Studies show it may be time to start getting a little more sunshine! There is an epidemic of sorts happening around the world. It is happening to children and adults of all races and backgrounds. This epidemic is affecting nearly 90% of adults in the U.S. alone.The epidemic is a deficiency a plentiful vitamin.
Vitamin D is an essential group of vitamins found in fish oils or beef liver. The most abundant supplier of this vitamin is the sun. It is necessary to have vitamin D so your body can properly absorb calcium. Without either of these vital nutrients, our bodies would be in danger as our skeletal systems would become very weak and brittle. But, there are steps we can take to reverse this process. First, though, we must understand the warning signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.
Diseases Associated With Vitamin D Deficiency
1. Osteoporosis
This is a condition where your bones become weak and brittle. See, your bones are constantly in a state of renewal. Osteoporosis begins when our bodies are unable to reproduce bone tissue at the same rate as it is absorbing it. Symptoms of this include a loss of height or fractured bones.
2. Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation of your bone joints. It is a very common disorder that affects over 3 million people. There are many causes for this disorder. A lack of Vitamin D is one of them. Stiffness, swelling, a reduced range of motion and pain often accompany arthritis.
3. Multiple Sclerosis
This is a very debilitating disease. This disease causes the immune system to destroy the outer protective cover of the nerves. The result of this destruction is a serious miscommunication between the brain and the rest of the body. This causes many problems from people that suffer from this disease.
4. Depression Or Anxiety Problems
Studies have shown evidence that low amounts of vitamin D in the body may cause serious mental illnesses including depression. Reason for this is the “sunshine vitamin” is very important to the brain and its functioning.
Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Weakened or brittle bones
- Increased inflammation or swelling
- General weakness and fatigue
- Signs of depression and anxiety
Ways To Reverse Symptoms Of Deficiency
1. Get More Sun!
Sunlight is the number one source of this vitamin for our bodies. This treatment does not cost a thing but time. It is suggested you get at least 10-30 minutes per day of unexposed sunlight. Sit outside to read or take a long walk. A good tip to remember is the lighter the skin you have, the less amount of time you need to spend in the sun.
2. Invest In Supplements
There is a vast multitude of different types of supplements on the market today. The vitamin can be found in multivitamins, prenatal vitamins and even in a supplement all on its own. Most of these supplements are not expensive and easy to incorporate into your daily regime. Be sure to discuss your interest in taking a supplement with your doctor first.
3. Eat More Fish
Believe it or not, there are many types of fish that offer your body lots of the “sunshine vitamin”. Salmon, Whitefish, Trout, Sardines and Tuna are excellent ways to get your daily dose of D. Another fish product that you can supplement with is Cod Liver Oil.
4. Eggs
Eggs are easy to come by and very inexpensive. You probably already eat eggs a few times per week and never realized you can get much more than protein and fat from them. Now you have another good reason to add eggs to your menu.
5. Mushrooms
Certain types of mushrooms cultivated in particular conditions are great sources for the D vitamin. Maitake and portabello mushrooms that are exposed to UV light when they are grown are delicious ways to increase this vitamin in your diet. Eat them on pizza or sauteed. Any way you want them, they are amazing in many ways!
6. Milk – Dairy, Nut And Soy
Last but not least, do not forget that milk and its products are excellent sources of vitamin D. If you are not much of a dairy milk drinker, meaning you don’t like milk from animals, there are many yummy nut and soy milk varieties that are fortified with this nutrient.
If you find yourself displaying any symptoms described above or you suffer from any of these diseases, be sure you are talking to your doctor. With proper nutrition and exercise, you may be able to completely alleviate the symptoms of D deficiency.
