It is common knowledge how the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D helps your bones to absorb calcium. But did you know that nourishing your body with enough vitamin D also helps in reducing risks of inflammation, dementia, and even depression?
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient which our body needs to take or else we’ll have to face significant health consequences.
According to a study conducted by Nutrition Research, almost 50 percent of adults do not get their needed nourishment of Vitamin D. The dose of Vitamin D your body needs varies form one person to another. Some doctors recommend about 2,000 IU of vitamin D3. Other doctors on the other hand, recommends as little as 200 IU every day. That’s why it is a must to consult a doctor regarding the levels of Vitamin D for your body.
But how would you know if you belong to the 50 percent of adults who are seriously lacking vitamin D?
Here are the signs you should watch out for:
[1] You often get sick
One of the responsibilities of vitamin D is to keep your immune system strong and well-functioning. Vitamin D directly interacts with your cells which wards off infections and communicable diseases.
Research shows that there is an established connection between vitamin D deficiency and respiratory tract infections. So if you find yourself constantly suffering from colds or flu, chances are you need to boost up your Vitamin D levels.
[2] You often feel weak and tired
Do you find yourself feeling tired and weak despite getting enough sleep? Study shows that vitamin D sufficiency makes one feel exhausted even after resting. In addition, according to the study conducted by the University of Tulsa, athletes with inadequate vitamin D, could not lift as much weight, cold not run as fast, could not jump as high as compared to those who are getting enough vitamin D nourishment.
In a separate study conducted by researchers from Harvard, adults who lack vitamin D levels have an increased risk of losing muscle control. That is why adults aged 60-years old and above is recommended to take vitamin D supplements.
[3] Your bones are weakening and starting to brittle
According to a research published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adults especially those who are around the age of 30, have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Our body stops building bone mass when we reach the age of 30, thus a deficiency in vitamin D makes our bones more fragile and more prone to fractures.
[4] You are feeling depressed
Just as how hormones affect our mood, recent study shows that vitamin D works in the same region of the brain which has a significant impact to hormones that boosts our mood. A lot of research studies show an established link between depression and vitamin D deficiency. Showing how vitamin D affects our mental health as well.
[5] You have an inflammatory bowel disease
Vitamin Ds play an important role in the proper absorption of nutrients of our gastrointestinal tract. Ensuring that your body gets the amount of vitamin Ds it needs everyday protects your gastrointestines from inflammatory diseases.
[6] You are suffering from a heart disease
According to a review of literature published in Circulation Research, a lot of research studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency play a vital role in preventing heart diseases and related complications such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.
And though studies have not yet proved that taking vitamin D supplements reduces the risk of heart diseases, doctors highly recommend their patients to get their daily vitamin D nutrients.
[7] You are developing or suffering from severe Erectile Dysfunction
A research study published in Journal of Sexual Medicine shows that men who are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction had lower vitamin D levels as compared than men with mild ED. According to studies, vitamin D deficiency prevents the arteries from dilating properly, which is vital in supplying blood to the penis so it could be engorged.
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin which our body cannot produce on its own. It is highly advised to spend at least 15 minutes under the sun, even with sunscreens applied, in order to get the amount of vitamin D your body needs.
Also, to prevent the health problems brought by vitamin D deficiency, start including fortified dairy products, egg yolk, beef liver, fatty fish, and canned tuna in your daily diet!
Remember that nothing is more valuable in life than a healthy mind and body. Do not forget to have a balanced diet and exercise daily to take care of your health!
(Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not to be treated as an expert opinion. If you’re dealing with any of the signs mentioned above or know someone who does, it’s important to always consult with your doctor or a specialist.)
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