper levels of potassium is that it’s soluble and therefore cooks out or quickly leeches out of our systems. Additionally, since potassium can be lost by drinking alcohol, smoking, sweating… tricky… Party animals beware that your party habits have a direct impact on your sex life. (However, in my opinion, all the more reason to increase the amount of fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins consumed- it’s not quite time to stop the party.) So, throw back a glass of orange juice, enjoy a fruit salad, or a rare steak with some greens and reward your libido with the opportunity for more fun.
Here’s to your health.
Haas M.D., Elson M. Role of Potassium in Maintaining Helath. Perisdic Paralysis News Desk. 2000. http://hkpp.org/general//potassium_health.html.
Potassium. University of Maryland Medical Center Medical Reference. Complementary Medicine. Accessed Jan 2, 2011. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/potassium-000320.htm.
