Vitamin D is a nutrient and a hormone that our bodies create with the help of the sun. Vitamin D contributes to overall wellness because it has a multitude of strong anti-‐inflammatory properties. It regulates blood pressure and reduces stress and tension and is even claimed to enhance mental alertness. Vitamin D is also necessary for our bodies to effectively absorb Calcium, which preserves bone mass and prevents osteoporosis.
The sun is a natural source of Vitamin D, but exposure determines the amount. If you are housebound or live in a climate where sunshine is limited, you may not be receiving enough Vitamin D.
You can consume moderate amounts of Vitamin D in eggs, tuna, and salmon but because it’s not prevalent in our food sources, cereals and juices are typically fortified with it.
Vitamin D also comes in pill form. The FDA’s recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D is 4000 IU (International Units). Vitamin D can also be prescribed in creams, which is particularly effective for treating burns and other skin ailments.
Because it’s fat soluble, any excess Vitamin D will be flushed out of your system. However, you may be deficient in Vitamin D if you experience muscle weakness, unexplained bone aches, irritability, tiredness, and recurrent respiratory infections.
So get outside and catch the sun and be sure to check with your physician if you suspect a Vitamin D deficiently. A simple blood test can indicate if your Vitamin D is low.
If you have any other health related questions don’t hesitate to ask your Fremont Chiropractor at Discover Chiropractic. We are here to serve YOU!