Introduction
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in many bodily functions, including bone health, immune system function, and even mental health. Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough of this important vitamin. A new study has identified the #1 problem with not getting enough Vitamin D, and it’s something that can easily be addressed with a few simple dietary changes. In this article, we’ll discuss the findings of the study and provide some tips on how to make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D through your diet. So, if you’re concerned about your Vitamin D levels, read on to learn more about the #1 problem with not getting enough Vitamin D and how to Eat This Not That to make sure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient.
The #1 Problem With Not Getting Enough Vitamin D, New Study Says — Eat This Not That
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has revealed that not getting enough vitamin D can lead to a number of health problems. The study found that people who had low levels of vitamin D were more likely to suffer from a range of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
The study also found that people who had low levels of vitamin D were more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. This is because vitamin D helps to regulate the body’s hormones, which can affect mood and mental health.
So, what can you do to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D? The best way to get vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight. However, if you’re not able to get enough sun, you can also get vitamin D from certain foods. Foods that are high in vitamin D include fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, as well as fortified milk and orange juice.
If you’re not able to get enough vitamin D from your diet, you can also take a supplement. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they can interact with other medications you may be taking.
Getting enough vitamin D is essential for good health, so make sure you’re getting enough of it. Eat foods that are high in vitamin D, get some sun, and talk to your doctor about taking a supplement if necessary.
You may already try to add a little extra vitamin D to your diet, especially on winter days when you’re not able to get outside and soak up the sun’s rays. But there’s a very serious reason to make sure you’re not deficient in this crucial vitamin.
Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, researchers from the University of South Australia concluded in a new study published in the European Heart Journal. (RELATED: The 100 Unhealthiest Foods On the Planet)
“Severe deficiency is relatively rare, but in settings where this does occur, it is very important to be proactive and avoid negative effects on the heart,” chief investigator, UniSA’s Prof Elina Hyppönen, said in a news release.
Is this something you need to be concerned about? Due to the fact “that many of us spend less time outdoors and wear sunscreen, we are producing less vitamin D” on our own, Beryl Krinsky, MBA, MS, RDN, the founder and CEO of B.Komplete, told Eat This, Not That!.
RELATED: Surprising Side Effects of Taking Vitamin D Supplements, Says Science
In addition to cardiovascular issues, Amy Archer, RDN, CLT, CHWC, the author of An Integrative & Functional Nutrition Approach to ADHD Management, added that “having a suboptimal vitamin D level may increase the risk of many chronic diseases,” including bone disorders, cancer, and autoimmune and mental health conditions.
Archer explained that “many cells have vitamin D receptors, and vitamin D regulates the expression of over 800 genes.” The registered dietitian nutritionist further noted that vitamin D is “needed to make serotonin, the ‘feel-good hormone’ and neurotransmitter which helps regulate mood and sleep.”
In order to make sure that you’re getting enough vitamin D, Archer suggests eating foods like egg yolks, fatty fish, and liver. Krinsky also notes that “some dairy products, orange juice, soy products, and cereals” help prevent vitamin D deficiency. To read up on how to add more vitamin D to your diet, check out Popular Vitamin D Foods to Eat Every Day, Says Dietitian.
Everything else you need to know about vitamin D:
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