Did you get the memo about Vitamin D intake? Most of us aren’t getting enough, and yet too few of us still realise exactly why this could be a problem. Here are a few reasons why you need Vitamin D in your life.
What is Vitamin D?
It’s a fat soluble vitamin which can be toxic in very large doses. However, latest figures have shown that deficiencies have become common in the UK and health professionals are now recommending that certain groups of people should actually be taking supplements.
Why do we need Vitamin D?
- Vitamin D promotes a healthy, balanced immune system by regulating the immune system cells. It also supports cardiovascular health and normal functioning of the nervous system. So it’s pretty important.
- Vitamin D is also often referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because our main source of it comes from the sun. It helps with normal bone mineralization and growth, maintenance of muscle strength and coordination, cardiovascular health, and robust and balanced immune function.
- Vitamin D also helps the absorption of calcium from the small intestine. Calcium and vitamin D consumption is important to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
So Vitamin D is quite important, if you want a healthy body and mind, and a body that will develop and grow well. Vitamin D also helps to support healing from the following:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Blood diseases
- Infections
- Autoimmune disorders
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Neurological conditions
- Skin disorders
How to tell if you need more Vitamin D in your life
Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is made in our bodies, but as we grow older, our body’s ability to produce it starts to wane. But it’s name is a little misleading, as Vitamin D is actually a hormone. This means that a deficiency can lead to alterations in your mood (think how blue we can feel when we don’t get enough sunshine) , depression and anxiety. Studies have also shown that those suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome, Seasonal Affective Disorder and sleeping issues may also have a Vitamin D deficiency.
So if you’re feeling any of the above, it might be worth looking into your Vitamin D levels…
How to get more Vitamin D
There are a variety of different ways to increase your Vitamin D levels:
- Take a supplement- speak to your doctor/ pharmacist for advice
- Apply a topical lotion
- Eat Vitamin D rich foods, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel and tuna), and egg yolks
- Get outside for ten minutes! Pop out in your lunch break, sans sun screen, and get some rays. Just make sure you do it safely.
