Sunlight makes you feel warm, happy and relaxed, but that’s not all the sun can do. Sunlight can be very beneficial for your health, as it is one of the main sources of Vitamin D, commonly known as the “sunshine vitamin”. From 80% to 90% of the body’s vitamin D is obtained through exposure to sunlight.
Is sunlight beneficial at all times?
Although sunlight is very beneficial to your body, it is not the case at all times. It is recommended to avoid the hottest time of the day and focus on the times before 11 am and after 4 pm, where it is safer to expose your skin and enrich yourself with the sunshine vitamin.
In these modern times, our lifestyle and work nature, which is mostly in air-conditioned, closed places. This makes it very hard to expose our bodies directly to the sun, which may be one of the causes of vitamin D deficiency.
Do you think you have low vitamin D levels?
Vitamin D deficiency is now a global public-health problem, where 70% – 80% of the world population is at risk of Vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamins are considered essential nutrients to your body but you can suffer from vitamin deficiency either because your body cannot make them or they are made in an inadequate amount. This means you must provide them through your lifestyle, diet or through supplements.
The most common signs of vitamin D deficiency:
Chronic pain (bone and muscles): It is often subtle, but some people experience aches and pains in their bones, known as Osteomalacia. If your discomfort lasts for several weeks. You should ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D levels.
Excessive sweating: If you’re “glowing” while your activity level remains steady, your temperature is close to 37°C and you’re in a moderate temperature environment, you may want to consider a vitamin D test.
Unexpected weakness: Feeling overly exhausted, even when you get enough sleep. A proper vitamin D intake helps you maintain power in every fiber of your being, whether you’re young or old.
Broken bones: Normally a person stops building bone mass around the age of 30, and lack of vitamin D can speed up or worsen osteoporosis symptoms.
How can you increase your vitamin D levels?
There are three main sources for vitamin D that can help elevate your vitamin D levels:
- Sun rays
- Few types of foods tuna, salmon, fish liver oil
- Vitamin D supplements
It is important to have sufficient levels of vitamin D in your blood, but in case you find your vitamin D levels insufficient, don’t worry, it can be easily managed by taking it through the different sources we mentioned and through continuous blood level monitoring. Since it is summertime, you have a very good chance of increasing your vitamin D levels just by enjoying your time in the sun with your friends and family. Sometimes the best treatment is having a healthy and happy lifestyle.
This article was brought to you by Tabibi 24/7, Cairo’s leading family medicine & pediatrics group practice. Tabibi operates 24/7 and offers its services in the comfort of your own home or in one of its clinics. For more information, you can call 16724.
