Rena Malik, MD Podcast Moment: Can Fiber Improve Your Sex Life? The Science, Explained!
Nov 12, 2025
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist specializing in gut health, joins to uncover surprising connections between gut health and sexual function. They delve into how metabolic health, inflammation, and gut microbes can impact erectile dysfunction. The duo also discusses the effects of alcohol and marijuana on gut health, the importance of healthy toileting habits, and safe anal sex practices. Listeners gain practical tips for improving intimacy through better gut health and insights into how communication enhances comfort.
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Gut Inflammation Affects Sexual Blood Flow
- Gut health links to erectile function through metabolism, inflammation, and blood flow. 70% of the immune system lives in the gut and gut inflammation releases cytokines that impair circulation.
Use Fiber To Improve Metabolic Risk
- Increase dietary fiber to improve blood pressure, lipids, and glucose control and support metabolic health. Healing the gut can elevate metabolic markers that reduce erectile dysfunction risk.
Brain‑Gut Axis Shapes Sexual Response
- The brain-gut axis links anxiety, autonomic balance, and sexual function through parasympathetic activation needed for erections. Stress shifts the nervous system away from the parasympathetic state required for genital blood flow.