How salt affects your love life – what research shows

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If you consume large amounts of salt, think carefully. After all, this habit can be very harmful.

A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that eating too much salt may harm erectile function. Other studies have also found and confirmed this connection. Too much salt can affect your sexual performance in the following ways:

1. High blood pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure in the blood vessels is too high. Excessive salt intake is associated with high blood pressure, which in turn can reduce blood flow to various organs, including those involved in sexual function. A study published in the journal Vascular Health and Risk Management found that high blood pressure can cause erection problems in men, as well as vaginal dryness and decreased libido in women.

2. Arterial stiffness

Arterial “stiffness” (decreased elasticity) occurs when blood vessels find it difficult to expand or contract as needed by the body. Flexible blood vessels are essential for optimal blood flow, which is also important for sexual arousal and performance. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension found a link between high salt intake and how it directly or indirectly increases the risk of “arterial stiffness,” which can affect your sex life.

3. Endothelial dysfunction

Healthy function of the endothelium (the layer of cells that lines the inner layer of the vessels through which blood “runs”) is critical to the release of nitric oxide, a substance that Helps blood vessels relax and improve blood flow at the same time. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, too much salt may damage the function of this cell type, leading to endothelial dysfunction. Another study published in the journal Edothelium and Cardiovascular Disease also showed how this dysfunction can affect overall sexual health.

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