Vitamin D Deficiency and Recognizing the Symptoms

For the past year I have done that. I have had more excuses for how I have felt than my grandmother has had birthdays. It reached the point where my adult children were scolding me. They were quick to point out that if they were feeling the way I was then I would be ushering them to the nearest medical facility immediately.

I made an appointment and my doctor advised me I was healthier than a horse, commented on my weight gain and offered me an antidepressant. He seemed to think it would make me feel better. I refused and went home and napped.  After work a few days later, I was driving by a walk-in medical clinic. I longed for my bed and my new ritual of daily naps but forced myself to prolong the inevitable and pulled into the clinic parking lot. It was the best decision I could have made and the results of the appointment were surprising.

I described my symptoms: weight gain, complete lack of energy, restless sleep, problems with memory and comprehension due to a feeling of "fuzziness", aching muscle and bones, and a couple of occasions when I thought I was having a heart attack but figured it was extreme anxiety although it wasn't the norm for me. He asked about my dental history. I was confused by the question but told him I had two teeth break recently. Lab work followed. I was told I had Vitamin D deficiency. Big deal I thought. I don't take a multivitamin but I eat properly. That couldn't be it.  It was.  Six weeks into treatment I am feeling far better. Actually, it is amazing how it feels  to be returning to my "not so old" self!

Vitamin D is essential. Two other wizzley authors have written very informative articles on the role it plays in the body. For that reason, I refer you to them: http://wizzley.com/how-to-reduce-winter-joint-pain-vitamin-d/  and http://wizzley.com/vitamin-d/.

The symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency vary and it is very important to know them. If you have any of these symptoms, I would recommended that you have your levels checked as the symptoms can become worse if untreated. Irreparable harm can be done to your body if the deficiency becomes severe.

• Chronic Fatigue
• Weakness/Tingling Sensation
• Muscle Cramps and Muscle Weakness
• Bone Pain and Bone Fractures
• Psychological Disorders and Impaired Cognitive Abilities
• Hormonal Changes/Regulation
• Sleep Disorders

There are other symptoms as well. For example, Vitamin D is important for optimal functioning of the nervous system and immune system. In children it is essential for normal development and growth of cells, bones and teeth. Untreated, Vitamin D deficiency can cause Osteomalacia (a disease that causes abnormal softening of the bones and result in back/leg pain, fractures of the ribs, spine and legs) and Osteoporosis (a thinning of the bone tissue and loss of bone density).

There are other health risks attributed to Vitamin D Deficiency as well. They include an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease due to the fact that cramps in the muscles cause them to not function properly. This can lead to congestive heart failure. Other risks are cognitive impairment in adults, severe asthma in children and certain types of cancer.

I never realized the importance of having adequate levels of Vitamin D in my body and the havoc it can cause if it is deficient.  I do now and it is my hope that what I have learned and am passing on may benefit others.