I had no idea there were so many benefits of Vitamin D!  I recently found out that I am Vitamin D deficient.  After getting that diagnosis, I have been spending a lot of time researching the topic.  Following my accident and during my recovery, I was dealing with fatigue, depression & anxiety, and a lack of mental clarity.  I continued to hear it was all part of my traumatic brain injury and to be patient.  It very well could have been but I’m not one to stand around and wait for things to change so I started looking for help.

That help came in the form of an Integrative Practitioner and her first concern was to check my Vitamin D.  When the test results came back my Vitamin D level was 15.9 ng/ml.  The normal level is 30-80 ng/ml.  She started me on a Viatmin D supplement and within a week I felt like a completely different person!  It happened so quickly I almost wondered if I was crazy.  I was feeling lighter and happier!  The depression and axiety I had been fighting were almost gone.  It felt the first time I had mental clarity since my accident.

I went back for a recheck last week and my levels are still lower than my doctor wants.  So, I am going to be taking the high strength supplement longer than we expected.  Also, we are getting into the winter months here in Minnesota which mean less sun and less natural Vitamin D.

I wanted to share a few of my finding on the benefits of Vitamin D with you.  Here is what I found:

What is Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for many aspects of your body.  It promotes overall good health and healthy bones.  Vitamin D support your heart, brain, and muscles as well as helps your body fight infection off.

The body cannot create Vitamin D by itself.  However, it can synthesize Vitamin D from the the sun rays that come in contact with your skin.  That’s why it is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin.  Your body can also get Vitamin D from some foods and supplements.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

• Muscle aches and pains
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Get sick or infections more often
• Depressed mood
• Hair loss
• General sense of not feeling well
• Symptoms can differ in everyone so this is not an exhaustive list

Benefits of Vitamin D

• Helps fight diseases such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
• Regulates blood pressure and helps reduce stress & tension
• Relieves body aches and pains
• Helps the body absorb calcium which in turn allow the body to create strong bones
• Reduces and helps fight depression
• Improves mental clarity
• Can help boost weight loss
• Helps immune system fight off illnesses such as colds and the flu

Foods that Contain Vitamin D

• Fish
  • Salmon
  • Herring/Sardines
  • Tuna
  • Code Liver Oil (if you don’t like to eat fish)
• Oysters
• Shrimp
• Eggs
• Fortified Foods
  • Milk – Cows and Soy
  • Orange Juice
  • Oatmeal
  • Ceral
• Mushrooms

Who know Vitamin D had so many impacts on the body!!!  I had no clue!  Now, you have a little more information about the benefits of Vitamin D!  Vitamin D is so important so make sure you are getting a little time in the sun, eating foods high in Vitamin D, or taking a supplement!

Finally, I’m not a doctor and I don’t pretend to be one so if you have concerns talk to a licensed professional.

Did you know all the benefits of Vitamin D?  Have you have ever had your levels tested?