A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to bone density problems, muscle weakness, and an increased risk for mental health problems. The truth is that our body needs this vitamin to function at its best. And when you think about it, many of us are deficient in Vitamin D. We don’t sleep enough because we spend so much time on the computer or driving in cars. Our diets are lacking because we eat processed foods rather than real fruits and vegetables. So, do you have a Vitamin D deficiency? It could be sabotaging your gym goals too! Find out how to fix it with these three easy steps!
What Is A Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. This vitamin also helps regulate how your muscles, heart, and kidneys operate. In short, it's essential to your overall health.
Most people get their Vitamin D from either the sun or certain foods like milk and eggs. But there are many cases where we can't get enough through sun exposure and diet alone. And because we no longer spend as much time outside as we used to, many of us suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency.
This leads to symptoms such as bone density problems, muscle weakness, and an increased risk for mental health problems. It can even sabotage our gym goals!
Why Do We Need Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin we need to help regulate our immune system and maintain bone density. It can also lead to muscle weakness and an increased risk for mental health problems like depression. If you don’t get enough Vitamin D, your body can’t produce as much serotonin as it should which can make you feel sad or anxious.
It’s easy to see how Vitamin D deficiency can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health.
How Does It Sabotage Our Health Goals?
If you're not getting enough Vitamin D, you might experience muscle weakness and bone density problems. This means that your body will be less able to go to the gym and work out as hard as it could be.
Also, vitamin D deficiency can lead to an increased risk for mental health problems. So, if there's any chance you have a vitamin D deficiency, do something about it.
How Do We Fix This Problem?
Poor sleep, processed foods and lack of sun exposure can all contribute to a vitamin D deficiency. And the only way to fix these issues is with good lifestyle habits!
Fixing A Vitamin D Deficiency
- Check your vitamin D level.
- Get more natural sunlight.
- Take supplements.
Step 1: Check Your Diet
The first step in curing a vitamin D deficiency is to look at what you're eating.
A healthy diet is one of the most important parts of living a healthy lifestyle. It can also be an easy way to fix your vitamin D deficiency!
If you're not getting enough Vitamin D, it could be because you're not eating enough of the right foods: like eggs and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. You should also be looking for ways to include more vitamin D-fortified foods in your diet.
There are many processed foods with added vitamin D including cereals, plant-based milks, and yogurt that all make good choices for breakfast or snacks. There are also plenty of recipes that can help boost your intake like kefir smoothies and avocado toast.
Step 2: Get Enough Sunlight
The sun is the best source of Vitamin D, so make sure to get outside in the daylight. You can also supplement with Vitamin D3 supplements.
Step 3: Consider Supplements
One of the best ways to increase your vitamin D levels is by taking a supplement. If you’re not a fan of taking pills, you can always try a gummy or liquid supplement. You can also opt for whole food supplements like orange juice or yogurt with added vitamin D.
As with any supplement, it's important to remember that supplements are not regulated by the TGA and don't need approval before going on the market. Therefore, it may be difficult to find out if the manufacturer of these supplements has been following TGA guidelines.
If you decide to go this route, make sure that you're looking for a quality brand that includes Vitamin D3 as opposed to D2. The best way to do this is to read reviews from other customers who have tried the product and see how they felt about it themselves. Read on for more information on how vitamin D3 works.
