Are You Vitamin D Deficient???
Unveiling the Hidden Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency
Imagine this, my BoomerGuy and I have an appointment with our primary physician. As a natural course, we have our blood work scheduled then drawn. In each case, we had a Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy test run and much to our amazement, we were both Vitamin D deficient, in fact quite a bit so.
So, here we are living in the land of sunshine here in southern California taking our daily vitamin supplements and lo and behold, we’re shocked. Now we’re questioning how long has this been going on and what caused it.
We mentioned this to several of our friends around the country, one in particular living in Tucson. Guess what? They were also Vitamin D deficient.
The first thing we did was begin our research, then talked with our primary, and discovered this is quite common for people in their 60’s and early 70’s but can be found in people of all ages. Little did we know because we had never been tested before, and our friends had not been either.
With all that as a backdrop, it’s vitally important to understand what Vitamin D is and how it benefits us, and what happens to us if we are deficient.
THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN. You should be aware of the incredible benefits of Vitamin D. This essential nutrient, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. There is a great deal to learn about this wonder vitamin.
IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D. It is crucial for several bodily functions and has a profound impact on our health. It aids in the absorption of calcium, promoting the growth and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Furthermore, it helps regulate our immune system, reducing the risk of various diseases and infections. Vitamin D also plays a role in supporting cardiovascular health and facilitating normal cell growth and division.
STRONGER BONES AND TEETH. One of the best known benefits of Vitamin D is its ability to enhance bone health. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous, both are vital to bone health. By ensuring an adequate intake of Vitamin D, you can reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis and rickets, particularly in children.
ENHANCED IMMUNE SYSTEM. Vitamin D plays a key role in supporting a strong immune system. It helps regulate immune responses, enabling the body to fight off infections and diseases more effectively. Studies have shown that individuals with sufficient levels of Vitamin D are less likely to experience respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold or the flu.
REDUCED RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASES. Maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels may significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Research suggests that this mighty vitamin plays a role in preventing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancer, including breast, colon and prostate cancers.
IMPROVED MOOD. Did you know that Vitamin D also plays a role in regulating mood and warding off feelings of depression and anxiety? Adequate levels of this vitamin have been linked to a lower risk of developing mental health disorders. So don’t forget to soak up some sunshine to boost your mood naturally.
SUPPORTS BRAIN HEALTH. Emerging studies suggest that Vitamin D may have a positive impact on brain health and cognitive function. Adequate Vitamin D levels have been associated with a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. While more research is needed, ensuring sufficient intake of this vitamin seems promising for maintaining a healthy brain.
In summary, from strengthening our bones and teeth to boosting our immune system and supporting brain health, the impact of this vitamin cannot be underestimated. By prioritizing sun exposure and ensuring a balanced diet that includes food rich in Vitamin D, you can unlock the incredible power of this sunshine vitamin and enjoy a healthier life.
OK, so what happened to us and our friends. We’re not indoor people and get plenty of sunshine, we golf, bike and swim. Our diets are quite healthy and rich in Vitamin D. We take a balanced amount of other vitamin supplements every day. And we live in different parts of the country each with their different environments of bugs and viruses, eliminating that as geographic commonality. Frankly, we have no idea why we’re Vitamin D deficient, but we are. We have several ideas, but at BoomerGal we do not speculate on cause and effect.
With the help and advice from our respective primary physicians, we have all been on a month-long journey so far with Vitamin D supplements in the amount of 5000 IU’s (International Units) daily. We probably have another three months to go, and then we’ll get tested again.
As for my BoomerGuy and I, we couldn’t figure out why were always so fatigued. That was just not like us. I had an increased awareness of pain associated with my rheumatoid arthritis. We got plenty of sleep, so that wasn’t the problem. Now we know it was Vitamin D deficiency. Since we have been taking the extra Vitamin D supplement, we’ve noticed an increase in energy, a healthy appetite, less arthritic pain and pleasant moods. Really, if that’s all there is to feeling at the top of our game then we will take 5000 IU’s every day for the rest of our lives.
Since we were alerted about this, we’ve had numerous conversations with other friends who told us they have been taking Vitamin D supplements for years. They didn’t know to be tested, they didn’t need to be tested, they felt great and attributed their health to a sufficient amount of Vitamin D as part of their daily diet.
Well, there you have it. The good about Vitamin D and the bad about being deficient. Regardless of where you live, abundant sunshine or not, and what you think might be a suitable diet, get tested. Finding out can have a dramatic impact on your life, one way or the other. And if you find you are deficient in Vitamin D, consult your physician immediately for their advice and intervention.
Research sourcing from The Cleveland Clinic and Web MD.
DISCLAIMER: The people affiliated with BoomerGal are not medical professionals in any capacity. The opinions elicited here are just that, opinions shared from our personal experience along with those from friends and family with Vitamin D deficiency. In all cases, should you wish to further your interest in the benefits of Vitamin D and Vitamin D deficiency, please consult with your primary care physician or other healthcare professional upon whom you rely.