Widely known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is an essential vitamin that all humans need. This group of fat-soluble secosteroids is in charge of boosting the body’s absorption of phosphate, magnesium, and calcium. In addition, vitamin D performs several vital functions in the body needed for cellular processes. But what if you lack Vitamin D? This GP in Southbank, VIC, advises to get your vitamins through healthy diet and foods rich in essential oils for vitamin D deficiency.
Where To Get Vitamin D
Getting exposed to the sun is the best way to get Vitamin D. However, due to circumstances, some people don’t get enough sun exposure that they need for a robust immune system and body. If this is the case, you get your daily dose of vitamin D from different foods, supplements, and multivitamin products. Many people have low vitamin D, especially during the winter, as going outdoors could be pretty challenging. The thick layers of clothes do not help and block the sun from hitting your skin.
Significant types of Vitamin D
The two crucial types of vitamin D are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is also known as ergocalciferol, while vitamin D3 is known as cholecalciferol. How do they differ? Vitamin D3 can only be found in animal resources. On the other hand, Vitamin D2 comes from fortified foods and plant resources.
Sample sources of Vit. D2
- dietary supplements
- mushroom
- cereal products
- low-fat milk powders
Sample sources of Vit. D3
- fish rich in oils
- egg yolk
- liver
- butter
Benefits of Sunshine Vitamin
So why do we need vitamin D? This vitamin is essential for so many reasons. Generally, we need to meet our daily requirements of vitamin D to secure optimum health. Listed below are the reasons why we need vitamin D.
- to promote healthy teeth and bones
- provide support for a healthy immune system, nervous system, and brain
- manages symptoms of diabetes
- controls insulin levels in the body
- supports functions of lungs and cardiovascular health
Additionally, this vitamin could also pose many great benefits for the following:
Baby’s Health
Children with low vitamin D have often exhibited symptoms of high blood pressure. A study in 2008 showed that Vit. D Deficiency and stiff arterial walls in some children are connected.
Breastmilk is notably the best source of vitamins and nutrition for infants and babies. However, breastmilk does not contain enough vitamin D that your baby needs. This vitamin is essential in their growth and development as it absorbs calcium and phosphorus. These two minerals help in producing solid bones. Speaking of breastmilk, for women who wants to improve the size of their breasts, go to the DrBreastAugmentationSydney.com.au website for more info.
Pregnant Womans’ Health
Pregnant women who have vitamin D deficiency can be at risk of preterm labor and preeclampsia. Moreover, their health might also get compromised as low vitamin D can cause gestational diabetes. On the contrary, too much vitamin D can put the child at risk of food allergies for about two years.
Decreased Risk Of Flu
Research shows that vitamin D can effectively fight symptoms of the influenza virus. However, some experts claim that this study still needs further analysis.
Strong Bones
Since Vit. D boosts the absorption of calcium; it vitally improves bone strength. Thus, reducing the risk of bone diseases such as osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
Causes Of Vitamin D Deficiency
The human body can create vitamin D on its own. But vitamin D deficiency takes place due to the following reasons:
Type of skin
Dark skin can affect your body’s way of absorbing vitamin D from the sun. But, conversely, sunlight exposure helps our skin to produce the right amount of vitamin D we need.
Sun protection products
Wearing sunscreen reduces our body’s capability to integrate vitamin D. Moreover, wearing thick clothing can also block the production of the said vitamin.
Location
Believe it or not, your location can also cause you Vit. D deficiency. Those who live in the northern latitude are less exposed to the essential rays of the sun. In addition to this, night shift workers, people in polluted areas, and those who stay indoors are commonly low on vitamin D.
Essential Oils For Vitamin D Deficiency
Check out the list of essential oils for vitamin D deficiency below that could help you get the nutrient even without too much sun exposure:
Lavender essential oil
Lavender is well-known for its therapeutic effects in general. Moreover, it has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which helps the body produce more vitamin D. Lavender also protects your skin’s ability to turn sunlight into Vit. D.
Eucalyptus
Since we’re talking about essential oils, our list will not be complete without eucalyptus. Like lavender oils, eucalyptus has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties as well. In addition, it protects the skin from foreign irritants, thus, promoting active cell regeneration. It’s also a bonus that eucalyptus is a natural insect repellant—definitely, a must-have when going outdoors.
Geranium
The geranium essential oil has alkaline properties. Therefore, it can balance the natural oils and water in your skin. This process produces great protection against dry skin. Moreover, it helps the skin get sun rays for vitamin D production.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the essential oils with natural antiseptic properties. In other terms, it promotes healthy skin by fighting off bacteria that can cause irritation. Plus, it can effectively fight inflammation and infections caused by bacteria.
Lemon
Lemon is an essential oil rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants prevent your skin from getting damaged. Thus, allowing it to be healthy enough to absorb vitamin D from the sun.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil is excellent for people with skin pigmentation problems. It reduces skin inflammation keeping your skin in great condition for sunlight absorption.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate helps in soothing skin redness and irritation. It also promotes younger-looking skin as it reduces the appearance of age spots.
Myrrh
Myrrh is one of the most loved essential oils, specifically by those who care for their skin meticulously. It helps in reducing skin wrinkles that potentially block your ability to absorb sun rays.
References:
Best Essential Oil For Vitamin D Deficiency by (https://www.buywow.com/blogs/news/what-essential-oil-is-good-for-vitamin-d) Mar. 16, 2021
What are the health benefits of vitamin D? by Megan Ware (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618) Nov. 7, 2019
