Sugar Turned On Me

Recently, I pointed out my folly in having eaten high carb food and not following through on the plan to burn it off by being horizontal and moaning. This prompted a question in my head about how much energy you burn by having sex. Looking about the all knowing internet, I came across a couple of articles that suggested there may be additional reasons for diabetics to look to nookie for their cardio.

When you get diagnosed, they tell you to exercise. Walking is usually the first suggestion. 30 minutes of walking can burn as much as 130 calories(1)  and that’s if you’re just ambling. By comparison, sex can burn as much as four to five calories per minute, which means if you’re having sex 30 minutes instead of walking, you are burning as much if not more than if you were walking casually for the same amount of time. Also like walking, it’s something you’re most likely already doing regularly(2).

Being diagnosed can be depressing. So can sticking yourself with needles daily. Sex, as it turns out, helps fight depression. In one study, women who participated in heterosexual coupling minus a condom were found to have less depression than women who didn’t(3). Also, having someone that you like be attracted to you, male or female, hetero or not, is almost always a mood elevator.

Diabetics have trouble fighting infections. Sex boots the immune system. Diabetics have issues with frequent urination. Sex works out the muscles that help with bladder control. Diabetics have problems with circulation. Sex improves circulation.

This list goes on.

The best reason to have sex, in my opinion, is because you and someone you love want to feel close to one another, want to help each other feel good, and enjoy the feelings that come with healthy intimacy. It’s one of the finest and most beautiful things you can do with your body. The fact that it also comes with a long list of health benefits is really just a bonus.

So go put on some Luther Vandross. Turn the lights down. Pour a couple of glasses of wine. Make love. Doctor’s orders(4).

(1)Individual results will vary depending on weight, pace and terrain.
(2)If this isn’t something you’re already doing, stop surfing the internet after this article. Go find a group of people. Mingle. Find someone you like of similar worldview. Achieve a level of commitment and intmacy in which sex is a natural expression. Come back and resume surfing.
(3)This is not a reason to have unsafe sex. Condoms help prevent pregnancy and disease and finding out you have an STD might just counteract the mood elevating effects of sex in the long run.
(4)I am so very not a doctor.

Links to where I got my info:
Let’s All Have Sex… and Not for the Reasons You’re Thinking of
Six Reasons to Have Sex Every Week
What are the scientific reasons for having sex?
Is Sex Necessary?
A list of various physical activities and how many calories they burn in PDF format.

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