There is a large population world-wide at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D insufficiency causes both medical and psychological issues. People who are dark-skinned, live far from the equator, and have diseases such as liver disease, kidney, and celiac disease are at a higher risk. Countries like India have quite better sunlight hours, still there are higher numbers of population with vitamin D deficiency.There are several reasons for it, which you can read here.
In this article we have discussed how vitamin D deficiency can affect mental health and depressive moods.
How does vitamin D Works In the Body
Vitamin D receptors can be found in your muscles, heart, brain, and immune system. The vitamin is transported by the body to the kidneys and liver, where it is converted into an active hormone. In this form, it helps the body in absorbing calcium.
Your body acquires vitamin D through sun exposure. Certain foods and supplements like Tuskca Calcium with vitamin D3 can also be sources of vitamin D. Melanin is the component that determines coloring in the human and prevents the skin from absorbing vitamin D correctly. Hence it is said the risk of vitamin D deficiency is high in dark skinned people as compared to white skinned.
Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency on Mind and mood
Unlike various other vitamins and minerals your body needs Vitamin D at an optimum level for it to function. Low levels of the vitamin D may lead to low mood, confusing minds, hallucination, depression, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Symptoms
. Mood changes with feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and hopelessness
· Fatigue
· Memory loss
· Loss of interest in activities
· Suicidal thoughts
· Anxiety
· Loss of appetite
. Digestive issues
· Disturbed sleeping
If you experience the above feelings, get your vitamin D levels checked. For depression diagnosis, you may have to undergo a self-assessment test as a blood test can't diagnose depression.
Correlation between Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression
Depression is a medical illness that alters an individual's thoughts, feelings, or behaviours.
According to research there is a link between vitamin D supplementation and depression. However there are limited studies to prove that vitamin D deficiency causes depression. However, lack of the vitamin may show the symptoms of a depressive individual or a person with depression may have deficiency of vitamin D.
If a deficiency of the vitamin was the cause of the depression, then supplementation would help minimise the signs and symptoms. An increase in vitamin D levels would also help to avoid depression. Many groups at high risk of depression are also at high risk of vitamin D insufficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency is most common in adolescents, obese persons, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. They are also more likely to suffer from depression.Treating Vitamin D Deficiency.
The best ways to treat vitamin D deficiency are listed here;
Increase your exposure to the sun
Increase your intake of food with vitamin D
Take supplements
Your doctor may also give you antidepressants to treat depression along with dietary supplements. Regular exercise, meditation and proper sleeping habits is helpful for overall well-being.
Vitamin D is as important for mental health as it is for physical health. There is adequate evidence to suggest that a lack of the vitamin can result in depression-like symptoms. People who suffer from depression are more likely to be vitamin D deficient. Prevent this from happening by adding food rich in vitamin D, probiotic supplements and getting adequate sun exposure.
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