Sex is good for you and other surprising health tips from the experts

Nearly half of UK adults (49%) say their GP is still their most trusted source when it comes to health advice. And their training and experience can certainly mean they have a wealth of generalised medical knowledge about how our bodies work and what goes wrong. But what about other more specialised health experts? From pelvic floor physiotherapists to sports nutritionists and psychologists, they’re the keepers of a treasure trove of surprising secrets on how to stay healthier for longer – these are the sort of insights that rarely make it into a standard 10-minute GP consultation.

Leading experts share their top advice, and some of their answers might surprise you…

Being calmer and more optimistic could help you fight disease and keep your body younger for longer. A 2024 study from Uppsala University in Sweden found neuroticism – marked by anxiety and moodiness – was linked to elevated leptin, a hormone associated with inflammation and poor blood sugar control. “The idea isn’t that personality alone ages the immune system, but that it can shape your habits, stress levels and social relationships, which in turn affect immune function,” says chartered psychologist, Dr Sheena Kumar (drsheenakumar.com). “One way to try this is ‘cognitive reframing’ – a psychological trick in which you consciously change the way you interpret a thought, situation or belief so it becomes more balanced or realistic. For example, ask yourself: ‘What could another, less negative perspective be?’”

Orgasms are good for your health

An orgasm does far more than feel good. It triggers the release of oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins – hormones that reduce stress, relieve pain and improve sleep. “One of the reasons for these benefits is that when you orgasm, the pelvic floor muscles (those that control the bladder and vagina) contract rhythmically,” explains sex educator Samantha Marshall. “Regular activation of these muscles can help maintain strength and responsiveness, which can support bladder control, reduce the risk of weakness and contribute to more satisfying orgasms in the long run.”

Samantha recommends getting a pelvic trainer gadget such as the Pelvic Partner, £59.95, available via boots.com, which can help you connect with and engage the correct muscles more effectively.

But men ignore their pelvic floor

Yes, men have pelvic floor muscles too. “Unfortunately, many men only find out they have them just before or after surgery for prostate cancer,” explains Maeve Whelan, chartered physiotherapist. “But there is scientific evidence that men do better with bladder recovery after prostate surgery if they learn how to practice pelvic floor exercises before surgery.”

A bracing dip could prove to be more than a trend. A 2025 review by the University of South Australia found cold-water immersion may lower stress, improve sleep quality and boost quality of life. Swim coach Susan Dillon, founder of Ireland’s SwimCamp, says the benefits are real: cold dips can boost your immunity, reduce inflammation and support heart health, the endorphin rush leaves swimmers sleeping better and feeling sharper. Her advice: always make sure you ease yourself in gradually, never swim alone, and then warm up properly afterwards.

BMI or body mass index has long been used as a marker of health – but it’s a blunt tool. It compares weight to height but doesn’t distinguish between fat and muscle. “Two people can have the same BMI but very different health risks depending on how much lean muscle they carry,” explains Rob. “The good news is that around 20-30 minutes of strength training – which could be moves such as squats and planks, lifting light weights or even just carrying home full shopping bags – two to three times a week is enough to maintain or rebuild muscle,” adds Rob.

Gut microbiome shifts at menopause

“It’s rarely talked about, but menopause is a time when a woman’s gut microbiome can change,” says Healthspan nutritionist Rob Hobson. “Falling oestrogen and progesterone levels are linked to reduced gut bacterial diversity, including fewer beneficial, fibre-fermenting bacteria and a relative increase in bacteria associated with inflammation.”

These shifts may explain why bloating, constipation, gas and weight gain become more common during this phase of life. “Supporting gut health at this stage means prioritising fibre from fruit, vegetables, beans, lentils and wholegrains, including fermented foods and perhaps trying a probiotic if needed, such as Triple Action Biotic (£24.99, healthspan.co.uk).

“This contains pre, pro and postbiotics designed to work together to support digestion. Cutting back on alcohol and ultra-processed foods, and paying attention to sleep, stress and regular movement will all help too,” says Rob.

Your breath could be fueling your anxiety

When we’re stressed, the sympathetic nervous system switches on, increasing heart rate and triggering fast, shallow breathing – once a useful survival response. “The problem is our brains react the same regardless, releasing stress hormones and getting us ready to stand and fight, to run away or just to hide if all else fails,” explains Dr Clare Byrne, mind-body practitioner and psychologist at Maitri Studio (maitristudio.net) in Belfast. The antidote? Steady breathing.

“We can do this by consciously breathing slowly and evenly, sending the breath right down to the bottom of our lungs (so the belly moves gently as we breathe, as well as the chest),” says Dr Byrne.

What happens in your mouth doesn’t only affect your teeth and gums. “Studies have shown that people with serious gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease and have a stroke,” says restorative dentist Stewart Paul of Creative Smiles (creativesmiles.co.uk). “We now understand that the mouth, like the gut, has its own microbiome, meaning it’s home to billions of bacteria,” says Stewart.

His advice is simple: “Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, cut back on sugary foods and drinks, and avoid smoking and vaping,” he says.

Rejection CAN cause physical pain

Being left out of a party invitation or ghosted by a friend can genuinely hurt. Research shows social rejection activates some of the same brain systems involved in physical pain. “Although painful, it’s normal to be upset when experiencing rejection,” says Dr Sheena Kumar. “From an evolutionary perspective we’re wired to seek belonging and can feel threatened as our brains can interpret rejection as being in danger so the feelings surrounding it can feel very intense.”

Dr Kumar recommends trying to speak to yourself the way you would to a close friend or family member.

Men store fat in a more harmful way

Men are more prone to visceral fat – the deep abdominal fat that surrounds the organs. “Research consistently shows that visceral fat is more biologically active, releasing compounds that increase inflammation, raise blood sugar, worsen cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes,” explains Rob.

“There’s no quick fix, but lifestyle changes are powerful. A diet rich in fibre, protein, fruit and vegetables, cutting back on ultra-processed foods and alcohol, and aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week including brisk walking, cycling or gardening all help reduce visceral fat over time.”