5 Benefits of Getting More Vitamin D

Wednesday, February 7, 2018 12:03 AM

Vitamin D  is a unique nutrient in that it is mostly made within your body — although it is found in some foods. Your skin produces vitamin D when exposed to the UVB rays in sunlight. Since most people don't spend a lot of time in the sun during the winter months and wear sunscreen in the summer months, low-grade vitamin D deficiencies are quite common.

A good way to get more vitamin D, without exposing yourself to the harmful components of sunshine, is to spend some time in a vitamin D bed. A vitamin D bed exposes your skin to the helpful rays and not to the harmful rays generated by conventional tanning beds. When you boost your vitamin D levels, you're likely to notice the following benefits. 

1. Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and want to avoid taking prescription medications, then your doctor may recommend natural treatment methods like consuming less salt and getting more exercise. 

Studies suggest that getting more vitamin D can help lower blood pressure as well. As a result, your risk of heart disease and other heart-related ailments will decrease. 

2. Improved Mood

Have you noticed that your depression or feelings of lethargy seem to get worse in the winter? You may not be getting enough vitamin D. This vitamin affects your brain chemistry. By getting more vitamin D, you may boost your levels of serotonin and other feel-good hormones, which can help stabilize your mood and fight off symptoms of depression. 

3. Reduced Inflammation

Vitamin D has a profound anti-inflammatory effect. Inflammation is a component of so many different diseases — from heart attacks to arthritis to cancer. By boosting your vitamin D levels, you can fight inflammation throughout your body. Your joints may feel looser, and you'll be less prone to conditions like prostate cancer, asthma, and diabetes as you age. 
If you are currently being treated for arthritis, asthma, or another inflammatory condition, then boosting your vitamin D levels may help reduce your reliance on anti-inflammatory medications. However, always check with your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen. 

4. Better Immunity

Nobody likes coming down with the common cold or the flu, but these illnesses are common in the winter months. Getting more vitamin D may boost your immune system and help your body fight off the common cold virus and other respiratory viruses before you get sick.  Studies  suggest that vitamin D may also help guard against more serious respiratory illnesses, like pneumonia and bronchitis.

Improving your immunity protects you and others in your home. By protecting yourself from these illnesses, you also reduce the chances of exposing your family members to these viruses. 

5. Stronger Teeth

When you think of strong teeth, calcium is probably the first nutrient that comes to mind. While calcium is essential for tooth health, calcium cannot do its job of strengthening tooth enamel without vitamin D. Vitamin D essentially tells your intestinal cells to absorb calcium so that it can be used to build up your teeth and bones.

By boosting your vitamin D intake, you help keep your enamel strong and less prone to cavities. As you age, you're more likely to keep your teeth rather than needing to have them replaced with dentures.

Chances are, like many people, you are not getting enough vitamin D through diet and sun exposure alone. Boost your vitamin D levels with a session in the  Vitamin D Bed  at  Pinnacle Wellness Spa. You'll emerge feeling better than ever.