Using Light Therapy for Vitamin D Deficiency
We all know that vitamin D is vital to wellness. Primarily, the skeletal system needs Vitamin D for bone health. Read below for a look at more about vitamin d deficiency and some ways that can help including light therapy wellness.
What To Do in Case of Vitamin D3 Deficiency
Vitamin D3 is a potent hormone that plays an important role in the development and maintenance of bones, teeth, and muscle strength. It is one of the essential vitamins for bodybuilders. Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It promotes bone growth by making the calcium and phosphorus levels go up.
Many people are may be concerned that they have a vitamin D3 deficiency. In severe forms this issue can lead to various health issues such as rickets in children, and osteomalacia in adults. If the indications of vitamin D deficiency sound familiar, one option is to discuss with your healthcare provider how to be tested for Vitamin D3 deficiency. It's also good to know basics of vitamins and their sources to promote your own healthy habits.
Sources of Vitamin D
The major source of vitamin D is sun exposure. To get to the scientific specifics of it, Vitamin D is unique among other vitamins because it can be synthesized by the body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Food sources of vitamin D are oily fish like salmon and trout, egg yolks, fortified milk, and cereal. Generally, vitamin D3 supplements can be taken with or without food.
One thing to note about sun exposure is that it does bring concerns over skin cancer if you are in natural sunlight without any sunscreen. Although your body needs fresh air and sun, too much sunlight exposure on human skin can cause other issues. Common sense says to select a good quality sunscreen to avoid damage from UV exposure, while getting all the healthy direct sunlight your body needs!
Natural vitamin supplements are another source of Vitamin D. It can be taken orally through pills or liquid drops or can be applied to the skin as a cream, ointment, oil, spray, or gel. Everyone is different so if you are looking for the best way to increase your Vitamin D to promote wellness, be sure to have a good discussion with your doctor. Hopefully this article is a good reminder to keep your vitamins in mind!
Vitamin D3 Deficiency
Vitamin D3 deficiency can be associated chronic diseases. In adults, low levels of vitamin D can be related to celiac disease, Crohn's disease (especially when ileitis is present), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic pancreatitis, biliary obstruction, cystic fibrosis, long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN), osteoporosis, certain drugs, and inflammatory bowel disease. Vitamin D deficiency can also result from fat being removed from dairy products such as skimmed milk or reduced-fat cheeses. In some cases, a low blood level of vitamin D is due to problems with the way the body absorbs and uses vitamin D. (MedlinePlus)
It's good to know basics of Vitamin D synthesis, and interesting to note how it relates to diseases. However, it's good to focus on keeping yourself healthy and well. In our family we've always placed importance on taking your vitamins. When we were kids we all had those flavored vitamins like Flintstones! Remember those?
Now, the selection of vitamins is a little better and finding one that is designed for your age group is a great way to start. A lot of vitamins are also made for specific issues like boosting immune wellness, for older people, women, etc. I do always look at the ingredients list as a rule of thumb. Not being a healthcare professional, I would have to ask my doctor about the best form of Vitamin D for me.
I believe even healthy adults should take time for themselves and focus on their own wellness!
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency, or not having the adequate amount in the body, is associated with the following symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- A constant need to move your bowels
- Light headedness and dizziness
- Muscle twitches, spasms or cramps
- Headache
- Feeling tired and weak
- Depression and irritability
- Weak, brittle or soft bones
- Reduced bone formation and increased risk of fractures
- Rapid breathing rate and heart rate
- Pale skin and light complexion
- Insomnia
- Frequent infections, such as respiratory tract infections (colds) or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Be aware that this is a list of symptoms and not intended to diagnose or anything close to it– always consult your healthcare provider to ensure you're doing the right thing to keep you well!
Light Therapy:
Light therapy is a relatively new treatment that uses pure light from white LEDs for hours each night. This can extend the light available, especially in the winter months. You can find various types of sun lamps and UV light options available online.
The health benefits may be debatable and while sellers may make claims about beneficial effects, they often don't offer any guarantee of helping a low Vitamin D Status. However, it's another option to look into if this remedy interests you.
Bright white lights can be used to create a pleasant atmosphere in the room, especially during months where the minutes of sunlight disappear quickly after dinnertime!
Management of Vitamin D Deficiency
If you are indeed Vitamin D deficient, your doctor may look for any underlying causes first. It's important to give your doctor a good idea of which foods you typically eat, and how much time a day you spend outside. Be honest, even if you wish you ate healthier in general. If you avoid dairy and fresh foods or have a strict diet for allergy or religious reasons, be sure to tell your doctor so they can provide the best care possible.
During pregnancy and lactation, women should maintain an adequate intake of Vitamin D. Vitamin D may also offer an Immune boost for kids. It's important to talk to your doctor or pediatrician about healthy levels of Vitamin D needed for children and pregnant or nursing women.
In case you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, you can request a blood test to measure your levels of 25(OH)D as well as ask about the risks and benefits of vitamin D3 supplementation.
We hope we have given you some good reminders to keep your wellness in mind!
Sources include: MedlinePlus, 2021.
Disclaimer:
Disclosure: This content has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any product {or products} mentioned is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please note I am not a healthcare professional and this post is for sharing product information or our own experiences only. Please seek health advice from a qualified professional, rather than online.
