15 Lack of Vitamin D Warning Signs
Muscle Weakness - Muscle weakness is usually caused by a Vitamin D deficiency. Muscles have Vitamin D receptors. They must have a constant supply of Vitamin D to function. If your body has a deficiency of Vitamin D, your muscles will have trouble functioning. Bone Pain - Shunning the sun and being lactose intolerant can leave you with a deficiency of Vitamin D. This can lead to bone pain, which can be difficult to distinguish from muscle or joint pain, but generally manifests as a deep, full pain that can't be isolated to an exact area. Constant Respiratory Problems - Studies show that Vitamin D may help defend against respiratory illness. This is especially true in children. If your child has severe asthma, you may want to increase their Vitamin D intake. Sweaty Head - Years ago, doctors used to ask new mothers if their newborns' heads were sweating more than normal. This is apparently a very early sign that a baby is Vitamin D deficient. If you're breastfeeding, you'll need to increase your sun exposure or consume more foods rich in Vitamin D. Depression - According to the Vitamin D Council, this essential nutrient helps your brain's neurotransmitters produce the fluid serotonin. This produces our feelings of happiness. Studies have linked low levels of Vitamin D with episodes of depression. This happens especially during the winter months, because of the lack of sun during that time of year.
Chronic Infections - The Mayo Clinic has advised that Vitamin D is crucial to our body's health. It is a necessary vitamin in helping our body fight infections. If you notice you or your child is prone to getting infections, you might want to ask your doctor to give you a Vitamin D blood test.
Cardiovascular Disease - Articles published by the National Institutes of Health have shown that deficiencies in Vitamin D can lead to congestive heart failure. Make sure your body maintains the proper amounts to guard against the risk. Home tests are available to check if you have a lack of Vitamin D. Psoriasis - Although psoriasis is not always caused by a lack of Vitamin D, it's used in treatment. The Mayo Clinic claims that if you have a lack of Vitamin D it will be harder for your body to defend itself against psoriasis.
Chronic Pain - Studies have shown that low Vitamin D levels impact a person's chances of having chronic pain. People with darker skin are more prone to these effects, because they need more sun exposure to actually absorb any Vitamin D.
Tiredness - Vitamin D is one of the necessary vitamins for your body to create energy. Without it you can end up feeling tired most of the day. This will make it hard for you to get around or even get to work. You should consult your doctor if you have constant feelings of tiredness.
Hypertension - Harvard University conducted a study on women. The study showed that women with low levels of Vitamin D have a 67 percent increased risk of hypertension. If you suffer from anxiety, you may want to consider purchasing Vitamin D supplements and adding them to your daily routine.
Crankiness - Vitamin D also affects the levels of serotonin in your brain, which is what impacts your mood. If you're feeling cranky, it might be because you're not producing enough serotonin! Chronic Kidney Disease - Kidneys are necessary to making the active form of Vitamin D for our bodies. Plus, as you get older, your kidneys are not as efficient at processing Vitamin D. Be sure to get some sun or take a supplement (and if you take a supplement, also take Vitamin K2 to activate the right proteins).
Reduced Endurance - If you're an athlete and you're seeing your endurance decay for no apparent reason, it might be because you have low Vitamin D levels. Get enough Vitamin D to stay in your top performance level. You can obtain it in powder form to mix with your smoothies or protein shakes.
You're 50 - If you're 50 or older, chances are you have a Vitamin D deficiency. The body simply doesn't produce as much Vitamin D as you get older, and so you should always make sure you're getting enough Vitamin D through other sources.