Vitamin D is made in our skin via direct exposure to sunlight. Our liver and kidneys then convert it into a form we can use. Vitamin D is extremely important for strong bones and teeth, as it helps us absorb the calcium we eat and it also controls the amount of calcium in our blood. It’s really important that our vitamin D levels aren’t low or our body won’t absorb the calcium we eat.
Here are some signs that you may need to up your Vitamin D levels:
Bone and Joint Pain
We need calcium to strengthen our bones but we also need vitamin D to help absorb that calcium. If you’re deficient you may experience general pain in the ribs, hips, pelvis, and feet and you may even be at an increased risk of developing osteomalacia (commonly known as rickets).
Weak or Painful Muscles
Vitamin D also helps build and maintain muscle strength.
Persistent Colds and Flu
This occurs as a result of a compromised immune system. If you increase your levels of vitamin D you can reduce your chances of catching a virus by boosting levels of natural antibiotic-like substances in the lungs.
Feeling Constantly Tired
Vitamin D is essential to convert food into energy so a lack means you may not be assimilating the nutrients from your food, leaving you feeling weary.
Feeling Depressed
Studies have shown a link between depression and low levels of vitamin D. Of course, depression can be caused by many factors and it’s crucial to seek the advice of a mental health professional but it might be worth increasing your vitamin D levels to see if you feel better.
How to Get Enough Vitamin D?
The best way to get Vitamin D is from sunshine. At sea level, spend 30 minutes outdoors daily with at least 20% of the skin exposed. Eat chlorophyll-rich greens (they act like stored sunshine) such as kale, collards, parsley, wheat grass, spirulina, and also mushrooms. Fish and eggs are good sources. If you supplement, check with your doctor to be sure it won’t interact with medications.