Written By: Kriti Saraswat | Updated : October 19, 2015 4:20 PM IST
These days, there is a rise in vitamin D deficiency despite India being a country which has ample sunlight for most part of the year. Due to lifestyle changes, lesser and lesser people are getting their daily dose of sunlight which is responsible for the production of vitamin D in the body. This deficiency can lead to a host of problems in the body especially for women. Here's why.
Weak bones: It can lead to weaker bones as the body becomes deficient in calcium as well. This makes the bones soft and achy. When one has vitamin D deficiency, the calcium from our food isn't absorbed properly which in turn makes the bones weak.
Affects fertility: Vitamin D is responsible for stimulating the production of the female hormone progesterone. Its deficiency can therefore be one of the causes of infertility.
Premature ageing: Loss of vitamin D can accelerate the ageing process, making you look older than you are and also degrade your bone mass in the process. This means, not only will you look older, your body will also lose its strength at a young age.
Anemia: Certain studies have linked the connection between anemia and vitamin D deficiency. When the body is anemic, not only red blood cells are produced in the body to carry oxygen to various parts. This can lead to other health hazards.
Depression: By walking in the sunlight, you can not only pep up your mood but also prevent the risk of depression. Studies have shown women's mental health improving with a dose of vitamin D for 8-12 weeks.
Best time to get vitamin D
It is best to walk in the sun early morning between 8 am to 10 am. Post that it can be too harsh. If you are still deficient, you can also opt for vitamin D supplements. Here are food sources of vitamin D.
Image source: Getty
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