Around half of the world’s population has a deficiency in vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that affects many aspects health and wellbeing. Over a billion people are at heightened risk of chronic diseases.
Why is vitamin D important? And how can you ensure you get the right amount of it? Learn what vitamin D does, how it affects the body and what you can do to ensure that you get enough without overdoing.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D, a fat-soluble nutrient that is naturally found in food, plays an important role in the health of bones, teeth, our immune system and many other vital bodily functions. It’s also an interesting hormone that our bodies can synthesize, namely our skin, when exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D is available in two forms: D2 (ergocalciferol), and D3(cholecalciferol). Vitamin D2 can be found in fortified and plant-based foods. Vitamin D3 comes from sun exposure, animal foods and supplements.
Why is vitamin D important?
Vitamin D is essential for our health. It is essential for bone and tooth growth. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to both rickets and osteomalacia, which are characterized by fragile, weak bones.
Vitamin D is not just for healthy bones. It regulates immune responses such as the activation T cells.
Recent research suggests that adequate vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of developing autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Deficit of vitamin D is associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease, according to studies.
Vitamin D is essential for the body’s many functions.
Vitamin D: Best sources
Many people get their vitamin D3 from sunlight. Vitamin D3 is produced by our skin in response to UVB rays.
Researchers recommend that you expose a third (by wearing shorts and a tank-top) of your body to the sun without sunscreen for 10-30 minutes three times per week.
Apply sunscreen to your skin as necessary to avoid burning. You can wear a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes and face, but the skin on your head only produces a tiny amount of vitamin.
It is important to prioritize foods that are high in vitamin D because getting outside frequently may be impossible due to geographic location, seasons, or sun protection. It’s important to note that obtaining enough vitamin D from diet alone is difficult.
Enjoy these vitamin D-rich foods:
- Salmon, mackerel and sardines are all fat fish
- Cod liver oil
- Vitamin D fortified foods such as orange juice, milk and cereal
- Yogurt
- Beef liver
- Some mushrooms (contain trace amounts of vitamin D2)
Vitamin D and common health problems
Vitamin D plays a critical role in our health. Let’s now examine how vitamin D affects some common health concerns.
Osteoporosis & osteomalacia
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and is especially important in the prevention of osteoporosis. These conditions can cause the bones to become brittle and weak, increasing their risk of fracture.
Vitamin D prevents bone disease in two ways. It promotes calcium absorption in the intestine. Calcium is essential for the strength and density of our bones. Vitamin D is essential for our bodies to absorb calcium from our diet. This leads to calcium deficiency and weaker bones.
Second, vitamin D is essential for bone remodeling – the body’s constant process of regenerating new bone from old bone. Vitamin D levels that are adequate support the process of strong and healthy bones.
Immune health
Vitamin D is essential for boosting immunity. It controls the white blood cell function that helps fight pathogens and prevents an overactive immune reaction that can cause harmful inflammation. It is vital to maintain a robust, healthy immune system that this delicate balance.
Vitamin D is able to regulate the behavior of T and B cells, which are integral parts of the body’s natural defense against infection. According to some studies increasing your vitamin D intake may help reduce the duration of your cold or even your risk of the flu.
Heart Health
Recent research has shown that vitamin D helps regulate blood vessel function, and can reduce internal inflammation. Both are important for maintaining a healthy cardio system.
Vitamin D may help to prevent heart conditions like atherosclerosis, which is the thickening or hardening (or narrowing) of arteries.
This is done by reducing the cholesterol in your arteries and altering important proteins within your blood cells. It also affects how your blood clots.
High Blood Pressure
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked with high blood pressure or hypertension.
Vitamin D modulates renin (an enzyme that is produced in the kidneys and regulates blood-pressure). This helps to keep our blood-pressure within a healthy range.
According to several studies, this is likely why people with high levels of vitamin D are at a reduced risk of hypertension.
Type 2 Diabetes
Vitamin D is also important in controlling blood sugar, which can have implications for type 2 diabetics.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when our bodies do not produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels, or they resist insulin’s effects.
Recent research has shown that vitamin D improves the body’s insulin sensitivity, which makes it more effective in regulating blood sugar levels. You’re less likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have better insulin sensitivity.
Vitamin D can also help to reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation can be linked to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition where our cells do not respond to insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar (a precursor to Type 2 diabetes).
Further research is required to understand the role of vitamin D in reducing diabetes risk. Maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D, along with regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, could be a great preventative strategy.
Depressive
Recent research indicates that vitamin D may have an impact on mental health, particularly depression.
Scientists have discovered that low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of major depression disorder.
Experts believe that although the exact mechanism of vitamin D is not fully understood, it plays a part in the regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin which are vital for maintaining a stable mood.
Multiple Sclerosis
Low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis, a complex autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system. According to some studies vitamin D may help reduce the number immune cells that cause damage to MS.
In contrast, those with higher levels of vitamin D have a lower risk of multiple sclerosis. One study showed that women who consumed more than 400 International Units (IUs), or international units of vitamin D, per day were at a lower risk by 41%.
It is clear, though more research needs to be done to determine the exact link, that vitamin D may protect against this potentially deadly condition.
Cancer
Ongoing research is being conducted on the potential impact of vitamin D on cancer risk. Early studies showed that people who lived in areas with high levels of sunlight (and therefore higher vitamin D levels), had lower rates of cancers such as breast, prostate, colorectal, and multiple myeloma.
According to animal studies, vitamin D can also slow down the spread and development of cancer. This is because it promotes cell differentiation while inhibiting cell proliferation. Human studies have mixed results. In general, however, low levels of vitamin D are linked to higher cancer mortality.
What are the symptoms if you don’t have enough vitamin D?
Vitamin D deficiency manifests in many ways. Some of the symptoms that are common include:
- Fatigue
- A weak immune system or frequent illnesses and infections
- Pain in the joints, muscles, or bones
- Muscle weakness
- Depression and symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, or difficulty concentrating
- Slow wound healing
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
It is important to be aware of these symptoms and ensure you are getting enough vitamin D. It’s important to know these symptoms, and ensure you get enough of this essential nutrient.
How and when to use vitamin D as a dietary supplement
In an ideal world, we’d get all of our vitamin D through food and sunlight. Sometimes this isn’t feasible, so supplementation may be necessary.
It’s crucial to identify a vitamin D deficiency before considering supplementation. You can have a simple blood-test performed by your healthcare provider to find out what level you are at and make an informed decision about how much to take and for how long.
You may need to take more vitamin D if your sun exposure is limited or you suffer from other health problems.
- Birth to 12 months: 800 IU (10 micrograms, mcg).
- Children aged 1-13 years: 600 IU (15mcg).
- Teenagers aged 14-18 years: 600 IU (15mcg).
- Adults aged 19-70 years: 600 IU (15mcg).
- Adults aged 71 and older: 800IU (20mcg).
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding: 600 IU (15mcg).
Which vitamin D3 should I take?
Some studies have shown that D3 is the most effective form of vitamin D to raise blood levels.
The strength of the supplement will depend on how much you are deficient and what your specific needs are.
When should you take Vitamin D supplements?
Vitamin D is fat soluble. It is best taken with fats in a meal to increase absorption. Vitamin D-rich food can help maintain your optimal levels.
Consult your doctor before taking a vitamin d supplement. Overdosing on vitamin D can cause toxicity or an overdose.
Vitamin D overdose: Is it possible to take too much vitamin D?
Vitamin D is essential to many body systems but it can be consumed in excess.
Vitamin D Overdose Symptoms
- Hypervitaminosis D is a rare condition that occurs when you have too much Vitamin D in your system. Most people are deficient.
- It’s still important to understand the risks of taking too much vitamin d and recognize the symptoms.
- Nausea and vomiting. High vitamin D levels can cause nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are usually the first signs of toxic effects.
- Increased thirst and frequent urine. A higher calcium concentration in the blood can be caused by excess vitamin D. It can cause increased thirst and frequent urination, as the body tries to regulate calcium levels by excretion.
- Weakness, fatigue. A high vitamin D intake can lead to fatigue and muscle weakness, which can have a negative impact on your quality of living.
- Joint and muscle pain. Vitamin D overdose may cause increased calcium deposits to form in joints and muscles causing pain and inflammation.
- Kidney damage and kidney stones. Vitamin D excess can lead to kidney stones, kidney damage and kidney stones.
It is important to maintain the proper balance of vitamin D, whether it comes from food, sunlight or supplements, for optimal body functioning. Keep track of your vitamin D levels and listen to expert advice for positive changes in overall health and life quality.
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The post Why Is Vitamin D Important? The post Sources, Benefits and How to Make Certain You Get the Right Amount first appeared on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses alternative medicine instead of traditional medicine?
Alternative medicine is available for many reasons.
- They want to avoid harmful drugs and surgery.
- They believe natural remedies work better.
- They prefer non-invasive treatments.
- They want to spend less money.
- They feel more secure using natural products
- They want to have more control over their own healthcare decisions.
- They want to take responsibility for their health.
- They seek a more healthy environment.
- They are looking for less stress in life.
- They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their kids to get a better education.
- They desire healthy food for their families and themselves.
- They are looking for safe and effective medication.
Why is holistic medicine more effective?
Holistic health care treats the whole person instead of just specific symptoms. This involves looking at how someone feels about their body, their diet, where they live, and how much stress they have.
Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s life, and treats them as a whole. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient’s physical health.
Where can I find more information about holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a way of treating the whole person, rather than just one area. It considers all aspects of a patient’s life, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Holistic medicine aims to treat the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Holistic medicine does not focus on treating the disease, but rather on healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many kinds of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Statistics
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
doi.org
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
How To
How To Deal With My Girlfriend Trusting Alternative Medicine?
The internet offers guidance for those caring for a loved one with a mental illness. However, there is very little information on alternative medicine and how to deal with them.
It seems like there is a big divide between the two. Those who are skeptical about conventional medicine and those who are open-minded to its benefits.
What happens when you meet someone who believes that there are alternative treatments to mental health problems?
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. So what do you say to your partner when he tells you he wants to go to an acupuncturist instead of his doctor? Or when he suggests to you that he would prefer to eat gluten-free foods than take antidepressants.
It is important to ask questions. Asking them early on could save a lot of heartaches later on.
So how can you ask difficult questions of him without offending? What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? Do you tell him that he shouldn’t trust anyone?
Or what if he says she thinks antidepressants do not work? Tell her that you don’t believe she’s right.
Here is where things get tricky. You may upset her even further if you point out that she’s wrong.
Alternativly, you might suggest that she sees an psychiatrist. This could lead to more problems than solutions. She might get angry at you for suggesting this. Or, she may believe you are trying control her life.
So what should you do?
–
——————————————————————————————————————————————
This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Dick Benson
Title: Why is Vitamin D So Important? Sources, Benefits, and How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Right Amount
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/vitamins-supplements/why-is-vitamin-d-so-important-sources-benefits-and-how-to-make-sure-youre-getting-the-right-amount/
Published Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:08:50 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses alternative medicine instead of traditional medicine?
Alternative medicine is available for many reasons.
- They want to avoid harmful drugs and surgery.
- They believe natural remedies work better.
- They prefer non-invasive treatments.
- They want to spend less money.
- They feel more secure using natural products
- They want to have more control over their own healthcare decisions.
- They want to take responsibility for their health.
- They seek a more healthy environment.
- They are looking for less stress in life.
- They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their kids to get a better education.
- They desire healthy food for their families and themselves.
- They are looking for safe and effective medication.
Why is holistic medicine more effective?
Holistic health care treats the whole person instead of just specific symptoms. This involves looking at how someone feels about their body, their diet, where they live, and how much stress they have.
Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s life, and treats them as a whole. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient’s physical health.
Where can I find more information about holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a way of treating the whole person, rather than just one area. It considers all aspects of a patient’s life, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Holistic medicine aims to treat the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Holistic medicine does not focus on treating the disease, but rather on healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many kinds of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Statistics
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
doi.org
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
How To
How To Deal With My Girlfriend Trusting Alternative Medicine?
The internet offers guidance for those caring for a loved one with a mental illness. However, there is very little information on alternative medicine and how to deal with them.
It seems like there is a big divide between the two. Those who are skeptical about conventional medicine and those who are open-minded to its benefits.
What happens when you meet someone who believes that there are alternative treatments to mental health problems?
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. So what do you say to your partner when he tells you he wants to go to an acupuncturist instead of his doctor? Or when he suggests to you that he would prefer to eat gluten-free foods than take antidepressants.
It is important to ask questions. Asking them early on could save a lot of heartaches later on.
So how can you ask difficult questions of him without offending? What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? Do you tell him that he shouldn’t trust anyone?
Or what if he says she thinks antidepressants do not work? Tell her that you don’t believe she’s right.
Here is where things get tricky. You may upset her even further if you point out that she’s wrong.
Alternativly, you might suggest that she sees an psychiatrist. This could lead to more problems than solutions. She might get angry at you for suggesting this. Or, she may believe you are trying control her life.
So what should you do?
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