Dietary techniques and physical therapies for regulating sexual function: Arginine supplementation, alternating hot and cold baths, and proper perineal hygiene [i]

There is an important interdependence between food and human sexual function [i]. Choosing a diet with special effects can achieve the goals of strengthening sperm, enhancing male virility, and tonifying the kidneys and body [i]. From the perspective of maintaining and regulating sexual function, the following principles should be followed in daily diet: 1. Pay attention to supplementing vitamins and trace elements related to sexual function: Zinc deficiency in the human body can cause a decrease in sperm count and a decline in reproductive function. Oysters, lean meat, and milk are rich in zinc [i]. Vitamin A and vitamin E both have the effect of delaying aging and delaying the decline of sexual function [i]. 2. Consume sufficient high-quality protein: Protein contains a variety of amino acids required for human activities. For example, arginine is an important component of sperm production and has the effect of improving sexual function and eliminating fatigue [i]. Soy foods, especially frozen tofu, are rich in arginine [i]. 3. Pay attention to enzyme supplementation: Enzymes can promote human metabolism. When cooking food, the temperature should not be too high and the time should not be too long to avoid destroying enzymes [i]. 4. Provide adequate fat: Sex hormones in the human body are mainly converted from cholesterol in fat. Long-term vegetarianism can affect the secretion of sex hormones and is not conducive to their maintenance [i]. In addition, fat contains essential fatty acids needed for sperm production, and a lack of these can cause a decrease in libido [i]. Animal organs themselves contain sex hormones and should be consumed in moderation [i]. Bathing is the most relaxing time for a person's body and mind. Persisting in alternating hot and cold baths can enhance sexual function [i]. The specific method is: first soak the body in warm water in the bathtub, and after it is fully warmed up, get out of the bathtub and apply cold water to the genitals. After about 3 minutes, the penis and scrotum will contract, and then get back into the bathtub. Repeat this 3 to 5 times [i]. If you can persist in this every day, it can make middle-aged and older men more energetic and less tired [i]. When bathing, if you can use the showerhead to spray warm water around the base of the penis, it will also have a good effect on restoring the "energy" of the testicles [i]. Penile erection makes the ligaments and nerves supporting the penis quite tired, and warm water stimulation can accelerate blood circulation and recover from fatigue as soon as possible [i]. The groin is also an important area for stimulation, as it is a "transportation route" for blood and nerves to and from the testicles [i]. Stimulating the groin with warm water while showering and stroking it from top to bottom with two fingers is very beneficial [i]. In addition, stimulating important acupoints in the lower abdomen, such as Guanyuan and Qihai, with warm water can also enhance sexual function [i]. In comparison, men do not pay enough attention to the cleanliness of their perineum [i]. 1. A breeding ground for dirt and grime: The scrotum and penis have many skin folds, sweat glands, and strong secretion [i]. Poor ventilation, especially when wearing synthetic fiber underwear, can cause a large amount of sweat, residual urine, fecal residue, and semen to contaminate the perineum, which is conducive to bacterial growth and will not only cause odor, but may also cause erosion in middle-aged and elderly men [i]. If these unclean substances are introduced into the woman's vagina during intercourse, it will cause infection [i]. 2. Decreased libido: If men do not pay attention to cleanliness, genital infections will cause discomfort during intercourse, leading to decreased libido [i]. 3. Simultaneously harms "her" health: Many reproductive tract infections, such as Candida albicans, are shared by both men and women, and can lead to vaginitis in women and even affect fertility [i]. Men should develop the good habit of washing their genitals with warm water before bed, and not using water that is too hot [i]. The washing order should be to wash the genitals first and then the anus. After washing the anus, the same basin of water should not be used to wash the genitals again [i]. A separate towel should be prepared for drying, and it should not be mixed with the towel used for washing feet [i]. Men with long foreskins should retract the foreskin to the coronal sulcus and remove the smegma [i]. In winter, washing the genitals with warm water before bed and rubbing the perineum with a hot towel has a significant effect on insomnia and erectile dysfunction caused by sexual dysfunction in middle-aged and elderly people [i].