Top 8 Unexpected Causes of Low Vitamin D – What You Might Be Overlooking
There are millions of people who suffer from low levels of vitamin D, despite the fact that they eat well and spend time outside. Vitamin D is vital for strong bones, immunity, mood balance, and overall health. A deficiency in vitamin D may be the underlying cause of symptoms such as fatigue, back pain, or frequent bouts of illness. Here are the top eight unexpected causes that you might not have anticipated:
Consistently putting on sunscreen
Sunscreen not only shields your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but it also prevents your body from receiving the UVB rays that are necessary for the production of vitamin D.
Several times a week, without using sunscreen, expose yourself to the sun for ten to fifteen minutes (the best time to do so is in the early morning or late afternoon).
A Preponderance of Time Spent Inside
Working from home, having extended office hours, or engaging in minimal outdoor activities all result in decreased exposure to sunlight, which is essential for the production of vitamin D by your skin.
Focus on spending short periods of time outside on a regular basis, even if it’s just beside an open window or on a balcony.
Having a more dark skin tone
People with darker skin require more sun exposure in order to create the same amount of vitamin D because melanin, which is a pigment found in the skin, naturally inhibits ultraviolet light.
Solution: Take a vitamin D3 supplement and expose yourself to the sun on a regular basis.
Long-term stress or elevated cortisol levels
Increased levels of stress hormones have the potential to disrupt the metabolism and absorption of vitamin D.
Sleep, physical activity, and things that are calming are all effective ways to manage stress.
Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease
If the nutrients in your gut are not being absorbed properly, you might not be able to absorb enough fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D.
Getting tested and supporting your gut health with the assistance of a specialist is the solution we recommend.
Being overweight or obese is a condition.
Fat in the body is where vitamin D is stored. In those who have a greater amount of fat mass, a greater amount of vitamin D is “trapped,” and its availability in the bloodstream is reduced.
The solution is consistent physical activity, a healthy diet, and taking supplements, if necessary.
Particular Pharmaceuticals
By altering the way in which your body utilizes or stores vitamin D, medications such as steroids, anticonvulsants, and weight-loss medications can cause a decrease in vitamin D levels.
Consult your physician if you are currently taking drugs for an extended period of time.
Getting old
There is a significant decline in the capacity of the skin to synthesize vitamin D from exposure to sunlight as we become older.
It is possible that older persons will require supplements even if they are exposed to the sun.
When to Schedule Your Test:
Indicators such as:
Frequent instances of sickness
Pain in the back or bones
Exhaustion
Mood swings or feelings of depression
thinning of the hair
may be an indication of a lack of vitamin D.
You can find out your level by requesting a blood test for 25(OH)D from your physician.
One last piece of advice:
These unanticipated circumstances have the potential to influence your vitamin D levels, even if you reside in a predominantly sunny location. Awareness combined with relatively minor improvements can have a significant impact on one’s health.
Maintain your strength, vitality, and resiliency with the assistance of the vitamin that is found in sunshine!