Ever since the coronavirus lockdown, much of our day is spent indoors which leads to a long-prevalent health issue of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is important for bone health, teeth, muscles and a lack of vitamin D leads to bone deformities, rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Many people are susceptible to these health problems. However, older people, dark-skinned people, and menopausal women are the most susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. Good health is the most important asset during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, here are a few tips to ensure sufficient intake of vitamin D
Take a balanced approach to sun exposure. UV rays from the sun are the best source of vitamin D. However, too much sun exposure may lead to skin cancer.
Speak to your doctor, if you are at risk of low vitamin D. Little or no sun exposure, dark skin, health conditions pertaining to metabolism and certain medications may be the causes of inability to absorb vitamin D or lower vitamin D levels.
Eat enough calcium. Include a selection of calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy vegetables, fish, tofu, brazil nuts, and almonds in your diet as both vitamin D and calcium are responsible for building strong bones.
Eat foods rich in vitamin D. Fatty fishes such as mackerel, herring, salmon, dairy products fortified with vitamin D, mushrooms, egg yolk, orange juice, vitamin D supplements, etc. are good sources of vitamin D.
While it is important to intake sufficient vitamin D through your diet, it is also important to not intake vitamin D in excessive amounts. Excessive intake of vitamin D can cause vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, hypercalcemia, disorientation, and many other problems. Hence, ensure moderation.
