Exposure to sunlight prompts the skin to produce vitamin D, which is often linked to a healthy immune system and strong bones. However, some of us only get minimal exposure to sunlight and may have been suffering from vitamin D deficiency. As its symptoms are generally subtle, we may not recognize that our body lacks the vitamin.
Here are some of the symptoms that we need more sunshine in our lives:
Weight Gain
Aside from being a good source of vitamin D, sunshine also supplies the body with nitric oxide, an important nutrient that keeps our metabolism running smoothly and prevents us from binge eating. In a 2017 study, researchers found that winter weight gain may be due to a lack of sunlight. Moreover, UV rays may slow weight gain and ward off diabetes, according to a study published in the journal Diabetes.
Bone And Low Back Pain
Vitamin D has many roles in the body and is essential for optimal health. Nutrients like calcium and collagen work together to build bones but without a proper dose of vitamin D (which improves our body’s absorption of calcium), the process is interrupted thereby possibly making our bones ache and throb.
In one study, researchers found that women with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have back pain, including severe back pain that limited their daily activities.
Getting Sick or Infected Often
Vitamin D keeps our immune system strong so that we’ll able to fight off viruses and bacteria that cause illness. However, if we are not getting enough of it, we may often become sick, especially with colds or the flu. A study revealed that vitamin D directly interacts with the cells that are responsible for fighting infection.
Feeling Moody Or Depressed
Lack of sunshine can bring gloomy moods.
Wesley Delbridge, RN, spokesperson for the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics says:
“Basically, it comes down to levels of the hormone serotonin in your brain. With exposure to bright light, like sunlight, serotonin will increase.”
In a study, results show that giving vitamin D to people who are deficient helps improve depression, including seasonal depression that occurs during the colder months.
Tiredness
Experts found that Vitamin D boosts our energy levels and increases our muscle functions. That’s why it’s no surprise that being deficient from it will make us feel tired and wanting to snooze on the couch all day.
