Are You Suffering from Vitamin D Deficiency?

Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), April 26, 2021 
This article is aimed at patients of chiropractic care; we encourage you to share this information with your patients.
Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients. It acts like a hormone and interacts with every cell in your body. What's more, studies show that vitamin D helps fortify your immune system, boosts your mood and provides energy. 
Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is a major problem. Researchers estimate that more than 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient. Anyone can experience vitamin D deficiency, but several factors increase your risk, including being overweight, staying indoors and not eating enough fish or dairy. 
Vitamin D deficiency is common, but few people know they're at risk. In this article, we'll look at some of the common symptoms and provide suggestions for incorporating foods rich in vitamin D into your diet. 
What is vitamin D? Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that affects nearly every system in your body. It's produced by cholesterol, whenever your skin is exposed to sunlight. To maintain good physical and mental health, it's important to consume between 400-800 international units of vitamin D per day. You can acquire it through a healthy diet or by taking nutritional supplements. 
What is vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D deficiency occurs when your body doesn't get enough vitamin D. It increases the risk of various health problems, including osteoporosis, depression, anxiety and low energy. 
What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency? Common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include: 

• Frequent illnesses or infections
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Bone pain
• Lower back pain
• Depression
• Slow-healing wounds
• Bone loss
• Hair loss

If you're vitamin D deficient, you might also experience frequent muscle aches that prevent you from working, exercising, or participating in activities that you enjoy. 
How is vitamin D deficiency diagnosed? If you're concerned about the risk of vitamin D deficiency, make an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic. During your appointment, they'll conduct a physical exam, review your medical history and ask about your symptoms, including when they occur, how often and if any activities like getting outside or exercising seem to make them better. If these measures don't provide enough information, your doctor of chiropractic can order laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count to determine the amount of vitamin D in your blood. 
What if I'm vitamin D deficient? If your doctor of chiropractic determines that you're vitamin D deficient, they can make recommendations to restore your body to healthier levels. That might include dietary modifications like eating more fish and eggs, getting outside more to soak in the sun's rays, or taking over-the-counter nutritional supplements. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can boost the level of vitamin D in your body and feel better. 
Don't wait to enhance your health. To find a doctor of chiropractic in your area, click here to use our FREE online search tool. It's the first step toward more energy and a better quality of life.