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Silent Vitamin D Deficiency
Dreary skies, freezing rain, early twilight…the perfect setting for the winter blues creep up on you.
The winter blues are extremely common. Everyone is affected everyone differently. You might be a little lackluster, or gain a little weight, or just feel unmotivated and tired.
A Vitamin D Deficiency Can Cause Winter Blues.
Think about it. When it’s blustery outside, do you cover bare skin before you go out? Do you spend less time outdoors in the winter?
If you’re like most, you don’t get sufficient sun exposure during the summer months (do you wear sunblock?). Then, winter rolls around and your levels plummet.
Vitamin D Deficiencies are sneaky. For a long time you have no symptoms and then all of a sudden it all hits at once.
Keep in mind, if your feelings are more extreme than “blah”, you could be suffering from a type of depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder. If at the same time each year you begin to notice signs of depression, speak with your licensed health care professional. (Signs of depression include – lack of enjoyment in hobbies, hopelessness, unexplainable sadness, fatigue, etc.) There are treatments for seasonal affective disorder.
Vitamin D – A Quick Glance
Who needs more Vitamin D?
More than 50% of the population. (50%? that’s a lot.)
How We Get Vitamin D Naturally
Skin absorbs rays from the sun. Skin makes Vitamin D. Unfortunately, there’s not enough research on how much sun exposure is needed for adequate Vitamin D production. A variety of factors affect absorption rates.
Things That Affect Vitamin D Production
- Sunscreen prevents rays from reaching skin.
- Clothing prevents rays from reaching skin.
- Glass prevents rays from reaching skin.
- Insufficient time outdoors prevents rays from reaching skin.
- The ability to make vitamin D reduces as our skin ages.
- Darker skin is less effective at making vitamin D.
- Obesity increases the risk of a vitamin d deficiency. (Because Vitamin D is fat soluble. This means if you have excess body fat, the fat will absorb vitamin d instead of sending it to be utilized.)
Result:
There’s a 50% chance you are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiencies are increasingly prevalent.
A Vitamin D Deficiency Can Cause or Aggravate:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Muscle Pain & Cramps
- Weakness
- Achy Bones & Joint Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Metabolic Disorders
- Skeletal Issues
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Cognitive Disorders
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Cancer
- Head sweating
Solution:
Take a vitamin D supplement (Really…that’s it? Yup! Super simple. That easy.)
Most people with vitamin D deficiencies are mildly deficient. A quality supplement can do wonders.
Precautions
Always talk to your doctor before beginning any new health regimen.
It is recommended that individuals using more than 2,000 iu vitamin D per day have their blood levels monitored. Large doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, signs include headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Individuals with hyperparathyroidism or kidney disease are at particular risk.
Are There Any Potential Drug Interactions?
Vitamin D may result in hypercalcemia in certain individuals taking digoxin or thiazide diuretics. Consult your physician for more information.Trending Now
