As the days get shorter and the colder temperatures keep us inside – we face a higher risk of not getting enough of vitamin D. Known as the sunshine vitamin, the best way to get vitamin D is through direct exposure of the skin to the sun.
Unless you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with mild winters, the winter months aren’t very conducive to stepping outside for a bit of sun. This is where vitamin D supplementation can fill the gap.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vitamin D deficiency affects roughly 32% of the population. Some experts suspect that the number may be closer to 50%. Symptoms of deficiency include depression, aching bones & joints, muscle weakness, excessive sweating and more.
The most common cause of neuropathy today is diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of diabetes as well as diabetic complications, such as neuropathy. For patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy, getting adequate amounts of vitamin D can help in the prevention and treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
In addition to helping in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, vitamin D offers other important benefits to our nerves. In order for the nervous system to function properly, it requires calcium levels to be maintained within a very narrow range. Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining these levels and allowing the body to utilize the calcium effectively.
Sunlight exposure and vitamin D intake have also been linked to the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps regulate mood. Levels of serotonin fall with less exposure to sunlight – which for many can lead to seasonal depression. Studies show that those with low levels of vitamin D have an increased risk of depression.
As autumn gives way to winter and your exposure to the sun becomes more limited, getting enough vitamin D is critical. If the winter weather doesn’t allow for exposure to the sun – find a daily vitamin D supplement to help fill the void. A combination of vitamin D supplementation and limited exposure to the sun will help your body get the vitamin D it needs to support your bones, muscles and nervous system.
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