"Don't kiss me, I have a cold" - there should be many people who have heard or said this sentence. There is some truth to this. Close contact does "help" spread colds. Therefore, avoiding physical contact with cold patients is an effective way to prevent this most common human disease. However, a study from Wilkes-Barre University in Pennsylvania found the opposite: Intimate contact during sex can reduce the risk of catching a cold.

Having sex frequently, IgA is high

Psychologists Dr. Carl Charnetski and Dr. Francis Brennan of Wilkes University asked 111 college students (44 boys and 67 girls) how often they had sex with their partners: none; every Less than once a week; 1 to 2 times a week; 3 times a week or more. The researchers also collected saliva samples from the students. Because saliva contains immunoglobulin A (lgA), it is the body’s first line of defense against colds. The higher the level of immunoglobulin A in a person's saliva, the less likely that person is to catch a cold.

The results showed that the group of subjects who had sex 1 to 2 times a week had the highest level of IgA (Editor's note: Immunoglobulin A, which is related to mucosal immunity and can resist pathogens transmitted through the respiratory tract) in saliva, and was also responsible for Colds have relatively the strongest resistance. The IgA levels in the saliva of this group were 30% higher compared to the other two groups - one group had less frequent sex and the other had more frequent sex.

The researchers also investigated the durability and satisfaction of the subjects' relationships, and found that immunoglobulin A levels increased with the increase in relationship durability and satisfaction.

Why does sex prevent colds?

Why does having regular, enjoyable sex with a long-term partner help prevent colds? Contrary to what people usually think, although close contact will increase the chance of cold transmission, if the benefits of such close contact are enough to offset the risks, the results will be different. In addition to increasing IgA levels, a joyful and active sexual relationship does produce two major immune benefits—relaxation and social support.

In a good relationship, sex is deeply relaxing. Numerous studies have shown that deep relaxation can stimulate the immune system. In a study conducted at Washington State University on the effects of relaxation induced by meditation and guided imagery on the immune system, psychologists and immunologists collected blood samples from 65 subjects and concluded that The number of white blood cells.

Next, the subjects watched video material describing the immune system. After that, 1/3 of the subjects did not do anything else; the other subjects learned meditation and practiced it twice a day; the remaining 1/3 subjects learned to visualize the process of strengthening their immune system. ization and do this visualization exercise twice a day. A week later, the researchers collected blood samples from the subjects again. In the control group that did nothing, the number of white blood cells of the subjects did not increase, while the number of white blood cells of the subjects in the "meditation group" and the "visualization group" increased.

Sex is also a powerful form of social support (Editor's note: Social support means that an individual can feel, detect, or receive care or assistance from others). Many studies have shown that social support can enhance immunity and thereby prevent colds. At the University of Pittsburgh, psychologist Dr. Sheldon Cohen surveyed 276 volunteers who completed a study about social relationships (with romantic partners, friends, family, and organizations). , after which their noses were sprayed with live cold viruses. The results showed that subjects with more social support were less likely to catch a cold.

Let's take a look at the conclusion of research from Wilkes-Barre University: In a long-term relationship that satisfies both parties, having sex 1-2 times a week can effectively prevent colds. People often say, "Not tonight, honey, because I think I'm going to catch a cold." Now, that should be changed to "I feel like I'm going to catch a cold. Let's do what love does!" < /p>

Six sweet tricks to bring couples closer

1. Make yourself funny

Good-natured joking can defuse an argument and turn the drudgery of housework into a humorous, hilarious event. But remember that the joke must be appropriate and must not contain sarcastic elements that are detrimental to the relationship between the sexes.

2. Give me your kiss

Giving your lover a deep kiss when you wake up in the morning, at the end of a work day, or even when you say goodnight will let him/her know that he/she is still very attractive to you.

3. Appreciate your lover

Remember “You can never appreciate your lover enough.” Whether it’s paying the bills, organizing the kids’ activities, making delicious lobster last night, reconnecting the electrical wiring in the basement, or clearing three months’ worth of old magazines off the couch. When you go out and take out the garbage just in time for the garbage truck, your lover needs to hear your praise for him/her.

4. Surprise him/her

Go home and bring him/her an unexpected little gift. He secretly washed the car before he refueled it. Bring breakfast to bed on Saturday morning. (Show the "Superstar" cartoon to the kids, and then you two lock the bedroom door and do what you're supposed to do!)

5. Missing the good old days

Play your favorite song that you both listen to when you are in love. After dinner, dig out the wedding album and browse through it together. Talk about the good old days - remembering the love you had in the past can make you feel satisfied and passionate.

6. Learn to forget

Be tolerant of your lover's shortcomings and then forget about them. No one is perfect, especially under pressure. (Well, you're like that, right?) Gracefully overlooking your partner's faults, mistakes, and antics can set a sweet, loving tone for your relationship.