Vitamin D Deficiency: Lack the Energy to Exercise?
The hectic work pace and limited physical activity associated with urban living increasingly have negative effects on our health. Therefore, it is crucial to make regular exercise an essential part of our lives. With regular exercise, our metabolism works more efficiently, and a body with a strong muscle structure is protected by a robust immune system. Additionally, regular exercise helps relieve stress. While most of us are aware of the benefits that exercise can bring to our lives, many of us struggle to find the energy to exercise. This might actually be due to a lack of sufficient Vitamin D.
What is Vitamin D?
If we think of our body as a machine composed of billions of cells working in perfect harmony, we can better understand that, like other machines, it needs maintenance from time to time. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle to keep our body strong is very important for our quality of life.
Among the many minerals and vitamins essential for a healthy life, Vitamin D is one of the most important. This vitamin plays a crucial role in protecting bones and is vital for balancing cholesterol levels in the blood. It is worth noting here that although it is commonly referred to as a vitamin, it is actually a hormone. Our bodies need this vitamin significantly for a strong immune system and an energetic life.
What is Vitamin D Deficiency and What Are Its Symptoms?
When we do not get enough Vitamin D, our bodies cannot absorb calcium properly, negatively impacting the bone system that relies on calcium. This situation, which also affects the immune system, weakens the nervous system and muscle structure.
Thus, even if we exercise regularly, if we are deficient in Vitamin D, our muscle system cannot get the fuel it needs to strengthen. The deficiency often manifests as fatigue and body pain. In cases of severe deficiency, symptoms like headaches and depression can occur, and the risk of infections increases due to a weakened immune system. Long-term Vitamin D deficiency can lead to more serious issues like weakening bone structure.
How to Protect Against Vitamin D Deficiency?
It is important to correct the common misconception that we obtain 90% of the Vitamin D we need from sunlight. The latitude and longitude of where you live determine how much Vitamin D you get from the sun. In short, standing in the sun with our palms up for half an hour does not suffice to store this vitamin in our bodies. For more detailed and professional information on this, you may refer to sources like “The Vitamin D Solution” by Soram Khalsa, published by Pegasus.
We have listed foods that provide the necessary support below, but unfortunately, it is not possible to get the required amount solely from food. Therefore, we need to take Vitamin D supplements in addition to consuming these foods. It is essential to buy these supplements from pharmacies and to measure our blood Vitamin D levels through blood tests beforehand. There are many pharmaceutical companies providing this vitamin, and you can gather information from your doctor and user reviews. Here are foods that contain Vitamin D:
- Eggs
- Cereals
- Milk and dairy products
- Parsley
- Fish oil
- Fruits like apples and oranges, and their juices
- Fatty fish varieties
The Strong Connection Between Exercise and Vitamin D
A sedentary lifestyle invites many critical illnesses. To combat a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to major health issues like obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, and depression, it is necessary to exercise regularly and have enough Vitamin D stored in the body to find the energy for these exercises.
Due to its deficiency, the energy required for exercises aimed at fat burning or muscle strengthening becomes insufficient, negatively impacting our sports performance. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency, such as headaches, fatigue, and depression, can also cause us to stay away from exercise. Therefore, we should carefully review our diet and supplements for both our sports life and general health.
