For the next few blogs, I will be completing a series based on some of the products we sell in our chiropractic clinic in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. Some of you might have already of seen these dotted around the room, and I’m aware some of you have already purchased them. We offer these products as we truly believe that they can be very beneficial for certain patients in conjunction with the treatment we provide.
The first of these blogs will be based on supplementing Vitamin D.
How vitamin D contributes towards your wellbeing and health
Vitamin D, why do we choose to sell it?
So, I’m sure you have all probably heard of Vitamin D, but what does it actually do?Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays several vital roles in the body. By primarily maintaining bone health through careful regulation of calcium and phosphate within the body, it helps support immune function, and regulates mood. We as lovely humans can absorb Vitamin D in different ways,principally through direct sunlight and through the foods we eat.
Important Foods:
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, Tuna)
- Egg yolks
- Cheese
- Milk
Unfortunately, as we are all too aware, the United Kingdom and in particular Manchester, is not the most consistently sunny place on this beautiful earth. Combining this with the lifestyle choices of the modern person, achieving sufficient Vitamin D levels through sunlight can be a difficult task.
Some group suffer Vitamin D deficiencies more than others
Low Vitamin D levels can affect everyone in this country but is a very big problem specifically for those of Asian descent.
There are many studies out there highlighting the issue Asian British families face with Vitamin D deficiencies. Having read through these papers, there is a debate as to the exact number of people suffering from this, whilst numbers vary, the issue is generally accepted as affecting 20-50% of the population. A line from one paper caught my eye and is potentially something we must consider. BMI (Body mass index) can affect Vitamin D levels. “BMI was also identified as an indicator of vitamin D deficiency. Individuals who were classified as being overweight were 32 per cent more likely to be deficient and those with obesity had a 51 per cent higher chance of being deficient than those who were normal or underweight”. The paper discusses how keeping up on your vitamin D levels can help combat the coronavirus, which is an interesting read, that will probably need further research to give definitive answers.
Growing up half Indian, I too have had to struggle with the effects of low vitamin D and is something I to have to supplement every day.
So Aaron, what are some of the issues that low Vitamin D can lead to?
Well dear reader I am glad you asked:
- Osteoporosis: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to decreased calcium absorption, weakening of the bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by fragile and brittle bones.
- Osteomalacia: In adults, severe Vitamin D deficiency can cause Osteomalacia, a condition characterized by softening of the bones, leading to bone pain, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of fractures.
- Muscle Weakness and Pain:Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to muscle weakness, aches, and pains, which can affect mobility and overall physical function.
There is also an increased Risk of Chronic Diseases:
- Cardiovascular Disease: Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Some studies suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Cancer: There is evidence to suggest that insufficient vitamin D levels may be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.
- Immune System Dysfunction: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system. Deficiency may increase the risk of infections, autoimmune diseases, and allergic reactions.
- Mood Disorders: Low Vitamin D levels have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Adequate Vitamin D levels may play a role in regulating mood and preventing these conditions.
An overview of Vitamin D benefits
So, these are just a few things that a low Vitamin D level can contribute to. It’s important to mention that having a low Vitamin D level will not directly cause these things or be the sole cause. If it was, then I would be a very scared man right now. There are a multitude of things that can lead to these conditions, genetics, and lifestyle factors being the main ones. But it’s important to keep on top of those Vitamin D levels regardless.
At Manchester Chiropractors we sell the spray versions of the supplements. This method has been found to absorb more readily into the bloodstream and is also a little more convenient for you to take.
So, that was just a brief overview of Vitamin D and why we choose to stock it on our shelves at this Manchester chiro clinic. Remember before taking any supplements it’s always best to check with your GP if it’s safe to do so and to see if you might need to start taking it. If you haven’t had your Vitamin D or bloods in general done, maybe try to get that booked in with your GP when you get a chance.
Our ethos at Manchester Chiropractors is to treat you from head to toe, not just through adjustments but by modifications and changes in lifestyle that can keep you fitter and healthier for longer. Next week look out for my latest addition to the series – all about knee pillows and how they can benefit you and change the way you sleep for the better. I look forward to seeing some new faces and my regular clients soon; have a great day!
