8 Signs of Low Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for the human body. It is responsible for many important functions, including the absorption of calcium and the regulation of the immune system. However, many people suffer from low levels of vitamin D, which can have serious health consequences. In this article, we will discuss the eight signs of low vitamin D and what you can do about it.
1. Bone Aches
One of the most common signs of low vitamin D is bone aches. If your bones ache, not your joints, but your actual bones themselves, it could be a sign that your vitamin D level is low. This is a condition called osteomalacia, which means painful bones. When your vitamin D level is below 20 or 25, you can have osteomalacia. This is a sign that your bones are starving for vitamin D, and they're not being able to keep their bone density up where it needs to be. This is your bones yelling at you, "Hey, dummy take some vitamin D or get out in the Sun." right? so osteomalacia is a big deal if you don't have enough vitamin D. You can actually lead to osteopenia and ultimately osteoporosis which are brittle bones.
2. Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is another common sign of low vitamin D. If you feel tired all the time, even after getting enough sleep, it could be a sign of low vitamin D. Chronic fatigue can be from low vitamin D, and if you go see your doctor for chronic fatigue, one of the very first things he should check is a vitamin D 25 level to see if your level's low. That's an easy fix, and an easy catch if he checks the right lab work.
3. Frequent Broken Bones
If you have a fracture, a broken bone, from just a little bit of force, it could be a sign of low vitamin D. If you step off the curb and break your ankle, if you fall and break your wrist on carpet, or if you just like to fall off the couch and break your wrist, that's not normal. Okay, and the orthopedic surgeon did not check any blood work. So when I checked their vitamin D Level, it would be 8 or 12, and it should be over 40, okay? So if you have a broken bone for no real reason, that shouldn't happen. You probably have low vitamin D.
4. Frequent Viral Infections
If you have frequent viral infections, like it seems like you have a cold every 10 minutes, right? or you just have repetitive infections way more often than your friends do, that could be a sign of low vitamin D. Keeping your vitamin D where it needs to be can actually protect you from infection.
5. Depressed Mood
If you have a depressed mood, it could be a sign of low vitamin D. More and more research is coming out to show that vitamin D is very anti-inflammatory both for your brain and for other body tissues. So one of the things that you could have is a depressed mood if your vitamin D is very low. Part of the workup for depression when you go to your doctor should be some blood work, and within that blood work should be a vitamin D 25 level checked, and if it's low, it needs to be fixed.
6. Slow Wound Healing
Slow wound healing and muscle aches. If you notice that your cuts and abrasions are taking longer than usual to heal, or if your muscles ache without any apparent reason, you might have low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is responsible for several biochemical reactions in the body, including those in the skin, which plays a crucial role in wound healing. If your body is deficient in vitamin D, your skin may not heal as effectively, leading to slower wound healing. Similarly, vitamin D also plays a role in muscle function and strength, and a deficiency can result in muscle aches and weakness.
7. Muscle Aches for No Apparent Reason
Muscle aches for no apparent reason could be a sign of low vitamin D, which is different from the muscle soreness that occurs after exercise. While it's natural to feel sore after physical activity, if your muscles ache all the time without any clear cause, it could be a sign of a vitamin D deficiency. Other conditions could also cause muscle pain, so it's essential to see a doctor for a complete examination and lab work to determine the root cause. However, taking a vitamin D3 supplement daily could help alleviate your achy muscles and bones, making it a simple and effective solution.
8. Living in Higher Latitudes
Living in higher latitudes such as the US, Canada, or the UK can also contribute to a vitamin D deficiency. In these regions, the sun's rays are not strong enough to provide adequate vitamin D production in the body, especially during the winter months. Dr. Berry suggests getting more sun exposure, a healthy ketogenic diet, and supplements to increase your vitamin D intake.
If you're unable to get enough sun exposure or your diet lacks natural sources of vitamin D, supplements can be an effective solution. However, not all supplements are created equal. Dr. Berry warns against taking vitamin D2 supplements, which are not as well-absorbed as vitamin D3, the more natural form of the nutrient. Additionally, it's essential to choose a supplement that is in an oil-filled gel cap and that does not contain soybean or canola oil.
Conclusion:
In this video, Dr. Berry talks about the seven signs that indicate your vitamin D levels might be low. These signs include bone aches, chronic fatigue, frequent viral infections, slow wound healing, muscle aches, depressed mood, and easy fracturing. All of these symptoms can be linked to a deficiency of vitamin D, which can lead to serious health problems if not addressed promptly. It is important to keep your vitamin D levels up, and Dr. Berry recommends getting outside in the sun or taking a vitamin D supplement to avoid the dangers of low vitamin D levels.