Vitamin D Deficiency - Why You Need To Test Your Levels Now
What's the deal with Vitamin D?
I’ve been seeing A LOT of Vitamin D deficiency in patient bloodwork recently ☀️ Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced in by your skin in response to exposure to sunlight. With the lack of sunlight, less time spent outdoors, and very few foods naturally high in vitamin D, your risk of vitamin D deficiency is increased in the winter months.
7 Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency
Low energy
Low mood + anxiety
Hormonal imbalances
Muscle weakness/chronic pain
Decreased libido/testosterone
Poor sleep
Infertility (theres emerging research on the MAJOR importance of Vitamin D for fertility + pregnancy)
3 Benefits of Optimizing Vitamin D Levels
Weight Loss
A few studies have shown a link between vitamin D levels and weight loss, possibly due to an appetite-suppressing effect.
In one study, those who took a vitamin D supplement lost more weight than those taking a placebo.
Vitamin D also was shown to help overweight individuals reduce their heart disease risk marks.
Mood
A growing body of research has linked Vitamin D and mood regulation, especially seasonal mood changes.
Inflammation
Low levels of Vitamin D have been shown to increase inflammation and inflammatory markers in the body.
Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to inflammatory diseases like Irritable Bowel, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus and Alzheimer's.
👉🏼This is my PSA to TEST Vitamin D levels and work closely with a practitioner to optimize them!
If you are interested in optimizing your vitamin D levels or looking to do vitamin testing, I am a Naturopathic Doctor virtually, and in person in Toronto and Vaughan and would love to help you reach your health goals.
In health,
Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND
Always check in with your Naturopathic Doctor or other health care provider before starting any treatments or making changes to your healthcare plan.
