The summer can easily disrupt hydration levels, and it can be easy to underestimate just how much water we need to drink during warmer weather. This is not only to avoid the obvious side effects of dehydration such as thirst, headaches and tiredness, but also to maintain your sexual health.
Here’s how frequent dehydration can undermine your stamina and performance, and what to do about it.
Dehydration saps energy levels
Our bodies are made up of about 60 per cent water, and it’s essential for almost every function, including assisting the process of converting nutrients to energy. When we are dehydrated, blood volume decreases, and the heart has to work harder to pump oxygen and nutrients around the body.
This can lead to tiredness and low energy levels, and will definitely not put you in the mood for action in the bedroom.
Dehydration affects erectile function
Even mild dehydration can lower blood volume and constrict blood vessels due to the thicker consistency. This makes it more difficult to achieve an erection that is strong enough for a sustained performance. If you already have issues with erectile dysfunction (ED), then staying properly hydrated is even more important.
If you have been experiencing ED for more than a couple of months, it’s a good idea to have a check up with your doctor. There might be a hidden cause, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, that needs addressing before it causes more serious trouble. The doctor may recommend taking an oral medication to treat ED, such as Cialis.
This is the trade name for tadalafil, which is cheap to buy online. If you are already taking ED meds, looking after your hydration levels will reduce the chance of side effects such as headaches and dizziness.
Dehydration affects mood and concentration
Dehydration that has not reached the stage of noticeable thirst can still undermine your mood and cognitive functioning. If you find yourself inexplicably irritable, anxious, or battling with poor concentration and brain fog, this could be the hidden culprit. Stress levels and low mood can lower the libido and worsen existing issues with ED.
Testosterone levels can dip
Prolonged dehydration can elevate cortisol levels, which are released in response to stressors. This may suppress testosterone production, the hormone that is primarily responsible for the male sex drive. Cortisol can also disrupt restful sleep, which is a further drain on the libido.
How to get your fluid balance right
It’s recommended that men take in around two litres of fluid per day. About a quarter of this will be derived from foods such as fruits and vegetables, and some types of dairy. Therefore it’s important to eat a well balanced diet. Depending on size, age and activity levels, about six to eight glasses of water or other fluids will make up the rest.
Avoid alcohol drinks and limit caffeine, because these trigger extra urine production. You should also adjust your fluid intake to the climate and your activity levels: we sweat more during intense exercise and in hot weather, so will need to drink more to replace the lost fluids.
Maintaining electrolyte balance
When you have become excessively dehydrated, such as after vigorous exercise or during illness or a hangover, it can lead to depleted electrolyte levels. These are essential vitamins and minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium that help to maintain optimum fluid levels in your body.
Simply drinking plain water to rehydrate can dilute the remaining electrolytes even further, and so it will take even longer to recover. Therefore, health professionals recommend adding a soluble electrolyte tablet to a glass of water. This will help the body’s cells absorb water and nutrients much more efficiently.
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