We’re going to hop off the soapbox and not preach to you about vitamin D deficiency and how it happens.
You know it’s an issue. It’s a challenge because of modern life.
So let’s get away from the problem and instead focus on the solution.
You know that involves getting more sunlight or including more vitamin D in your diet.
But, did you know that vitamin D also helps reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome?
Vitamin D’s Relationship to Fibromyalgia
More research has connected low vitamin D levels to increased symptoms of fibromyalgia. Research has also found that when you increase your vitamin D levels, symptoms of fibromyalgia decrease.
Fibromyalgia can include feeling noises are too loud, lights are too bright, and experiencing pain and inflammation throughout your body.
This also may help explain why prescription drugs and narcotics don’t always have the greatest effect in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms.
Vitamin D’s Relationship with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Low vitamin D levels have long been connected with general fatigue. If you have CFS, it’s hypothesized that vitamin D increases your susceptibility to infection and raises your risk of a severe infection.
Inflammation’s also an important component of CFS, and it’s likely that vitamin D has something to do with increased inflammation in CFS.
So, How Do You Add Vitamin D to Your Diet?
Well, fortunately, it’s fairly easy. You can add more vitamin D to your diet by drinking certain types of milk and orange juice (usually clearly marked that they include more vitamin D). You can also eat more eggs, Swiss cheese, and some kinds of fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, for example).
When it’s warm and sunny out, get 20-30 minutes of sun 3 times per week to get the vitamin D you need (assuming you have fair skin).
The general consensus is you should get 1,000 – 2,000 international units per day.
Can You Eat Too Much Vitamin D?
Yes. You can.
Fortunately, it’s not life-threatening. And your body will certainly tell you.
You could experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Greatly reduced appetite
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Weight loss
So yes, vitamin D is an essential nutrient. But by taking the right steps, you can make yourself healthier and happier.