Vitamin D commonly known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is a nutrient that is synthesized in the body through the sun. It is quite famous for its contribution in enhancing the skeletal system by aiding in calcium absorption but it has many more uses. Over the years research has shown that vitamin D has even more benefits to the body than previously thought, research has shown that it plays a critical role in lowering the risks of chronic diseases which include heart diseases, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Learning about vitamin D and its functions in our body is one of the most important keys to changing the way we look at our health.
Most people find it difficult to consume adequate vitamin D, particularly if we live in areas with little sunlight or if we lead a very busy lifestyle. But, the lack of vitamin D was found to raise the risk of developing a wide range of health issues. Ensuring that we get enough of it can go a long way in reducing all sorts of chronic diseases, and this means having a better quality of life and living longer.
As a hormone with a wide range of effects on health and immune system, and anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin D is now acknowledged as a crucial player in any overall strategy for health. In this post, we will learn how vitamin D minimizes the threats of chronic diseases and why it is high time to consider this nutrient to be a priority in our daily diet. If you are looking to enhance your immune system, or get better heart health or even chronic diseases, it is important to know the role of vitamin D to make the right health choices.
Why is Vitamin D important:
It is critical for our health and it is not only useful for our bones as most of us believe. Even though it is commonly recognized for its ability to help the body to assimilate calcium and support bone health, vitamin D is an essential component of the immune system. It helps in the regulation of the immune cells activity; therefore, it can help to control infections and inflammation in the body. Second, vitamin D deficiency is linked to the emergence of chronic processes, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes mellitus type 2, autoimmune diseases.
Vitamin D is also involved in immune function and mental health including mood and cognition and overall brain health. Some of the other effects include depression, anxiety or SAD, and records prove that vitamin D deficiency has a causal effect on these conditions. This is thought to be due to the fact that vitamin B6 plays a role in the manufacture of serotonin, the stabilising hormone. Adequate vitamin D is necessary for good bone health, proper immune function and for overall healthy mind.
Vitamin D and Heart Disease
This vitamin D deficiency is also linked with other heart related diseases such as heart diseases, stroke and hypertension. Vitamin D plays a role in calcium, it helps in the absorption and transport of calcium to bones where it is needed most. Vitamin D deficiency leads to calcium build up in blood vessels and formages that narrow the blood vessels causing heart disease.
Besides the choice of the level of calcium, vitamin D has an anti-inflammatory effect that can improve the condition of the heart. Due to the power of inflammation to harm blood vessels and incite plaque formation, inflammation is well known to be a chronic contributor to heart disease. Therefore, applying Vitamin D you may avoid inflammation and, consequently, cardiovascular diseases. Sun-extracted vitamins, foods or supplements like Vitamin D are also essential in a healthy diet and are also good for the heart.
Reducing Diabetes Risk with Vitamin D
It has been established that vitamin D is vital in the body’s capacity to control the hormone insulin and therefore sugar. A study has established that people with low levels of vitamin D are prone to developing type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D will also improve the body’s insulin sensitivity meaning the cells will be more sensitive to insulin and therefore will be able to control the blood sugar better. The level of insulin sensitivity has the direct relation to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In addition, vitamin D helps the pancreas to secrete insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar. Adequate vitamin D status is usually accompanied by better postprandial glycemic control and improved blood sugar regulation. In diabetic-prone people, or people who already have the condition, it is important to take enough vitamin D to balance blood glucose levels and avoid problems related to diabetes.
Vitamin D and Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are diseases that are caused by the immune system attacking the body’s own cells and tissues. Many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis have been linked with low vitamin d levels Vitamin D is known to help control the immune response to avoid an overreaction that would lead to the immune system attacking the body’s own cells. Drinking enough vitamin D can also help prevent autoimmune diseases or make them less severe.
Beside of, the role of vitamin D is also to prevent occurrence of autoimmune diseases and may also assist in the control of relapses in people who already have the diseases. Some scientific research has demonstrated that vitamin D can have an impact on inflammation and therefore the signs of rheumatoid arthritis and MS. In autoimmune diseases, people can benefit from taking enough vitamin D in their meals or supplements to help them control their illness and enhance their well-being.
How to Get Enough Vitamin D
It is quite easy to get enough vitamin D because the best natural source is through exposure to the sun. Simply walking naked in the sun for about 10-30 minutes several times a week provides the body with enough vitamin D. Nevertheless, the amount of sunlight that can be received can be influenced by one’s geographical location, complexion and season. If there is little sun exposure or during winter it may be necessary to take vitamin D from other sources.
The Vitamin D rich foods are fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, dairy products that are fortified with vitamin D, eggs and some types of mushrooms. If you cannot get adequate vitamin D from sunlight or foods, it is quite easy to take a supplement. There are vitamin D capsules, liquid drops, and chewable tablets and it can be helpful to get the daily amount needed in food and drink especially if their intake is limited in other ways.
Conclusion
Introducing adequate amounts of vitamin D into your lifestyle is an effective and easy way to improve your quality of life and decrease your chances of getting chronic diseases. Mentioned above are just but some of the benefits of vitamin D in human body including bone strength, heart health, preventing diabetes, and boosting up immune system. It plays an important role in sustaining long-term health, and getting enough of it isn’t as difficult as you might think—through sun, food, and vitamins.
While science is discovering new functions of the vitamin D each day, it is important not to ignore this nutrient. Ensuring that you intake adequate vitamin D is beneficial in preventing many chronic diseases and overall wellbeing. From maintaining strong bones to warding off heart disease and much more, Vitamin D is a potent tool for better living and longer life.
