Is self-love the missing ingredient in your weight loss plan? 5 Reasons To Masturbate
If you've tried every diet, cleanse, detox, and fast, and you're still having trouble feeling good in your body, it's time to really get serious:
It's time to add self-pleasure (AKA masturbation) to your gym + juicing schedule.
Well, not JUST masturbation, but anything that brings you sincere physical pleasure that also balances your hormones. And arousal and orgasm are most easily achieved through masturbation, especially if you're single, or in a sexless relationship.5 reasons masturbation is a MUST for balancing hormones (and dropping a few pounds):1. According to the 2009 University of Michigan study[i], orgasm help the body release oxytocin, the "love + bonding" hormone, which in turn lowers cortisol,the main stress hormone chronically elevated in many women (like me!) and lead to stress eating, and weight loss resistance.2. Higher levels of oxytocin makes us happy, which keeps those emotionally-triggered food cravings for sugars, cheese, and other "happy foods" at bay. This surge also raises levels of a substance called CCK, which helps control your appetite. Just start! Even if you're not an expert, your own digits are ready to help you begin at home. Oxytocin levels are usually increased simply through the physical stimulation of the clitoris, vagina, cervix, and breasts. So even if you don't reach climax, you'll still be releasing these powerful neurotransmitters. Women who enjoy more sexual stimulation have more balanced estrogen and testosterone. These hormones add fire to sexual desire, improve mood and memory and can even help prevent abdominal fat.3. In my book, Women, Food, And Desire, I tell the story of a client who wasn't dating, and wasn't masturbating. She had also been suffering tummy trouble for years, and worked a very stressful job. Bloating, gas, and the dreaded "muffin top" that wouldn't budge. I took her to Babeland, a clean, well-lit place for sex toys, and we talked with a knowledgeable staff member who helped her pick out her first non-toxic vibrator. After a couple of weeks of self-exploration, she noticed a major difference in her digestion! And she certainly had a nice spring in her step!4. Daydream, girl! Another study[ii] reveals that sexy daydreams release testosterone in women - which means, when you read erotic fiction, or watch any kind of porn that excites you, your body will begin anticipating encounter, which naturally raises your libido. Babeland.com has some great options for the desire seeker.5. Orgasms help us sleep, which may be the best reason of all to masturbate. Oxytocin, that wonderful love drug, creates an overall feeling of relaxation and even sleepiness. Vasopressin and melatonin, two other neurotransmitters associated with sleep, are also released during orgasm.Masturbation happens in most relationships, so if you're not talking about it with your partner, bring it up. Share this information with them!If you're single, and not masturbating regularly, start including self-pleasure in your life, consistently.The psychological and emotional benefits are so helpful for what ails us:Wouldn't it be nice to feel relaxed, satisfied, and good without needing a cupcake?For more great insights on the benefits, myths, and latest science around masturbation, check out the latest Crave Cast podcast episodes!I'll be interviewing some of the top experts on female desire, sexual health and more!
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Happy May!xo,Alex [i] J Sex Med. 2009 Mar;6(3):739-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01123.x. Epub 2008 Dec 5.
[ii] Horm Behav. 2011 May;59(5):754-64. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.12.005. Epub 2010 Dec 24.