From we were children, we are taught that we should cover up our bodies. Little girls are subjected to stricter rules as it relates to covering up than boys are but the rule is basically simple: Being naked is indecent, so cover up. Society has very specific rules about nudity. As a matter of fact, it is illegal to be nude in public. But what about private nudity. I'm sure my Christian colleagues have very specific rules about that as well - there are some who believe that outside of bathing, and sex, it is plain wrong. We are even told that if we sleep in the nude, angels will not pass through our homes. So what is this big hang up with nudity? As far as I know, we were all born that way. Believe it or not, there are health benefits to losing the clothes.

1. Being naked gives you healthy skin - The skin needs air to breath, covering the skin with tight clothing can weaken the skin because it reabsorbs the toxins that we release when we sweat. So lose the clothes as soon as you are through with your workout.

2. Boosts confidence - It's simple, if you are confident in your naked body, then adding clothes will only make it better.

3. Less inflammation - Wearing clothes can cause some of the accessories to pinch, squeeze and even bruise the skin. Women can relate to this more than men because they wear bras. Pinching and squeezing can also affect circulation especially if the clothing is too small. You can try to avoid these results by wearing the correct fit and size.

4. Healthy brain - Being naked helps to reduce stress and reduce the shame that is usually associated with being naked. Researchers at the University of Northern Iowa discovered that nudists have significantly higher body self-acceptance.

5. Prevents vaginal Infections - Clothes can be a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites and other micro-organisms that can affect the delicate balance of the vagina. Underwear that has not been properly washed or even damp can cause yeast infections and tight underwear can also have negative repercussions.

6. Improves fertility in men - Wearing tight elastic underwear can restrict the blood flow to the penis and genital area. Tight underwear or low-waist jeans directly press on to the penis, which further slowly kills nerve receptors in the surrounding area, and lowers sperm count.

7. Relaxes you - Being naked is a type of massage and very therapeutic. This can lower stress, improve blood flow, and even detoxify the system. Plus being naked is very liberating and increases the flow of the hormone dopamine - the happy hormone.

The fact is, we live in tropical climate and it is the middle of a very hot summer. So I shouldn't have to be very convincing where getting naked is concerned. The truth is, the way we think about nudity is unhealthy. Some persons take it to a level where they hate their bodies and think it's nasty. I absolutely disagree with that sentiment. The human body is beautifully made, and every inch of it should be celebrated. So everytime you get the chance, lose the clothes and enjoy your naked body. Have fun and stay sexy.

Written by: Shelly-Ann Weeks

Have fun and stay sexy.

Send your questions or comments to sexychatwithshelly@gmail.com or Tweet me @drsexylive or Facebook www.facebook.com/allaboutthesexy

Question

Dear Dr Sexy,

I am a size 16, and I am uncomfortable with my body. I hate to see all the lumps and bumps. My boyfriend says he likes my body, but I don't believe him. What's there to like? I'm fat. I am trying to lose weight but it's hard. I will not feel sexy until I get rid of this weight. Help me! I don't want to lose my man but I don't know what to do.

Melissa, Portmore

Dear Melissa,

There is a misconception that only women of a certain size look sexy. I can tell you that this misconception is absolutely wrong. You will never be happy with your body if you don't begin to see the beauty in it from now. Even after you loose the weight, your negative outlook will still be in your head. I get that you want to loose weight and you should continue to work on that. But I encourage you to stand naked in front of your mirror and try to see the good things about your body. Don't stop looking until you find something. I am sure there are many.

Good luck with your weight loss, and stay sexy,

Dr Sexy