Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in common foods, namely, fatty fish, egg yolks, and dairy products. It is also referred to as “calciferol and is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our bones and teeth. It is also essential for the proper functioning of our immune system, muscles, and nervous system.
Other sources of Vitamin D, aside from food, is exposure to sunlight. When ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun strikes our skin, it triggers the Vitamin D synthesis. The intake of food supplements can also be a good source of the vitamin.
According to research, 9 out of 10 Americans are not getting enough of calciferol as they do not get enough sunlight. Moreover, lack of calcium because of low consumption of dairy products add to the problem. Deficiency in vitamin D can lead to various health problems, mild ones would include having leg cramps and experiencing tiredness, but more serious cases pertain to rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. It has also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Vitamin D Helps with Sleep – Getting the D is a vital part of regulating our body’s Circadian Rhythm. Circadian Rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle, therefore, it naturally affects a person’s sleep-wake cycle. In addition, vitamin D also helps the body produce Melatonin, the sleep hormone. Low levels of vitamin D could result in low levels of melatonin, leading to sleep problems.
- Vitamin D Helps Boost Testosterone in Both Men and Women – Along with getting a good night’s sleep, Vitamin D helps boost our testosterone levels, therefore being the reason for the regulation of our circadian rhythm. Other benefits of having normal levels of testosterone is discussed in our previous blog post.
- Vitamin D Helps Regulate Insulin Levels – Research has shown that vitamin D helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance, which can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D also helps regulate calcium levels in the body, which is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
- Vitamin D Helps with Weight Loss – Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is important for bone health and metabolism. It also regulates the production of hormones that control appetite and fat storage. Moreover, at a certain age, we get to a point where our metabolism starts to decline, and it causes the struggle of burning extra fats. With that, Vitamin D also stabilizes our natural rhythm, and that gives us energy to go on with our daily activities and be more active.
- Vitamin D Gives Us More Energy – The sun vitamin is a good source of energy booster. Individuals with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to experience fatigue and lethargy. This is because vitamin D helps to regulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood and energy levels.
It is important to ensure that we get enough vitamin D through a combination of sunlight exposure and dietary intake. However, it is important to note that excessive exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of skin cancer. Hence, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or increasing sun exposure.
