Severe stomach pain and bloating on a daily basis gave homemaker Mahima (name changed) sleepless nights, for years together. After visiting umpteen hospitals, consulting several doctors and getting every possible treatment, the cause of the pain was not known until she got an Endoscopy and a blood test done recently.
The results shocked her. No, it was fortunately not life threatening, but there was something else that shocked her- the fact that she was suffering due to a simple deficiency which could be easily corrected. Mahima had Vitamin D3 deficiency. “After suffering for so long, I was surprised to know that the root of my problem was just a Vitamin deficiency and sadly many people take it lightly. But, I am relieved to know that this can be treated easily.”
Mahima’s is not an isolated case. Many suffer in silence due to lack of awareness and ignorance. Something which sounds as simple as a Vitamin deficiency can have disastrous consequences.
Vitamin D3 is said to play an important role in controlling the immune system (possibly reducing one’s risk of cancer and autoimmune diseases), increasing neuro-muscular function and decreasing falls, improving mood and protecting the brain against toxic chemicals.
Diabetes educator and health practitioner Pamela Egan in a health article -‘Vitamin D3: The Miracle of Sunshine’ states that the main risk factors for low vitamin D levels include older age, being female, living in higher latitudes, winter season, darker skin pigmentation, less sunlight exposure, dietary habits and the absence of vitamin D fortification in common foods.
Additional factors include increased urbanisation, where people typically live and work indoors, as well as cultural practices that encourage people to avoid the sun and wear clothing that covers the skin. She adds,”Vitamin D3 is relatively inexpensive and drug companies can’t make money off of this lifesaving supplement. There has been a worldwide public health campaign launched by Grassroots Health D urging the public to have their blood levels of Vitamin D tested and to solve the Vitamin D deficiency epidemic.”
One also needs to make changes in the diet other than taking supplements. It’s recommended that you eat food high in Vitamin D3 including Cod liver oil, fortified milk, fish, egg yolks, beef liver. Doctors suggest that while taking Vitamin D supplements ensure it’s Vitamin D3 and not D2. Take Vitamin D3 supplements with food.