Vitamin D Deficiency

Care # 10

Jul 15, 2024

Supplement vitamin D through food when sunlight is insufficient.
Darker skin requires more sunlight.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include bone loss, pain, low immunity, depression, high blood pressure, and inflammation.
Additionally, there are over 20 lesser-known symptoms, such as nightmares, acne, and vertigo.
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While sunlight exposure is an excellent source of vitamin D, other options include mushrooms, dairy, fish, and cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is particularly beneficial as it provides vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids in one source.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue that may not present noticeable symptoms but can be a source of hidden stress on the body. This deficiency is associated with several health concerns, including low bone mineral density, reduced muscle size and strength, compromised cognitive and immune functions, and mental health issues.

Concerning blood work and vitamin D levels, it's important to understand that the reference ranges provided with blood tests, may not fully account for individual variations, such as ethnicity, and what is considered "normal" may not align with what is optimal for health, for example, darker skin needs more vitamin D.

Vitamin D supplementation, at least 20,000 IU, can provide potent anti-inflammatory effects. Combining fasting with vitamin D supplementation can further enhance the reduction of inflammation.

Unknown Deficiency Symptoms

Nightmares: Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to the manifestation of nightmares, although nightmares are typically associated with vitamin B1 deficiency.
Restless leg syndrome: Alongside excessive carbohydrate consumption (usually linked to vitamin B1 deficiency), restless leg syndrome can also be influenced by vitamin D deficiency.
Acne: Vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate acne by affecting the sebaceous glands, potentially leading to inflammation and blockages.
Bipolar disorder: Studies indicate a frequent association between bipolar disorder and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in mood regulation, particularly in depressive and bipolar disorders.
Skipped heart beats & palpitations: Vitamin D deficiency can impact cardiac function, potentially causing irregular heartbeats and palpitations, and in severe cases, arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.
Breathing disorders: Beyond asthma, vitamin D deficiency can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Symptoms like wheezing and sleep apnea can also be linked to vitamin D deficiency.
Skin disorders: Vitamin D deficiency can worsen autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, which involve inflammatory responses.
Sinus issues: In children, vitamin D deficiency may contribute to sinus problems.
Hay fever: Both adults and children deficient in vitamin D may experience worsened symptoms of hay fever due to weakened immune responses.
Recurrent tonsillitis/enlarged tonsils: Children experiencing recurrent tonsillitis or enlarged tonsils may benefit from increased vitamin D intake to support immune function.
Structural & developmental issues in children: Conditions like flat feet, bowed legs, and dental malformations can be associated with vitamin D deficiency during childhood, potentially affecting bone development and dental health.
Long COVID fatigue: Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate fatigue associated with long COVID, although vitamin B1 deficiency can also contribute to similar symptoms.
Early puberty: Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to early puberty onset, although environmental factors like endocrine disruptors are also implicated.
Uterine fibroids: Consumption of high doses of vitamin D3 has shown potential benefits in managing uterine fibroids.
Irregular menstrual cycles: Vitamin D deficiency increases the likelihood of irregular menstrual cycles and longer menstrual durations.
Urinary incontinence: Older women with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to experience urinary incontinence.
Vertigo: Certain types of vertigo, involving calcium crystal buildup in the inner ear, can be influenced by vitamin D deficiency. Co-administration of vitamin K2 is recommended.
Sarcopenia: Vitamin D deficiency increases the likelihood of sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss in aging individuals.
Myopia: There is an association between myopia (nearsightedness) and low vitamin D levels, potentially exacerbated by excessive screen time and lack of sun exposure.
Glaucoma: Individuals deficient in vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye.
Erectile dysfunction: While multiple factors contribute to erectile dysfunction, low vitamin D levels may play a minor role in its development.

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Self-Care 👀

Have you checked the safety levels of your sunscreen ingredients? Have you noticed the visible inflammation in people’s bodies at the beach? How does that change the way you monitor yourself?