We all have days when we feel absolutely exhausted, but if you find yourself constantly catching a cold, feeling depressed very quickly and even losing your hair, you very well might have a vitamin D deficiency. In this blog, you’ll find out about 9 signs that your body is severely lacking this unique vitamin. If you realize that you have at least some of these symptoms, it’s time to take immediate action.
1. You get sick often
If you have enough vitamin D, your immune system can effectively fight off infections and viruses that make you sick. So, if you find yourself always feeling under the weather, you may have a low level of vitamin D.
2. You constantly feel tired
While many different things can cause fatigue, vitamin D deficiency is undoubtedly one of them. So, if you often experience headaches and fatigue, get your blood tested to check the level of vitamin D in your body.
3. You suffer from a backache and pain in bones
You’re probably already aware that calcium is crucial for bone health. And, vitamin D helps your body absorb that calcium. Therefore, pain in your bones as well as in your back may indicate that you’re low on vitamin D.
4. You have skin problems
We already talked about how low levels of vitamin D negatively impact your immune system. One of the many consequences of a weakened immune system is that your skin cells may start producing more oil. This, of course, can lead to clogged pores and acne. Another skin problem that can result from a shortage of vitamin D is Psoriasis, which is a thick layer of dry skin cells that cover some part of your body. As soon as people suffering from these issues increase their vitamin D levels, their conditions improve.
5. You have problems with excess weight
Studies have shown that people who have enough vitamin D lose weight more easily and those who lack it find it not only harder to get rid of extra pounds but also easier to put them on. That’s because vitamin D acts like a hormone that affects other hormones, including the ones that are responsible for appetite and body fat storage.
6. Your wounds healed too slowly
Vitamin D boosts the production of special compounds that are vital for the wound healing process. These compounds are primarily responsible for forming new skin. The vitamin also plays a crucial role in fighting infection and controlling inflammation, something essential for proper healing.
7. You have hair loss
If you think that the cause of hair loss is stress or genetics, hold on. As per research, severe hair loss may be caused by low levels of vitamin D, especially in women and children.
8. You get depressed very easily
Depression can be brought on by tons of different factors, but vitamin D deficiency can’t be ruled out especially for older adults. In fact, 65% of studies on the topic have found a connection between depression and low levels of vitamin D. In cases of Seasonal Depression, taking vitamin D supplements has been shown to improve the mood.
9. You suffer from muscle pains
Like a lot of things on this list, it can be pretty hard to pinpoint the causes of muscle pain. Again, vitamin D deficiency may be one of them. A 2015 study, involving 120 children with both growing pains and vitamin D deficiency, saw a 60% decrease of pain intensity after the participants took just a single dose of vitamin D.