Vitamin D3, also called the "sunshine vitamin," is essential for supporting our well-being. It assists in maintaining calcium and phosphate levels in our body, so that the health of our bones, teeth as well they muscles is preserved. Vitamin D3 deficiency is very common, yet most people have no idea that they are deficient. Here are seven startling indicators that your vitamin D3 levels may be critically low - and ways to counter this deficiency.
- Frequent Illness and Infections
A weaker immune system, which means you get ill more often and catch infections easily is one of the first signs that show low vitamin D3 levels in body. Vitamin D3 plays such an important role for immune function that it aids in the body defense against viruses and bacteria. A deficiency of Vitamin D3 makes it difficult for your body to fight a common cold, flu or even a serious infection.
Studies show that people with low vitamin D3 levels are more likely to contract bronchitis or pneumonia. If you've got recurrent illnesses, it can be a sign that your body is in need of vitamin D3. You can increase your intake through additional dietary sources, supplements or sun exposure and this will enhance the immune function which helps in reducing how often you fall sick.
- Fatigue and Tiredness
One of the most shocking vitamin D3 deficiency symptoms is chronic fatigue or a feeling as if you are always tired. Vitamin D3 deficiency is frequently overlooked but one of the causes of fatigue among many others. Vitamin D3 aids in energy production, and levels that are too low can leave you feeling crash out tired even after an all night slumber.
Chronic fatigue has been strongly associated with low vitamin D3 levels in multiple studies. In a few isolated cases where subjects were found to be vitamin D3 deficient, high doses of this vitamin produced dramatic increases in energy. If you find that your tiredness is entirely unexplained, be sure to have those D3 numbers checked in a administrative center visit.
- Bone and Back Pain
Vitamin D3 helps increase calcium absorption, which is important for strong bones. A lack of vitamin D3 could cause bone pain and aches, which are often written off as common sore elements or the effects of aging. If you do not get enough vitamin D3, your body may have difficulty in preserving healthy bone density and osteoporosis or osteomalacia (bone softening) can develop.
Chronically low Vitamin D3 will present as bone pain and back pains, especially lower back. This is one of the most common causes and it occurs when your bones become weak over time; which can worsen with physical activity. Making sure you get enough of this vital supplement should reduce this kind of pain and ensure your long-term bone health.
- Depression and Mood Swings
There's a lot of evidence that Vitamin D3 deficiencies can have huge effects on mental health. One research shows that depression is often related to low levels of vitamin D3, especially in the elderly. An increase in Serotonin, the hormone that continues regulating disposition is believed to be helped through Vitamin D3. Low vitamin D3 levels have been linked with disruptions in serotonin production which can manifest as mood swings, sadness or even a diagnosis of clinical depression.
The Vitamin D3 deficiency is associated with the seasonal disorder such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a depression type that appears in winter time when we have few days of sunlight, If you are suddenly feeling a bit down or depressed for long durations, then it just might be your body lacking enough of vitamin D3. Taking vitamin D3 and getting outside helps to support mood, along with mental wellness.
- Impaired Wound Healing
The other shocking indicator when you are vitamin D3 deficient is wound healing slow or impaired. The body, with the help of vitamin D3 performs a critical role in wound healing by stimulating natural production of compounds essential for growing skin. Having low vitamin D3 levels can cause cuts, blood bruises or surgical wounds to heal slower.
According to a study in the Journal of Diabetes Research, patients with chronic wounds (including diabetic foot ulcers) were observed more often low on vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 supplementation helps to promote the recovery as well as reduces risks of infections and other complications because a slow wound healing is one.
- Hair Loss
A severe or unexplainable hair loss may meaning vitamin D3 deficiency. Hair loss may be caused by a number of factors, for example: By genetic predisposition, stress and hormonal alterations — vitamin D3 shortages are associated with hairloss in males as well as females. New hair follicles are formed only with the help of vitamin D3 and its deficiency can make your hair thinner or worse, you might even get alopecia.
Findings show that alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition which results in loss of some hair follicles and thus patchy hair loss; is associated with lower vitamin D3 levels. Proper levels of vitamin D3 can be maintained by taking it through diet, using supplementation or getting in touch with the sun are among some suggested ways to prevent hair loss and promote healthy growth.
- Muscle Pain and Weakness
This includes muscle pain and weakness, two symptoms associated with vitamin D3 deficiency but surprisingly disregarded or substituted to other causes. Muscle Function — Vitamin D3 is essential for muscle function, and a deficiency can result in the type 2 muscles becoming weak to perform tasks or workout. If cases of vitamin D3 deficiency get more acute, muscle wasting it can occur and muscle tissue begins breaking down.
There are vitamin D 3 receptors in muscle tissue, and when these tissues do not have adequate vitamin d 3 to bind with their sufficient receptor (low above), then changes occur that affect the structural integrity of muscles. If you have ongoing muscle pain or weakness, find out your D3 levels and consider if this is an area that needs support.
Addressing Vitamin D3 Deficiency
If you have any of these signs and symptoms, start doing something about it to correct a possible low vitamin D3 level. To do so could likely involve the following steps:
- Increase Sun Exposure: The most natural way to elevate your vitamin D3 levels is sunlight exposure. Getting outside for 10-30 minutes several times a week is some of the best ways to ensure your body produces enough vitamin D3. However, winter months challenge this in those of us living at northern latitudes and so alternative sources of vitamin D3 become important.
- Incorporate Vitamin D-Rich Foods: There are foods that contain vitamin D3, such as fatty fish (with salmon, mackerel and sardines), egg yolks and fortified products like milk, orange juice or cereal. Add these to your diet as a natural way of adding Vitamin D3 in plenty.
- Take Vitamin D3 Supplements: In measure of caution, you do have the option to take vitamin d3 supplements if sun exposure and diet are not enough. Depending on your health desires, you may dose at a safe rate so long as medical professionals are consulted to the exact dosage.
- Regular Testing: Regular blood tests can be conducted to examine that your vitamin D3 remains within the optimal level. This is particularly relevant to people with higher risk of being deficient — those with darker skin, older adults and the housebound.
Conclusion
Vitamin D3 is an essential nutrient for the body which your immune system, mood and bone strength can all benefit from. However, most folks are actually deficient in this crucial vitamin. If you were to recognize the symptoms early, and prevent vitamin D3 deficiency signs like weakened immune system along with frequent illnesses, sleep deprivation-constant fatigue-pain in bones-depression-slow healing wounds-hair loss-muscle weakness,, wouldn't any of that be better for you? You may achieve optimal levels of vitamin D3 naturally by getting enough sun exposure and Vitamin-D-rich foods, but you might need to consider supplementation if necessary to ensure that your health gets all the support it needs in the long run.