Vitamin D is an extremely important vitamin that works as a hormone. It has powerful effects on several systems of our body and every cell has a receptor for this vitamin.
When our body is exposed to sunlight, it makes vitamin D from cholesterol. Also, found in fatty fish and fortified dairy products, the recommended daily intake of vitamin D is around 400-800 IU that is impossible to get from diet alone.
Here are common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency:
- Darker toned skin
- Being elderly
- Overweight or obese
- Not eating much fish or dairy
- Living where there is little sun year-round
- Always using sunscreen when going out
- Staying indoors
Most people don’t realize that they are deficient of the sunshine vitamin as the symptoms are generally subtle. They are difficult to recognize even though they might be having a negative effect on your life. Talk to your holistic health practitioner to know about it more.
Here are 5 signs and symptoms that you have vitamin D deficiency:
1. Getting sick often
Vitamin D plays a key role in keeping our immune system strong so our body is able to fight off the viruses and bacterias that cause infection. If you’re often fighting with flu and colds then low levels of vitamin D can be blamed.
2. Bone and back pain
Vitamin D improves our body’s absorption of calcium. Bone and back pain may be signs of inadequate vitamin D level.
3. Depression
Mood swings and feeling low are also related to being deficient in vitamin D. A study found a relationship between low blood levels and depression and supplementing helped improve mood.
4. Bone loss
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Low bone mineral density is an indication that your bones have lost calcium and other minerals placing older adults, at an increased risk of fractures.
5. Hair loss
Often a result of stress, hair loss has also been linked to low vitamin levels, especially in women. Low vitamin D levels are linked to alopecia areata and may be a risk factor for developing the disease.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit https://www.mywellself.ca/.
Bottom Line
Vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common and most people are unaware of it because the symptoms are often non-specific. It's hard to know if they're caused by low vitamin D levels or something else. A number of studies have found that taking vitamin D supplements daily may reduce your risk of respiratory tract infections, body pains, bone loss and more. Adequate vitamin D intake and maintaining blood levels may be a good strategy for protecting bone mass and reducing fracture risk.
If you think you may have a deficiency, it's important that you speak to your holistic health practitioner as vitamin D deficiency is usually easy to fix.
Consult a nutritionist to know what is the right amount of vitamin D for your body and how you can increase it by sun exposure or vitamin-D-rich foods.
