Vitamin D plays a big part within the body. It helps with a number of different factors, such as calcium absorption, proper sleep, digestion, bone density, treating Osteoporosis and preventing vertigo, especially for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) sufferers. Let’s take a look at what could happen if there was a lack of vitamin D within the body…
Why Vitamin D Is Essential For The Body
Low levels of vitamin D can induce sensations of vertigo. There are specific receptors for vitamin D which are located within the inner ear that regulate and balance calcium. If the body is deficient in vitamin D, then this can impact how the mechanics of the inner ear operate, leading to vertigo. This demonstrates how vitamin D helps to ensure that the inner ear is functioning and working properly.
Vitamin D3 in particular has been known to substantially reduce signs and the recurrence of vertigo for BPPV sufferers. Vitamin D2 (also known as ergocalciferol) should be avoided as it can be toxic to the body and cause high calcium levels within the blood. Also, vitamin D2 can sometimes interact and inhibit the effects of medications, which can potentially cause adverse effects such as vertigo and nausea.
There is also the factor that seasonal changes and the environment can be the reason why you could have low levels of vitamin D, as sunlight plays a key role in vitamin D production. For someone who spends most of their time indoors or even during the winter, this can make it much more challenging for the body to assimilate vitamin D, due to a lack of sunlight.
How Can I Ensure I’m Getting Enough Vitamin D
Here are some ways to make sure that you’re getting enough vitamin D:
Supplementation
You can supplement with vitamin D3 to increase vitamin D levels within the body. The dosage of 2000IU daily can be used as a starting point, and you can incrementally increase this dosage as you become more accustomed to supplementing with vitamin D3.
Sunlight
Spending at least 20 minutes in the sun will ensure that you’re meeting the minimal requirements necessary for vitamin D. Those who have darker skin may require more time in the sun, as it is harder for the sun’s rays to be absorbed for vitamin D production due to higher melanin levels.
Nutrition
Foods such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, beef liver, mushrooms, tofu, eggs and cod liver oil are ways you can incorporate more vitamin D into your diet.
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