Why Potassium is Important for Sexual Health

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You know that scene, so popular in movies, when an older man experiences a heart attack in the midst of the bedroom tango with a younger woman? The man collapses of a heart attack, the young female panics, chaos ensues.

I remember I used to ask myself, every time I watched that scene play out, “Can this really happen?” And, if it can, “What happens in the body to cause this type of reaction?”

The truth about potassium and sexual health

It wasn’t until I went to school for nutrition that I learned that, yes, although it might be largely exaggerated for cinematic effect, this can actually happen.

Evidently, the common cause of most cardiovascular attacks is an interruption of the balance of potassium and sodium. Scary? Yes. So if you ever wondered if potassium is important for sexual health, the answer is an emphatic yes.

Are you missing the nutrition you need? Discover the 10 Best Foods for Men’s Sexual Health

Even if you think you’re not a threat to a cardiovascular episode, you still need potassium for a great sex life. For starters, your muscles will not work efficiently if you do not have the proper balance. Since sex is one of the greatest forms of exercise, you can see the link. And taking it daily can prolong your life. It will also increase your stamina.

Are you accidentally filtering potassium out of your body?

People who use drugs, drink alcohol or enjoy caffeinated beverages are filtering potassium out. As a matter of fact, this key nutrient is percolating through your skin as sweat right now. So load up on potassium-rich food before engaging in any bedroom workout. The exit of this mineral leads to an unfortunate increase in the concentration of sodium in your body. And this can cause bloating or swelling – which really doesn’t help in feeling sexy. It also slows the metabolism.

Counteracting the sodium with greater levels of this key nutrient enhances cardiovascular activity. It also helps define muscles. And it supports the nervous system. It is essential to have a healthy level in your system so that the brain can communicate efficiently with the body.

What are potassium-rich foods?

How do you make sure you’re getting this essential mineral in your diet? It might be easier than you think. This all-important nutrient just happens to be found within some aphrodisiac foods such as: bananas; cantaloupe; beets; oranges and orange juice; coconut water; spinach; wild game and clams.

Did you know that watermelon is also a source of potassium?

How much do you need?

Because potassium is important for sexual health as well as overall health, everyone should be practicing a daily intake of 2000mg.

Why?

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, but” it also “regulates the heartbeat.”

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 this nutrient 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 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 this nutrient is that it’s soluble and therefore cooks out or quickly leeches out of our systems. Additionally, since it can be lost by drinking alcohol, smoking, sweating…Party animals beware that your party habits have a direct impact on your sex life. However, in my opinion, instead of stopping the party, enjoy all life has to offer. Just increase the number of fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins consumed.

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.

Need a potassium-rich recipe? Try this easy dinner recipe for Herb-Marinated Bison.

Sources

Haas M.D., Elson M. Role of Potassium in Maintaining Health. 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.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It is important to consult your physician before making dietary changes. More information

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Delahna Flagg

Delahna Flagg is a nutrition expert with a PhD in Holistic Health from Saybrook University as well as a classically trained chef and graduate of the California School of Culinary Arts. She is best recognized as the chef and co-star of Pamela Anderson's The Sensual Vegan web series. Her work on the series helped her develop into an authority on vegan recipe development and the nutritional needs of a vegan lifestyle. Delahna also has experience as a line cook and restaurant sous chef and she is the owner of a special events catering company, My World on a Plate, specializing in delicious, nutritious foods. As a nutritional consultant, she is a Center for Mind-Body Medicine practitioner. She also works as a nutritional value recipe development consultant. Delahna is the co-author of Amazon bestselling dessert cookbook Eat Cake Naked and has served as our Director of Nutrition for over ten years.