The relaxed vibes and the warm sun on the face and skin are trademarks of summer that boost mood. According to studies, people are more frisky and enjoy a higher libido during the summer. Libido, or the sex drive, is affected by physiological and emotional factors. Summertime is the perfect time to decrease stress and enhance overall well-being. Despite one person’s liking being different from others to improve libido, there are some reasons why you are revved up in the summer.
Vitamin D, called the sunshine vitamin, is a nutrient the human body needs for better functioning. It helps regulate phosphate and calcium levels in the body so that you can have stronger teeth, bones and muscles. Optimal levels of this micronutrient are associated with better cardiorespiratory health, which is the ability of the lungs and heart to provide oxygen to the muscles during strenuous work. Studies also show a link between sunshine and sexual health.
Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, as only a few foods contain this micronutrient. However, people don’t get ample sunlight for various reasons, including not having time to get outside, which means the body does not make enough of it. Since there is a link between this nutrient and sex hormones, people who get enough of this nutrient are likely to have a better libido.
Testosterone plays a critical role in a male’s body. It is responsible for the deep voice, hair and other masculine traits. It is also essential for controlling fat, strong muscles and bones and sex drive. On the other hand, having low testosterone results in weaker muscles, brittle bones and less sex drive, among various other symptoms. Studies reveal that men who obtain ample vitamin D have optimal testosterone levels.
So, men who want to enhance their sex hormones naturally, mainly if the levels are not low for hormone therapy, should consider sun exposure as a way to boost the micronutrients and testosterone. But is there any evidence of this link?
Various studies have shown a link between testosterone and vitamin D. One study of 2299 men found that those with adequate vitamin D levels had higher testosterone levels. It was also discovered that men had high levels of testosterone and vitamin D in hot seasons when sunlight was available.
In another study, 200 overweight but healthy men in a weight loss programme were given vitamin D supplements or a placebo daily for a year. The group that took the supplements had a boost in testosterone and vitamin D. So, if you have low levels of vitamin D in the body, it may result in low testosterone.
Now that there is scientific evidence of a link between vitamin D and testosterone, you should know of ways of giving a vitamin D boost for desire. Here’s how you can do it:
The best way to enhance your vitamin D levels is to go outside and be exposed to sunlight. This allows the body to generate vitamin D when sunlight penetrates the skin. You can jog, walk, run, play tennis, or enjoy any outdoor activity that allows your skin, especially your arms, hands and legs, to be exposed to the sun without sunscreen for a short duration.
However, it’s essential to protect your skin before it begins to burn. Apply sunscreen or cover up once you’ve had adequate sun exposure to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage.
There is no set amount of time to spend outdoors to get ample vitamin D. However, darker-skinned people need to stay outside longer than those with lighter skin to absorb the same levels.
Cold weather means cuddling in a warm blanket at home, and warm weather entices you to be more active with activities like swimming, walking, hiking or other such exercises. Outdoor exercise during summer is another ideal way to improve vitamin D intake. It helps you increase testosterone levels and boosts your fitness, which positively impacts your sex hormones. A study of 87 men with erectile dysfunction showed that testosterone improved with aerobic exercise, which in turn improved cardiorespiratory fitness. Not only does exercise have many physical health benefits, but it also improves mental health as it releases feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. When you feel good physically and mentally, you have a better libido.
A few food sources are good sources of vitamin D, but these alone are not enough to last the winter months. However, these complement your sunlight exposure:
● Liver
● Red meat
● Oily fish
● Egg yolk
● Breakfast cereals, fat spreads like margarine or other fortified foods
Experts recommend taking supplements if you can’t get vitamin D from sunlight. 10 micrograms of it daily is enough to stay healthy and for optimal testosterone levels. Consuming more than 100 micrograms daily is not recommended as it is fat-soluble and deposited in the body. This build-up in time can lead to hypercalcaemia, where too much calcium is absorbed by the body, causing heart and kidney damage.
If you have a health condition, check with your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements, as they can react with medications for blood pressure, diabetes and calcium supplements.
Vitamin D is a micronutrient derived from food and a hormone the body produces, but it needs sunlight. Vitamin D affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and the endocrine system affects libido. A study found a link between summer sunlight and libido. It found that vitamin D boosted the libido and mood of females between 20 and 40 years of age, enhanced estrogen levels, especially for vitamin D deficient women, and improved testosterone levels in men. Considering that most people are vitamin D deficient, getting sunshine in the summer may improve sex drive.
Your body needs vitamin D for physical health, and scientific evidence shows that optimal levels support testosterone and estrogen balance. So, go out for some exercise and sunshine whenever you can and opt for vitamin D-rich foods or supplements during summer. When getting vitamin D from sun exposure, do it responsibly. Apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you plan to stay outside for long. While there is no recommended time, 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight a day may help replenish your stores.
Vitamin D and libido are linked. Vitamin deficiency may result in decreased sexual desire and reduced sexual function in women and men.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to reduced testosterone levels.
Sunlight boosts testosterone levels in men, and estrogen levels in women improve libido.
