Are you getting enough sunlight?

How is it related to vitamin D deficiency?

“You really shouldn’t be avoiding the sun completely.”

Many of us have probably heard this from our elders with regard to getting exposed to the sun. But how many of us actually bother about receiving a bit of sunlight in a day?

Well, I guess we do know about Vitamin D from sunlight?

When UVB rays fall on our skin, they interact with the 7-DHC protein there to produce vitamin D3. You can get Vitamin D from supplements and dietary sources, but most of this essential nutrient comes from exposure to sunlight.

As per health reports, getting exposed to sunlight can increase the brain’s release of serotonin, a hormone. Serotonin is connected with improving mood as well as aiding a person to feel calm and focused.

A decrease in sun exposure is said to lead to a fall in serotonin levels, which in turn can result in depression with seasonal patterns.

Why Vitamin D?

According to what was mentioned earlier, when the skin gets exposed to sunlight, the body produces a fat-soluble vitamin, which is the Vitamin D.

Vitamin D has great importance. Do you know why? It supports bone health by facilitating calcium absorption, modulates the immune system, promotes the health of muscles, helps cell growth, reduces inflammation, regulates blood pressure and supports cardiovascular health.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Even if you have vitamin D deficiency, you might not have any symptoms. However, the deficiency can result in some issues:

· You will face frequent infections or illnesses.

· An insufficient amount of vitamin D can cause bone and muscle weakness, which will ultimately lead to fatigue.

· If you are experiencing bone and joint pain, it may indicate Vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin has a role to play in increasing bone mass and preventing bone loss.

· If wounds are taking longer than usual to heal, you need to be alert. This might be a sign of low vitamin D levels.

· The deficiency can also develop at an early age in children.

Don’t Get Roasted in the Sun!

Though sunlight is a great source for getting Vitamin D, it is dangerous if you are exposed to too much sunlight. Sunburn is one common consequence which we all know or may have faced at some point in our lives. Staying for very long in the scorching sun can also increase the risk of cataracts.

Sunstroke is another effect to watch out for when exposed to so much heat. It is a condition in which the body’s core temperature rises due to alarming levels of sun exposure. In addition, inappropriate sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer.

So the question is when is the time for proper exposure to sunlight and for how long is it okay? This actually depends on the time of year, geographical location and other factors.

Next time you go out and feel the sun on your body, remember, a little sunlight is not bad!