Q&A With Dr. Brian & Marie Clement
Authors of "7 Keys to Lifelong Sexual Vitality"
Dr. Brian R. Clement and Dr. Anna Maria Clement are certified nutritionists, medical doctors, and health counselors who lecture on health, healing, and longevity before thousands each year. They live in West Palm Beach, FL. More information at www.hippocratesinst.org.
What are the differences between the reasons men cheat on their wives and women cheat on their husbands?
In our book, we reported that one in three men will cheat on their wives during marriage according to marriage counselor M. Gray Neuman. One of the main reasons men cheat on their wives is because of emotional disconnection and the feeling of being under-appreciated. It wasn’t that the other woman was better looking or in better shape than their wives.
Over the years, the amount of women who have cheated on their husbands has increased, especially in women 65 and older and women 35 and younger (about 15% admit to cheating). Women cheat because they are unhappy and they’ve lost belief in the institute of marriage. With all of the outlets out there today, women are tempted. We feel that the Internet and its encouragement to act out their sexual fantasies has increased the amount of women who are unfaithful.
Why is sex healthy?
Sex is healthy for a number of reasons. We have seen firsthand at Hippocrates Health Institute that people in committed relationships who maintain sexual intimacy have three times the chance of achieving their health recovery goals.
The physical benefits of sex include higher levels of hormonal activity, allowing the body to grow healthier and stronger. The hormonal symphony that arises from the sexual act, particularly in a committed relationship, instills an unsurpassed vitality. As you and an intimate partner age together, the continued biochemical exchange of sexual union will fortify your health and extend your life.
How does your diet affect your sex life?
There has always been a close relationship between food and sex. A poor diet, consumption of highly processed foods and lack of exercise can lead to sexual problems. Unfortunately, many young couples experience fertility issues and many young men experience impotence. In addition to one’s diet, chemicals and radioactivity in our environment can also negatively affect one’s sexual ability.
What are some nourishing aphrodisiac foods?
Shiitake mushrooms, black raspberries, dill, figs and plums are among the foods that contain key nutrients that promote sexual vitality. Here’s a great recipe that includes plenty of shiitake mushrooms:
Thai Coconut Curry Soup
Yield: 4-6 servings
2 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice, plus extra for shiitake mushrooms
1 cloves garlic
2-inch piece fresh ginger root, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 cup fresh coconut meat
2 cups coconut water
1 scallions
1 avocado, halved and pitted
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Sprinkle shiitake mushrooms with lime or lemon juice and set aside.
In a blender, combine the 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, coconut meat, coconut water, water, scallion, avocado and cayenne. Blend until smooth. Add the shiitake and serve.
What are some libido killers?
The top ten libido killers are stress, depression, poor body image, excessive alcohol, medication effects, oral contraceptives, medical conditions, childbirth and mothering, bedroom boredom and a toxic diet. Any of these can contribute to a poor libido, so it’s important to determine which of these is playing a role in your bedroom.
Can you explain about the brain's love chemical and how to train it?
The hormone oxytocin (latin for “quick birth”) allows us to bond with other people and fall in love. We release large amounts of this hormone when we have an orgasm; mothers release it when breastfeeding and some women are given a small amount of it to promote contractions during childbirth. Ways to train and release the chemical on a regular basis are by making love, receiving massages and participating in mind/body exercises likes yoga.
What are some sexual incompatibility warning signs? How do you screen for sexual incompatibility early in a relationship?
Some warning signs of sexual incompatibility include a marriage that has become sexless, one or both of you are rarely in the mood for sex, one of you is sexually dysfunctional or one of you has sexual compulsions that cannot be controlled.
Early in the relationship, the couple should look for mutual disinterest or lopsided libidos. If the couple isn’t interested in having sex or one of you is emotionally withdrawn, this should be a warning sign to seek professional sex therapy.
What is the biggest factor for decreased libido as we age and how can it be prevented?
What are the best nutrients/supplements for maximizing sexual vitality? How do you combat a misinformed partner/spouse when it comes to overcoming sexual/intimate dysfunction?
1.) One of the biggest factors of decreased libidos is stress. If you are thinking of unpaid bills, deadlines or other worries, you can’t enjoy sex. While sex is a stress-reliever, you must first be able to summon the desire to perform. Pelvic floor exercises are a great way to help a man regain full and normal erectile function.
2.) Some of the best nutrients for maximizing sexual vitality are natural aphrodisiacs like nutmeg, clove, apricots, zucchini, tomato seeds, lettuce and lentil sprouts. If you consume these nutrients before being sexually intimate, you will most likely experience greater arousal.
What do you wish was common knowledge about sex?
We want people to know that sex is a natural experience that is essential to health. Sexual activity reduces depression, anxiety, anger and stress. It’s a positive part of life that can benefit you both emotionally and physically.
Are men or women more expressive about their sexual needs?
This depends on the culture that you grow up in. For instance, in America, when females are young, they are less likely to express themselves sexually since they will be looked down upon. High school can be unforgiving to girls who are more open with their sexuality, whereas, for a young man, having sex is considered a coming of age.
Additionally, women don’t peak sexually until their 30s and 40s, which reflects their sexual desires and needs. Hundreds of women have said that sex is more satisfying after menopause (partly because women are concerned about pregnancy when they have sex in their earlier life).
What are some ways to detox your body to energize your sexuality?
Everyone who stays at Hippocrates Health Institute as a guest has an opportunity to detox their body fat and organs of synthetic chemical toxins. The main eight detox techniques that we recommend to energize your sexuality are exercise, far-infrared saunas, fasting, supplements, colon hydrotherapy, therapeutic drainage massage, pure water and wheatgrass and green drink juice. All of these will regenerate and heal one’s body.
Describe a sexually active mind. How can you keep your mind sexually active?
Your imagination and dreams can keep your mind active, no matter your age. A sexually active mind experiences sexual arousal and even orgasms during sleep. Both men and women can use sexual imagery to benefit their mind, body and soul. Beyond “wet dreams” during the night, people can become physically aroused by a sexual fantasy at any time of the day. By using the powerful placebo effect, people can use visualization and guided imagery to bring about cellular and chemical changes in the body. Over time, everyone can train their mind to do this and it’s a great way to promote one’s sexual well-being.
Why do people believe sex is dirty, and is this different for men and women?
If you grew up in a repressive home or were taught that sex is shameful, your views on sex will be different, no matter if you are a man or woman. Parents who indoctrinated you with negative messages about sex and expressing your sexuality while you were growing up could have directly inhibited your physical responses to stimulation. Guilt and the feeling that sex is dirty skew healthy appreciation and expression of physical pleasures.
Do cultural norms taint healthy sexual attitudes, and, if so, what are some examples?
In many ways, yes, as people with healthy sexual attitudes feel repressed in being able to express them because of what they are taught and how society expects them to act. The absence of knowledge or censorship of discussion about human sexuality can result in anxiety and confusion, and, at worst, suffering, disease, ignorance and dysfunction.
Why is sex an awkward subject?
Sex can be an awkward subject due to social stigma and religious beliefs. Some cultures are open and liberated about sex and nudity; some are repressive and very conservative and do not embrace sexuality as being healthy.
7 Keys to Lifelong Sexual Vitality: The Hippocrates Institute Guide to Sex, Health, and Happiness
By Brian R. Clement, PhD, NMD, LN and Anna Maria Clement, PhD, NMD, LN
June 12, 2012 · Health/Sexuality · Trade Paper
$15.95 · 288 pages · ISBN: 978-1-60868-092-4
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