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                      Home/About Us/Newsroom/Vitamin D, the Secret to Strong Bones and More

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                      Vitamin D, the Secret to Strong Bones and More

                      5/6/2021

                      Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, an essential nutrient for your bones. Having too little vitamin D can result in soft, thin or even brittle bones. Vitamin D is important for more than its contributions to good bone health, though.

                      Your body needs vitamin D to:

                      • fight off infections
                      • maintain healthy blood sugar levels
                      • manage healthy blood pressure
                      • promote lung function and cardiovascular health
                      • support the brain and nervous system
                      • support healthy pregnancies

                      Reduced sun exposure and vitamin D-deficient diets can cause you to not get enough of this essential vitamin — putting you at risk for a deficiency. Because vitamin D contributes much to your health, a deficiency can be serious. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms, which include:

                      • achy bones and muscles
                      • depression or mood swings
                      • dizziness
                      • excessive head sweating
                      • fatigue
                      • obesity or being overweight
                      • problems sleeping
                      • reduced immunity

                      If you suspect you’re vitamin D deficient, your doctor can order a blood test to measure your vitamin level. If your deficiency is significant, your doctor may prescribe a high-dose of the vitamin as a short-term regimen.

                      Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a host of health conditions, so it’s important to talk to your doctor.

                      Your recommended daily vitamin D level varies based on your age. The National Institutes of Health recommends the following:

                      • 1–11 months – 400 international units (IU) (a measurement system used for vitamins)
                      • 1–70 years – 600 IU
                      • 71 years and older – 800 IU

                      You can boost your vitamin D levels by eating vitamin D-fortified foods and taking a vitamin D supplement. Time in the sun can also boost vitamin D levels. Depending on your skin type this could be as little as 10 minutes, however, overexposure to the sun can be harmful to the skin.

                      Foods that contain vitamin D include:

                      cheese
                      egg yolks
                      fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon and mackerel
                      fortified foods such as cereals, milk and orange juice
                      mushrooms

                      Talk with your doctor before taking a vitamin D supplement. To find a doctor near you visit NWMedicalGroup.com.

                      This wellness information is provided by your friends at Northwest Health.

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                      Northwest Health - Porter

                      • 85 East US Hwy 6
                      • Valparaiso, IN 46383
                      • P: 219-983-8300

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