Is sunlight totally lacking in your life? Does your skin never receive the light of day without protection? Are your purposely guarding your skin from sun exposure out of fear for skin cancer and premature wrinkles? Although currently a subject of intense debate, all your efforts to avoid the sun completely may one day prove to be detrimental, rather than beneficial, to your overall health.
Why? Allowing the sun’s rays to fall freely upon your skin is the most plentiful way your body produces vitamin D. In its absence a deficiency might arise. And initial research on vitamin D deficiency has shown some tentative links to the development of significant health problems.
For a rare few, the sun is their nemesis because they have extreme photosensitivity. Whereas for the rest of us, the sun just might be our fountain of youth. Hiding in plain sight. Is it possible a little sun worshiping is good for us after all?
Vitamin D Deficiency Effects
There’s a substantial difference between what is known and what are the suspected effects of vitamin D deficiency. Starting with what is conclusive, vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of healthy bones. In its role as a hormone, this vitamin controls your body’s absorption and use of calcium. So this nutrient is vital to building and maintaining strong bones. Thus, a shortage results in bone weakening.
The effects of a severe vitamin D deficiency in children causes rickets, which is marked by abnormal bone growth and formation. For adults, a substantial lack of vitamin D results in bone softening, known as osteomalacia. A mild vitamin D inadequacy can lead to osteoporosis.
It’s believed vitamin D plays many roles in support of your health, for instance regulating blood pressure, fighting cancer and improving your immune system. Preliminary studies indicate the effects of vitamin D deficiency may contribute to:
- asthma
- diabetes
- hypertension
- various cancers
- multiple sclerosis
- glucose intolerance
- autoimmune disorders
- cardiovascular disease
The connection between these health conditions and insufficient vitamin D are inconclusive and subject to fierce debate. Yet why wait for any possible effects to be fully substantiated. You can take steps now to shore up some vitamin D by merely taking a routine 15 minute stroll in the sun. While doing so, expose as much skin as the temperature and the law will allow.
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
Symptoms of a slight vitamin D deficiency tend to be subtle, if felt at all. However, be on the lookout for:
- fatigue
- myalgia
- arthralgia
- bone pain
- back ache
- depression
- chronic pain
- muscle spasms
- frequent infections
- weight control problem
Some of these vitamin D deficiency symptoms may be fleeting, here today and gone tomorrow.
Vitamin D Deficiency Causes
Sun is the best source of vitamin D, but not the only. Another source is through the consumption of certain animal based foods, such as fish oil, egg yolk, cheese, beef liver and fortified dairy or grain products. If your diet is devoid of dietary sources and lifestyle is sunless, then this vitamin D deficiency cause needs to be seriously addressed.
Here’s some other contributing causes for a vitamin D deficiency:
- obesity
- liver disease
- cystic fibrosis
- celiac disease
- kidney disease
- Crohn’s disease
- lactose intolerant
- dark skin needs more sun
- spend little time in sunlight
- post gastric bypass surgery
- consume a strictly vegetarian diet
- sunscreen on all of the time that blocks all UV rays
If you’re concerned about a vitamin D deficiency ask your health care provider to check it. Vitamin D is measured through a blood test.
Clearly, the health benefits and effects regarding vitamin D are not fully understood. But don’t be left in the dark, allow a bit of sun on your skin. And if you sunburn easily, keep your sessions short.