You can’t quite put your finger on it, but something doesn’t seem right. You’re not in a great deal of pain. Still you feel achy and tired, maybe a little depressed. It’s puzzling because your lifestyle includes eating right and getting plenty of exercise. So, what’s wrong?
The answer could lie with the sun or the lack of it. After decades of being warned to wear sun screen regularly, many Americans are now suffering from a Vitamin D deficiency. The sun’s UV rays are crucial to the production of Vitamin D in the body. Little or no regular exposure to the sun could make it impossible for your body to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D.
Since Vitamin D is crucial to healthy bones and muscles, low levels of it can be responsible for that “achy feeling.” Unspecified musculoskeletal pain can keep anyone from getting a good night’s sleep. If you’re not sleeping well, you’re likely to feel tired, possibly even depressed. Some research studies indicate the lack of Vitamin D increases the risk of some types of cancer. While the jury is still out on the cancer connection, it is clear low levels of the Vitamin are not good for the body.
A blood test will determine your Vitamin D level. If it’s too low, supplements may be prescribed along with a suggestion that you get outside a little more. Over time, as your level rises, you’ll likely regain some energy. You’ll probably get more sleep and notice that your body doesn’t ache as much. Who knows, you might even feel like soaking up some rays. Just don’t overdo it!