When you expose your skin to the sun, your body begins to produce vitamin D, also known as the sun vitamin. It plays a very important role in the proper functioning of many organs and tissues in the body. According to a recent study, nearly 40% of Americans experience a vitamin D deficiency.
People who avoid sun exposure or don’t get a sufficient amount of it may suffer from different negative consequences. We gathered the most common symptoms of “sunshine vitamin” deficiency and its manifestation.
6. Weak Bones
Calcium and vitamin D have been recognized as important and necessary nutrients for bone health and mineralization. Calcium is absorbed in the small intestine with the help of vitamin D.
Deficiency of the “sunshine vitamin” leads to decreased calcium absorption and, as a result, a weakened bone structure.
People who do not get enough sun suffer from bone pain, muscle weakness, rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis.
It is very important to maintain an adequate dose of vitamin D in your body. The main sources of vitamin D are sunlight, a healthy diet, and supplements.
5. Foot Deformities
Because vitamin D facilitates the absorption of phosphates and calcium through digestion, it can be very helpful in treating bone-related problems. The lack of calcium in the bones produces changes in the bone structure and their deformation.
Increasing your vitamin D intake in the form of supplements or exposing yourself to sunlight can help many people maintain an adequate level of calcium in their bones and cells.
Vitamin D can be used to control or prevent chronic foot pain, especially those related to conditions like osteoporosis, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and other inflamed joints and tendons.
4. Colorectal Cancer
Studies have shown that low sun exposure and thus insufficient vitamin D in cells can lead to the development of colorectal cancer. Vitamin D levels determine the survival and growth of cancer cells.
Sufficient vitamin D levels are associated with better overall survival for colon cancer patients. Additional clinical trials are needed to assess whether vitamin D supplementation can help prevent or reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Find out if your vitamin D levels are too low with a blood test. The ideal level is greater than 30 nanograms per milliliter.
3. Depression
Modern society is focused on desk work and computers, and cannot surprise anyone with hours behind schedule in the office. People tend to spend more time in front of the computer, instead of walking or spending time outdoors. Even when we have time to rest, we watch TV shows or play video games.
As a result, the sun plays a huge role in putting a smile on your face, because lack of light is a true mood killer. The more we lock ourselves in 4 walls, the sadder we become.
Spend more time outdoors – you’ll find plenty of fun there and stay healthy. You can also buy a nightstand to maintain your vitamin D level during the dark winter months.
2. Skin Problems
Because psoriasis is a malfunction of the immune system, vitamin D can change the balance in a positive way.
Exposure to ultraviolet B rays can be an effective way to treat psoriasis, acne, and other skin problems. Maintaining a healthy dose of vitamin D in your life would make a big difference in the health of your skin.
You don’t need to sunbathe to get enough vitamin D. However, you should be careful and try not to overexpose yourself to UV rays, as there is an increased risk of melanoma among psoriasis patients.
1. Weight Gain
Muscle weakness, bone pain, and deformity can contribute to weight gain, hindering activity, and burning calories. Additionally, vitamin D and the hormone leptin work together to control body weight.
Leptin, produced in fat cells, sends signals to the brain so that a person knows it is full. Vitamin D helps these signals reach the brain, and vitamin D deficiency can disrupt the cycle. As a result, you don’t feel full and overworked.
You can get vitamin D by exposing yourself to sunlight and maintaining a healthy diet. Be sure to include fish (swordfish, tuna, and salmon); egg yolks and fortified foods such as milk, whole wheat bread, plain yogurt, orange juice, and probiotic granola.
Do you live in a city that doesn’t get much sun? How do you deal with the lack of sunny days? Share with us in the comments below!
