Men and Women Tend To Be Deficient in Vitamin D
According to an article published by the Vitamin D Council, an estimated 70% of Americans have inadequate vitamin D levels; they do not meet the EAR (Estimated Average Intake) level.
NIH Recommendations on Vitamin D
Check with your doctor on what amount you should consume, as different organizations suggest different amounts. In the U.S., according to the NIH (National Institute of Health) the RDA for vitamin D for adequate bone health is 600 IU daily for persons 1-70, and 800 IU daily for persons 70+.
Vitamin D Connected to Sex Hormones
Vitamin D is directly connected to sex hormones for both men and women. For men, a Vitamin D deficiency can lower testosterone, and for women, it can lower estrogen.
This means that both sexes can or will suffer from a lower sex drive while their vitamin D levels are low. Low levels of testosterone can also cause anxiety and may contribute to depression. In women, low estrogen can lead to a number of health concerns including osteoporosis.
So in the summer when the sun shines brightly and days are longer, vitamin D levels tend to be higher, because sunshine is one way of getting your vitamin D intake. With a lift in estrogen and testosterone, people are often friskier, and happier. Higher estrogen also boosts the neurotransmitters seratonin and GABA, which help you feel happy and calm.
Vitamin D Helps With Bones, Inflammation and Dopamine
In addition to boosting sex hormones, it helps your body absorb calcium, which helps your bones stay strong, and it also helps control inflammation. And vitamin D activates the gene that triggers dopamine, a very complex chemical that helps with a range of things from initiating speech and movement, to lust or addiction.
Foods and Supplements Boost Vitamin D
Boosting your vitamin D to correct levels can help improve your bone health, general health and sex life. Correct vitamin D levels will help lead to a happier, healthier you.
Fortunately if you avoid the sun or aren’t around it enough, you can eat foods rich in vitamin D3, like tuna, mackerel, salmon, cheese, egg yolks, beef liver. A great source that some people find hard to swallow is cod liver oil. For vegetarians, mushrooms provide D2.
If you don’t like these foods or consume them often, you can easily get the benefits of vitamin D with supplements. D3 is the recommended supplement, and it’s best to take it with fat, and in the morning, as it suppresses melatonin, which helps you fall asleep at night. In fact, taking vitamin D3 in the morning has been shown to help you fall asleep more easily at night.
Get Your Vitamin D Levels Tested
A simple blood test will help you learn your vitamin D levels. This can be done just for vitamin D, but it’s a good idea to have a full panel of all your vitamins and hormones done. This is easy to do at your doctor’s office or a local blood testing facility. It is sometimes covered by insurance, but if not, remember that your health is an investment. Feeling good, and the best that you can, is important to you, your family, friends and loved ones.
Related Sources:
The Benefits of Vitamin D Why Its the Sexiest Vitamin Around
