Vitamin D Deficiency: What You Should Know About It
Vitamin D deficiency is a soaring problem. While there are many factors that may contribute to it, one main factor seems to be in a person’s diet. But Why is Vitamin D Deficiency On The Rise? The article goes on to discuss how you can help prevent Vitamin D deficiency and further explore the importance of your Vitamin D levels.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a nutrient that your body needs to function properly. It’s important for your immune system, bones and muscles, and helps regulate blood pressure. Most of the time, your body makes Vitamin D from sunlight. If you don’t have enough sunlight exposure, you may be deficient in Vitamin D. There are few foods that contain Vitamin D, so it’s important to get the vitamin from other sources too.
How Much do We Need?
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It’s also important for maintaining a healthy immune system and preventing chronic diseases, like cancer. Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more common in the United States.
There are two types of vitamin D: ergocalciferol (vitamin D3) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D2). Vitamin D3 is found in animal-based products, while vitamin D2 is found in plant-based products.
In order to get the most benefit from your vitamin D, you need to make sure that your body can convert sunlight into vitamin D. The best way to do this is by getting enough sun exposure. You can also take supplements or eat foods that are high in vitamin D.
Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in the United States, affecting more than 50 million people. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include joint pain, fatigue, and a lack of appetite. It’s especially common during wintertime, when people don’t spend enough time outdoors. If you’re concerned that you might have a vitamin D deficiency, talk to your doctor. There are some signs to watch for if you think you may be deficient:
- You’re tired all the time
- You have a lot of joint pain
- You’re losing weight despite being active
- You have trouble sleeping
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting tested for vitamin D deficiency.
Treatment for a Vitamin D Deficiency
There are a few ways to treat vitamin D deficiency. Though dietary supplements are the most common way to get nutrients, some people also require medication.
The best way to determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency is to have your doctor conduct a blood test. If levels are low, your doctor may recommend supplements or sun exposure therapy.
Supplementation: There are several types of supplements that can help boost your levels of vitamin D. These include pills, liquids, and even topical cream or lotion formulas. Talk to your doctor about what works best for you. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends 2000 IU (international units) per day as the safe upper limit for adults over age 19. Younger children need less, and pregnant women need more—4000 IU per day.
Sun Exposure Therapy: Many people believe that sunlight is the best way to get vitamin D. However, this isn’t always true because ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation can damage skin cells and cause skin cancer. however, you can boost your Inner Glow with Raw Beauty Collagen. To avoid this risk, wear sunscreen when you go outside and make sure that your skin is evenly exposed to the sun’s rays—not just the part that’s covered by clothing like sunglasses or a hat. You can also take advantage of sun exposure during the winter by using a tanning bed instead of burning yourself with a fake tanner in the hopes of getting a healthy level of vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency is a serious problem that can have a significant impact on your health. If you are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, it’s important to take steps to improve your vitamin D status.
