Vitamin D offers a number of health benefits, including mood regulation, weight loss, strong bones and immune support.
When you expose your skin to sunlight, the sun's ultraviolet rays transform the cholesterol found in your skin cells into vitamin D. Unfortunately, those who work indoors, live in the northern states, and the elderly may have difficulty producing enough of this all-important vitamin. Luckily, it is found in fortified dairy products and cereals as well as in supplements like Pure Encapsulations Vitamins . This essential nutrient is used throughout the body to improve your health and enhance your natural immunity. Let's look at the top eight benefits of vitamin D.
Diabetes prevention
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how the body converts food into energy. When your blood glucose levels become too high, it can impact every aspect of your life and increase your risk of a number of health problems, including coronary artery disease, nerve damage, heart attack, kidney disease, digestive issues, stroke, and narrowing arteries. Vitamin D when taken in conjunction with calcium has been shown to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
High blood pressure prevention
High blood pressure occurs when your blood goes through your blood vessels too forcefully. As the pressure in your blood vessels builds, it can weaken your blood vessels and make your heart work harder. When your heart works harder, the risk of atherosclerosis (the hardening of your arteries), kidney disease, heart failure, and stroke increase. D supplementation can help lower your blood pressure and protect against these devastating health conditions.
Increased immunity
Are you looking for a way to boost your immunity and protect against viruses like the flu and COVID-19? Studies have shown using a D supplement helps support the immune system so it can fight off harmful viruses and bacteria. Taking a daily supplement along with D rich foods and spending time outdoors can help decrease the risk of acute respiratory infections and improve the outcomes of individuals diagnosed with a viral or bacterial respiratory illness.
Mood
If you have ever stepped outside on a sunny day and felt your mood immediately brighten, you have witnessed how this powerful nutrient reduces depression.
A deficiency of D can lead to a number of mood issues, including anxiety, depression, hopelessness, sadness, loss of interest, and depression. Supplementing your diet with this essential nutrient can help regulate your mood and prevent depression and other forms of mental illness.
Oral health
Many people are surprised to learn that this vital nutrient can also improve their oral health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is vital to strong, healthy teeth. If you want to lower the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, you must get more D vitamin. This vital nutrient works by stimulating antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents in the body to enhance your oral health naturally.
Strong bones
Your skeletal system makes up the framework of your body. It is responsible for keeping the body erect and protecting vital organs, nerves, and tissues. One of the ways this vitamin helps improve bone health is by improving the intestines' ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are the building blocks for strong bones.
If you have a deficiency, you may experience a number of unpleasant symptoms, including scraping sensations, inflammation, and joint pain. Joint support supplements provide your body with the nutrients it needs to optimize your bone health and reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Strengthen muscles
Many people do not realize how important vitamin D is to their muscles. Studies have shown that it helps strengthen muscles. In fact, a D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of muscle weakness and falls, especially in older individuals. Falls remain one of the main causes of disability and death in elderly individuals.
Taking a vitamin and mineral supplement along with regular exercise that includes strength training exercises like weight lifting, squats, and lunges can help increase leg strength and reduce the risk of falls. Remember to always speak with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen to ensure you are healthy enough.
Weight loss
Individuals who are overweight often have low levels of vitamin and calcium. Taking a supplement that has both of these nutrients can help you lose weight. They have been shown to provide an appetite suppressing effect that when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program can help you lose weight and keep it off naturally.
Top causes of a D deficiency
Although your body can create this important nutrient and it is found in a variety of foods, a deficiency can occur. The top four causes of a deficiency include:
Breastfed babies – Infants who are breastfed exclusively, especially when they have minimal sun exposure or have dark skin, are at an increased risk of a deficiency. To help prevent a deficiency, it is recommended that infants receive a daily dose of an oral D supplement.
Location – Individuals who live in the extreme north, work indoors during the day, work a night shift, or in an area of high pollution may be unable to produce the D necessary for optimal health.
Skin type – Individuals with darker skin may have difficulty absorbing ultraviolet B, which is necessary for the production of this vitamin.
Sunscreen – Sunscreen protects you from sunburn; however, it can also interfere with the body's ability to produce D by as much as 95 percent. In addition to this, wearing hats and wearing clothing that covers your skin like pants and long sleeve shirts can inhibit production.
Consequences of a long term D deficiency
A deficiency can increase your risk of illness, cause bone and joint pain, impact your mood, weaken your muscles, and impair the body's ability to heal itself, resulting in slow wound healing. In addition to these things, a variety of complications can occur, including:
Autoimmune disorders
Cardiovascular disease
Complications during pregnancy
Increased risk of certain cancers like breast, colon, and prostate
Neurological problems
Vitamin D offers a number of health benefits, including mood regulation, help with your weight loss efforts, and strong bones and muscles. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of a number of diseases including cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Finally, because of its ability to enhance immunity, it can reduce the risk of developing certain viral and bacterial illnesses including influenza and COVID-19. Finally, taking a supplement can shorten the length of an illness, prevent pregnancy complications, relieve the symptoms of autoimmune disorders, and improve your heart health.
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by Satish Mantri in Wellness
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