Nadia Renata

May 18, 20212 min

The Benefits of Vitamin D

I decided to catch some Vitamin D today! I opened the door and stood there for a few minutes. My country is currently under a State of Emergency due to increasing infection rates, so I can't leave the house unless it is essential. I have to say that it felt so good and instantly improved my mood!

Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” because your body produces it naturally when it is directly exposed to sunlight. You can also get it through foods for example:

  • Oily Fish: Salmon, Sardines, Tuna, Herring and Mackerel

  • Red Meat

  • Egg Yolk

  • Liver

  • Fortified Foods such as cereal and some orange juice and milk products.

You can also get Vitamin D from dietary supplements, like Cod Liver Oil.

Generally, from the age of one to adulthood, you will need 10 micrograms of Vitamin D a day. For those who are indoors whether it is due to restrictions or health/mobility issues, as well as, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is even more important to add a high quality Vitamin D supplement to your diet. It is important to note that contrary to popular opinion, darker persons are less able to make Vitamin D than fairer persons. Some medications also cause deficiencies such as steroids, cholesterol lowering drugs and seizure management drugs.

Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body, helping to:

  • Absorb Calcium more efficiently.

  • Maintain the health of bones and teeth.

  • Support the health of the immune system, brain, and nervous system and promotes the reduction of inflammation.

  • Regulate insulin levels and aid diabetes management.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.

  • Support lung function and cardiovascular health.

  • Influence the expression of genes involved in cancer development.

  • Plays an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:

  • Regular illness or infection.

  • Fatigue.

  • Bone and back pain.

  • Mood changes, for example, depression.

  • Impaired wound healing.

  • Hair loss.

  • Muscle weakness, aches and cramps.

  • Some types of cancer, such as colon, prostate and breast cancers.

Take a walk outside! Open up your windows! Get some sunlight! If you can't, then find a high quality Vitamin D supplement. It will do your body good!

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

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