The famous "sunlight vitamin" is more crucial for our bodies than we think it is.
I've been taking vitamin D supplements for years, after receiving blood work indicating my low vitamin levels.
Every single one of these 10 signs of a vitamin D deficiency applied to me, and now I want you to know these often overlooked symptoms before it's too late.
1. You're tired all the time
You could be exhausted for a million reasons, but if you haven't gotten to the bottom of it yet, your answer may lie here.
When your body is lacking an essential nutrient, you'll start feeling sluggish. Keep track of your diet to see if you're eating enough foods high in vitamin D.
2. You get sick often
A lot of people just don't know how important vitamins and minerals are for our bodies. We tend to dismiss taking a daily multivitamin because of how much talk there is about its ineffectiveness.
If you're not getting enough vitamins from the foods you eat, then you should definitely consider a vitamin supplement.
Vitamin D strengthens the immune system, preventing us from getting sick often and decreases our risk of getting infections.
3. You sweat too much
If you're the only one sweating in a room where temperatures are fairly normal, your body's trying to tell you something.
Those beads on your forehead or your moist hands means that your body is releasing toxins underneath your skin, and that your overall body temperature is rising, which is one of the first signs of a vitamin D deficiency.
These next signs are key indicators...
4. You wear too much sunscreen
While sunscreen is important to protect you from dangerous UV rays, it may also be blocking you from getting vitamin D.
The sun is a great source to replenish your body of the essential vitamin, especially if you're not eating high vitamin D foods.
Don't stay out in the sun for too long, but be sure to get at least a few minutes of those vitamin-rich rays absorbed into your skin.
5. Back pain
Vitamin D plays an important role in keeping your bones and muscles healthy because it helps absorb calcium.
Researchers have done several studies and have found a link between chronic lower back pain and this vitamin deficiency.
If it's not your back that's killing you, but another part of your body, ask your doctor if a vitamin deficiency is the reason for your aches. If you're above the age of 50, you'll definitely want to look into this, since people who are older have a more difficult time absorbing vitamin D.
6. Depression
Depression isn't just feeling sad. The hormones in your brain are off-balance, causing you to feel lethargic and miserable.
Your feel-good hormones like serotonin work to elevate your mood, and the best way to get this hormone flowing through your body is by exposing yourself to bright light.
If you're unable to get your vitamin D from the sun, take supplements to help boost those happy hormones.
These next ones will surprise you...
7. Hair Loss
I've spent years trying to fill up my bald spots by using different kinds of hair serums, but to no avail. When I told my hairdresser about my troubles, she told me that I'm probably lacking important nutrients in my body that promote hair growth.
When I consulted my doctor and got a blood test, I learned that I have an iron and vitamin D deficiency. My dermatologist told me that most people who suffer from hair loss are lacking both of those essential vitamins that are much-needed for healthy hair.
8. Malabsorption
This sign is very important. If you're not absorbing this vitamin properly, you need to see your doctor immediately.
It's likely that you're experiencing all these other signs of vitamin D deficiency if you're not able to absorb certain foods properly, causing you a lot more problems than just a vitamin deficiency.
9. Feeling weak
If you can barely lift a bag of groceries, it's a sign that your body is having trouble absorbing calcium, which keeps your bones healthy.
If you don't take this symptom seriously, you may be at risk of osteoporosis in the future. Ask your doctor for a blood test to check your vitamin D levels.
10. You stay indoors often
I cannot stress how important it is to get that healthy dose of sunlight on your skin. Bright light does more than just brighten your mood, (which is pretty great if you ask me).
The sun is considered our body's main source of vitamin D, so it's important we get a healthy dose of sunshine a few times a week.
If leaving your house isn't much of an option, open your windows and let those rays shine in.
