When you expose your skin to the sun, your body begins to produce vitamin D, also known as the sun vitamin. It plays a very important role in the proper functioning of many organs and tissues in the body.
According to a recent study, nearly 40% of Americans experience a vitamin D deficiency. People who avoid sun exposure or who don’t get enough can experience different negative consequences.
We brought together the most common symptoms of “sunshine vitamin” deficiency and its manifestation.
What Happens If You Avoid Sunlight
6. Weak Bones
Calcium and vitamin D have long been recognized as important and necessary nutrients for bone health and mineralization. Calcium is absorbed from the small intestine with the help of vitamin D.
Deficiency of the “sun vitamin” leads to decreased calcium absorption and, as a result, a weakened bone structure. People who don’t get enough sun suffer from bone pain, muscle weakness, rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis.
It is very important to maintain an adequate dose of vitamin D in your body. The main sources of vitamin D are sunlight, a healthy diet, and supplements.
5. Foot Deformities
Because vitamin D facilitates the absorption of phosphates and calcium through digestion, it can be very helpful in treating bone-related problems. The lack of calcium in the bones produces changes in the bone structure and its deformation.
Increasing your vitamin D intake in the form of supplements or exposing yourself to sunlight can help many people maintain an adequate level of calcium in their bones and cells.
Vitamin D can be used to control or prevent chronic foot pain, especially those related to conditions such as osteoporosis, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and other inflamed joints and tendons.
4. Colorectal Cancer
Studies have shown that low sun exposure and therefore insufficient vitamin D in cells can lead to the development of colorectal cancer.
Vitamin D levels determine the survival and growth of cancer cells. Sufficient vitamin D levels are associated with better overall survival for colon cancer patients.
Additional clinical trials are needed to assess whether vitamin D supplementation can help prevent or reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
3. Depression
Modern society is centered around desk jobs and computers and you can’t surprise anyone with late hours at the office. People tend to spend more time in front of the computer, instead of walking or spending time outdoors. Even when we have time to rest, we watch TV shows or play video games.
As a result, the sun plays a very important role in putting a smile on your face, because lack of light is a real mood killer. The more we lock ourselves in 4 walls, the sadder we become.
Spend more time outdoors – You’ll find plenty of fun and stay healthy. You can also buy a home lightbox to maintain your vitamin D level during the dark winter months.
2. Skin Problems
Since psoriasis is a malfunction of the immune system, vitamin D can change the balance in a positive way. Exposure to ultraviolet B rays can be an effective way to treat psoriasis, acne, and other skin problems.
Maintaining a healthy dose of vitamin D in your life would make a big difference in the health of your skin.
You don’t need to sunbathe to get enough vitamin D. However, you should be careful and try not to overexpose yourself to UV rays, as there is an increased risk of melanoma among psoriasis patients.
1. Weight Gain
Muscle weakness, bone pain, and deformity can contribute to weight gain, hindering activity, and burning calories. Additionally, vitamin D and the hormone leptin work together to control body weight.
Leptin, produced in fat cells, sends signals to the brain so that a person knows it is full. Vitamin D helps these signals reach the brain, and vitamin D deficiency can disrupt the cycle. As a result, you don’t feel full and overeat.
Warnings for Treating Vitamin D Deficiency
There are three main sources of vitamin D: solar UVB exposure, a healthy diet, and supplements. However, there are certain things to keep in mind to stay healthy.
The real danger from excessive sun exposure is skin cancer. Follow a complex sun protection plan: stay in the shade, apply waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and wear protective clothing.
If you choose supplements, remember that the dosage depends on blood tests and prescriptions. Although a vitamin D level of 30 ng/ml is normally considered adequate, do not risk your health and consult a specialist before taking any supplement.
Do you live in a city that doesn’t get much sun? How do you deal with the lack of sunny days? Share with us in the comments below!
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