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Vitamin D Deficiency: 10 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
At Goldea Health, we have a true fascination for the wonderful effect of the sun on our health. One of the most enchanting vitamins is without a doubt vitamin D. This plays an essential role in our body and cannot be ignored! Join us on this inspiring journey into the world of vitamin D deficiency and discover how you can bring your body into balance.
What is vitamin D needed for?
Let's start with a little vitamin D knowledge! Vitamin D (also a hormone) is like a building block for a strong and healthy body. It supports the absorption of calcium, which keeps our bones strong and our teeth bright white. But that's not all! This vitamin has a positive effect on the immune system and plays an important role in maintaining supple muscles. A real all-rounder!
How do you recognize a vitamin D deficiency?
Did you know that in winter 60% of Dutch people have a vitamin D deficiency? ( See source: here ) .
Believe it or not, a vitamin D deficiency can manifest itself insidiously. But we help you recognize the signs.
Do you often feel tired and run down? Do you experience muscle pain and weakness for no apparent reason? You may also notice that your mood and state of mind are fluctuating like a roller coaster ride. These are some of the possible signs that your body is crying out for some extra vitamin D love!
What is low vitamin D?
Let’s take a moment to understand what low vitamin D actually means. It’s important to understand what the recommended levels are and how we can strive for optimal health. Knowledge is power, so join us as we dive into the signs and symptoms!
10 Signs and Symptoms of a Vitamin D Deficiency
- Fatigue: Do you often feel exhausted and listless? A deficiency can seriously lower your energy levels.
- Sadness and Mood Swings: Do you find your mood often goes on a rollercoaster ride? It plays a role in the production of serotonin, the “happiness hormone,” so a deficiency can affect your mood.
- Muscle Pain and Weakness: If your muscles complain and protest after light exercise, this could be a sign of a deficiency.
- Diseases and infections: A well-functioning immune system is essential to staying healthy. It plays an important role in this and a deficiency can make you more susceptible to infections.
- Low back pain: A deficiency is associated with chronic low back pain.
- Sore bones and joints: Sore bones and joints can indicate a deficiency of this vitamin, which in turn affects calcium absorption and bone health.
- Poor sleep: A good night's sleep is essential for our well-being, and it can play a role in regulating our sleep-wake rhythm.
- Hair Loss: Are you finding yourself losing more hair than normal? A deficiency in this vitamin can affect the health of your hair follicles.
- Weight gain: When you gain weight for no apparent reason.
- Concentration problems: The ability to concentrate and focus may be decreased.
Natural production :
Did you know that we have our own vitamin D factories? All we have to do is let the soft rays of the sun warm our faces!
Daily sun exposure can help keep our vitamin D levels up. But of course, as with everything in life, balance is key. We don’t need sunscreen to protect us from these healing rays, it actually blocks our vitamin D production!
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
Unfortunately, there are factors that can inhibit or even block our vitamin D production. Work/family life can often take hold of us, causing us to spend less time outdoors. The use of sunscreen also blocks the production of vitamin D.
But we have a secret weapon! By making smart choices and being aware of our exposure to sunlight, we can support our body in producing this precious vitamin.
5 sun tips:
- It is best to go out into the sun first thing in the morning. This light is good for your circadian rhythm and you will not get burned.
- Start slowly and let your body get used to the sun. This can be done as soon as the spring sun appears.
- Know your skin: adjust the time and hours of sun to your skin type, colour phase and UV index.
- If you do go on holiday and are going to lie down and bake. Use a natural sunscreen. We choose the sunscreen from Dr. Hauschka .
- Finally, eat as pure as possible. Keep your focus on food that protects from the inside: see this blog for tips.
People with increased need for vitamin D
There are specific groups of people who are particularly susceptible to vitamin D deficiency, so if you fall into one of these groups, listen up!
- Pregnant women.
- People with naturally tanned skin.
- People who are not outside every day between 11am and 3pm.
- Children up to and including 3 years old.
- Women with light skin over 50 years of age.
- Men with light skin aged 70 and over.
- People who do not supplement with vitamin D during the winter months.
For all of you: a good and pure supplement can make a world of difference!
Supplementation advice
We hear you thinking, “Which supplements are right for me?” Here's the answer!
It is best to create a personal schedule for vitamin D supplementation. And our orthomolecular therapist can help you with this, because we give you personal and free advice . This way you are assured that you get the right dosage and form of vitamin D that suits your needs.
Want to order a supplement already? You can!
Conclusion:
You have the key to a radiant and energetic life within your grasp. By listening to your body's signals and being aware of your sunlight exposure, you can embrace the power of vitamin D and take your health to the next level.
Whether it's enjoying the sun's rays on your face or supplementing with supplements, every step contributes to a healthy and energetic life!
Source:
- Institute for Orthomolecular Medicine ( www.orthomolecular-medicine.nl )
- Dutch Association for Orthomolecular Medicine ( www.novog.nl )
- Nutrition Center ( www.voedingscentrum.nl )
- National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements (ods.od.nih.gov)