Why vitamin D Is essential for your body all year round
No matter the time of the year, vitamin D deficiency is essential to maintain your body in tip-top condition. Especially during the monsoon, when the sun is clouded and sunlight is scarce, your vitamin D levels in your body can take a significant hit. The sunshine vitamin is not only crucial for enjoying healthy bones but also to boost immunity, augment energy, and level out mood. Because your body primarily produces Vitamin D from sunshine, the rainy season can cause deficiencies that cannot be overlooked. Let’s see why Vitamin D is important all year and how monsoon weather can affect your health.
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Role of vitamin D in immunity and energy
Vitamin D boosts the body’s immune system and promotes the generation of energy. Without Vitamin D, your body can have trouble fighting off infection and retaining vitality.
Why monsoon climate can worsen Vitamin D deficiency
Due to cloud cover and short daylight hours, your skin receives fewer UVB rays, which directly affect Vitamin D synthesis. As a result, most people experience a significant drop in Vitamin D levels during the monsoon.
How sunlight affects vitamin D production
Direct sun exposure results in Vitamin D production in the skin. However, during monsoon, the thick cloud cover prevents the UVB rays that are necessary for this process, and thus it becomes harder to maintain at optimum levels.
9 Signs of Deficiency of Vitamin D during Monsoon
Prolonged fatigue and lack of energy
Vitamin D enables energy metabolism by helping to convert food into energy. On dark monsoon days, its deficiency will result in constant fatigue.
Frequent illness or weak immunity
Your immune system needs enough Vitamin D to function properly. As it declines, your body becomes more prone to colds, flu, and other infections that are common during rainy seasons.
Muscle pain and joint discomfort
Poor Vitamin D causes muscle functioning to be impaired, leading to stiffness and pain. Restricted physical activity during monsoon only increases the pain.
Mood changes or seasonal depression
Vitamin D influences serotonin, the “happiness hormone.” Lack of sun exposure during monsoon causes mood swings and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Poor quality of sleep
Vitamin D controls the hormone melatonin that governs your sleep-wake cycle. Thus, deficiency can lead to insomnia or irregular sleeping habits.
Thinning of hair or baldness
Research links Vitamin D deficiency with alopecia and hair root weakness. Sun deficiency diminishes nutrient intake, leading to easy fall of hair.
Bone pain or increased risk of fractures
Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones. Deficiency in elderly or women increases the risk of fracture during wet monsoon months.
Delayed wound healing
Without Vitamin D, healing of tissues is delayed. Monsoon’s damp climate might also prolong skin issues, hindering healing.
Brain fog and lack of concentration
Vitamin D maintains cognitive function. Although, Monsoon days and moody minds are a combination that points to a deficiency.
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency During Monsoon
Causes of vitamin D deficiency during monsoon
Primarily, indoor life and lesser sunlight exposure prevent your body from generating adequate Vitamin D. Secondarily, a lack of Vitamin D-fortified food in your diet is also the culprits.
How to boost Vitamin D naturally in rainy season
Eat Vitamin D-rich food
Include fatty fish, mushrooms, egg yolks, and fortified dairy foods in your diet to naturally retain Vitamin D.
Get sunlight exposure smartly
Step outside during the peak times of UVB (10 am to 2 pm) on brighter days. A little time matters.
Take vitamin D supplements (with doctor’s consultation)
If above natural tips are insufficient, please meet with your doctor. Likewise, they may suggest appropriate supplements based on your need.
Last thoughts: don’t ignore these vitamin D deficiency symptoms
Recognizing early signs of Vitamin D deficiency will save you from years of ill health. So come monsoon exhaustion, listen to your body, dine sensibly, Therefore, step outside when you can, and don’t shy away from seeking professional help.
Also Read: Immunity Boost Food: 8 Foods to Add for Better Health
