03A43894.jpg

If you have ever felt extremely fatigued, even after having a good night’s sleep, there is a chance that you have a dietary deficiency. One of the most prevalent dietary deficiency for Americans is a lack of Vitamin D. Vitamin D, which was once thought of to only help with teeth and bones, is now considered part of a healthy diet that helps maintain activity in the body.

How did this happen?

Many researchers postulate that as a society, people do not spend enough time outdoors. Just getting some sun for 30 minutes a day is a great source of Vitamin D3. Since most foods do not have a naturally occurring source of Vitamin D, your body may be lacking Vitamin D if you are spending all of your time indoors.

What are the risks?

Vitamin D’s main purpose is to regulate calcium absorption. It helps develop bone growth and helps prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps with cell growth, inflammation and other immune functions in the body. A deficiency can cause adults to get diseases like osteomalacia, which can weaken the body and lead to fatigue and also depression.

How can you alleviate the problem?

Dietary changes can help increase your vitamin D levels. Foods that contain Vitamin D include salmon, mackerel and other fatty fish, egg yolks and cheese. Other foods, such as milk, are fortified with Vitamin D as well. If your diet is not rich with these foods, then you could be deficient. If you cannot get enough sunlight in your day, consider taking a daily supplement.

As always, it is always good to check with a doctor to make sure that your fatigue is from a vitamin deficiency and not something else.