Kelly Ripa‘s lips are sealed after learning this startling smooch fact — literally.
During a segment on Live with Kelly and Mark, Ripa discussed a topic that touched on how kissing could potentially contribute to spreading depression and anxiety. Curious about the issue, Consuelos asked for more details to understand how this could happen.
Ripa teased, “Well, I can tell you.”
Following a bout of laughter from Ripa and the audience, Consuelos teased, “Aww!”
Ripa read that kissing “can trigger the release of the stress hormone, cortisol, which can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth.”
“Spouses can transfer this bacteria while kissing,” she added.
Ripa was taken aback when she read that studies had shown that a significant amount of bacteria, up to 80 million, could be transferred during a brief 10-second kiss. This alarming piece of information added to the conversation about the potential negative effects of intimate contact.
Consuelos chimed in, “10 seconds is a long time. That’s a long kiss.”
After Consuelos teased his wife and co-host that she “shouldn’t read this,” Ripa told him, “I’m gonna start timing you.”
“And I’ll be like, ‘We’re a the eight-minute mark with this kiss,’” she said. “Because you’re a kisser. You like to kiss.”
Further shock ensued when Ripa shared the results of a study involving a couple where one spouse had poor mental health and sleeping difficulties. The study revealed that within just six months, the healthy partner started experiencing similar symptoms due to the bacteria transferred via kissing, highlighting the potential consequences of such close contact.
Consuelos assured Ripa that he “do[es]n’t really have anxiety” and is not depressed.
“So you’re safe. I on the other hand…,” he quipped. “You sleep really well.”
However, Ripa revealed that their bed informed her that she “snored two minutes” the night before, which she claimed she doesn’t do.
Consuelos added, “Sometimes you do. It’s cute though.”
While Ripa said she only snores when she’s sick, Consuelos begged to differ, telling Ripa she snored “the other day” while napping on the couch.
“But it’s like a little purr,” he clarified.
Ripa joked, “I’m catching it from you. Alright, no more kissing. That’s it.”
Live with Kelly and Mark airs on weekdays. Check out their website for your local listings.
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