Although there’s common belief that joint pain is part of the natural aging process, mounting evidence suggests that it can actually stem from a common vitamin deficiency. If you are affected with this type of ailment, it’s important to know the underlying cause as this is the only way you can successfully overcome the condition.
On one hand, it’s true that joint pain is normally triggered by high acidity levels, unhealthy diet, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle etc. But, a recent study has found that joint pain can also result from vitamin D deficiency. Even more importantly, the study suggests that if vitamin D deficiency is not detected and treated promptly, it may seriously affect your bone health leading to arthritis.
Knowing the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in relation to joint pain is important for early detection and treatment:
- Improper balance
- Poor sleep
- Burning and itching sensation in the feet
- Pain present in the feet and legs
A simple home test can further help you determine whether your body is really lacking this vitamin. Press the chest bone focusing on the amount of pressure that triggers pain. If you feel pain right after pressing your chest bone, you must immediately consult a doctor to determine your recommended daily intake of vitamin D.
Another thing to have in mind if lacking this essential vitamin is the importance of sun exposure, especially during winter months when sunlight is a rarity. Spending a minimum of 10-15 minutes in the sun on a regular daily basis can significantly increase the synthesis of vitamin D in your body.
Vitamin D can also be found in food, especially egg yolks, tuna, mushrooms, and mackerel, so pay particular attention when deciding upon your daily menu.
Last, but not least, supplementing with vitamin D is also an option, especially if you want to avoid changes in your diet. But, it’s important to know that the best supplement is the one including vitamin D3, not D2 as D3 is the one naturally produced in response to the body’s exposure to sunlight.
Supplements of this kind may contain up to 5.000 IU of vitamin D3, along with probiotics, which are beneficial for the digestive system.
