Where’s the sun gone? Why Vitamin D is so important to our health!
Missing Summer? The sun on your face and body, longer light & warmer evenings?!
Vitamin D (a.k.a the ‘sunshine’ vitamin) is naturally produced in the skin in response to exposure to sunlight.
Research suggests that vitamin D may play a role in regulating our mood and warding off depression, especially when patients also showed symptoms of anxiety! Vitamin D deficiency could also be a contributing factor in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is common this time of year as we approach the Winter months.
Vitamin D not only protects us against colds and flu, but it has also shown to be protective against more serious immune related disease! As studies have shown that people suffering from symptoms related to Multiple Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia were deficient in vitamin D.
Adequate levels of vitamin D will help regulate calcium levels and to ensure calcium is absorbed to promote normal growth and development of bones and teeth. So, if you are deficient in vitamin D then you are at risk of developing bone abnormalities as in soft (osteomalacia) or fragile bones (osteoporosis).
It is important to consider vitamin D deficiency when children suffer from growing pains, and it may be prudent to supplement so it is a very simple deficiency to rectify!
At any time of life adequate vitamin D intake is crucial. But also bare in mind, there may be times when extra demands are being made on our hormones and our body, such as in Pregnancy and Menopause for example. These are times when we may run the risk of developing osteoporosis, as calcium production reduces. It is really important to get your vitamin D status checked at every stage of life – I would recommend testing at least once a year! If this isn’t a something you’re familiar with then get in touch! As a nutritional practitioner I am able to offer advice and simple tests to ensure you’re at your healthiest.
So, what steps can you take to increase vitamin D?
By walking outside in Summer months – 4-5 days per week, even in the Autumn sunshine (when we get some) the exercise and fresh air will help promote well-being – taking the dog for a long walk in the woods or on the beach for example is great for promoting well-being!
Stocking up on vitamin D will keep your immune system protected for longer (about 3 months) – you may then like to consider supplementation – but due to the fact, we are all individuals with varying genetic make-up, and some people absorb vitamin D better than others. Firstly, testing is recommended.
If you’d rather not visit us, testing is available from the GP or you can purchase an NHS blood spot test at a cost of £30 – available in store at MTSD! – This is a simple finger prick spot test and is sent to an NHS laboratory, and results are emailed back to you.
If you're experiencing symptoms, or have been affected by something in this article, please book in with me for a free 20 minute consultation on how I can help you.