What a vitamin D deficiency is doing to your hair!
Every year, after the summer season has passed, I have this unexplainable desire to consume more fish oils and stand out in the sun. Â I can't say for sure, but I think it has to do with a craving to increase my vitamin D levels.
I'm sure you are familiar with this, but our bodies are unable to produce vitamin D on its own. Â So it relies on natural sunlight to help synthesis the creation of this necessary vitamin. Â We can also get vitamin D through our food but, based on what I've read, people rarely get enough vitamin D through eating alone. Â It's also important to note that people of color have a natural sun protection factor through the melanin of our skin which blocks some of the vitamin D from forming. Â Those of us who are diligent about wearing sunscreen are potentially inhibiting vitamin D production even more. Â Less hours of sunlight coupled with dark skin and inadequate diet all work together to create a potential deficiency situation (those who live in colder climates should pay special attention).
Without adequate amounts of vitamin D we can start to experience symptoms like depression, feeling tired/weak, inability to lose weight, chronic pain, and even cancer. Â But what really caught my attention was the link between vitamin D and our hair. Â After browsing online, I found a few discussions where women who had vitamin D deficiencies noticed a huge improvement in the growth and health of their hair after proper supplementation. Â In some cases, active hair loss was attributed to lack of vitamin D. Â Could that be another factor in seasonal shedding? Â Some of us who are "slow growers" may consider looking into their vitamin D levels as, low vitamin D levels can impact our hair growth rate. Â I was shocked to hear an account, on one of the forums, where the person claims a woman with severe vitamin D deficiency hadn't gotten a hair cut in over 5 years.
What's critical to mention in all of this, is how important it is to have your vitamin D levels checked by a qualified physician so you can be prescribed the right amount of supplementation. Â I will be very conscious of this potential problem as I head into the fall/winter months. Â Some of the things I plan on doing include rotating gym visits with actual walks/workouts outdoors. Â There were a few days when I worked from home consecutively. One thing I noticed is how quickly my mood levels dropped. Â After taking a brisk 2 mile walk outside for a couple of days, my energy shifted for the better and I felt like myself again. Along with the outdoor activities, I will be consistent with my fermented cod liver oil consumption which boasts of containing between 2000-4000IU of vitamin D per teaspoon. Â What I appreciate about fermented cod liver oil is how it is a natural (readily absorbable) form of vitamin D.
I have to do more research on this topic including understanding the various types of vitamin D. But in the mean time, I will do what I know. I will also make a conscious effort to consume vitamin D foods including leafy greens, eggs, sardines, etc. Â I'm excited to learn about the connection of vitamin D to a successful hair (& health) journey. Â By the way, this doesn't mean that I'll be foregoing sunscreen. Â I will still wear it daily on my face and hands for anti aging purposes. Â But, what I will do, is wear shorts more when I walk instead of full length pants.
Here's to healthy hair growth all year long!
**Please consult with your doctor regarding the proper amount of vitamin D usage to avoid risk of toxicity.**
I'm sure you are familiar with this, but our bodies are unable to produce vitamin D on its own. Â So it relies on natural sunlight to help synthesis the creation of this necessary vitamin. Â We can also get vitamin D through our food but, based on what I've read, people rarely get enough vitamin D through eating alone. Â It's also important to note that people of color have a natural sun protection factor through the melanin of our skin which blocks some of the vitamin D from forming. Â Those of us who are diligent about wearing sunscreen are potentially inhibiting vitamin D production even more. Â Less hours of sunlight coupled with dark skin and inadequate diet all work together to create a potential deficiency situation (those who live in colder climates should pay special attention).
Without adequate amounts of vitamin D we can start to experience symptoms like depression, feeling tired/weak, inability to lose weight, chronic pain, and even cancer. Â But what really caught my attention was the link between vitamin D and our hair. Â After browsing online, I found a few discussions where women who had vitamin D deficiencies noticed a huge improvement in the growth and health of their hair after proper supplementation. Â In some cases, active hair loss was attributed to lack of vitamin D. Â Could that be another factor in seasonal shedding? Â Some of us who are "slow growers" may consider looking into their vitamin D levels as, low vitamin D levels can impact our hair growth rate. Â I was shocked to hear an account, on one of the forums, where the person claims a woman with severe vitamin D deficiency hadn't gotten a hair cut in over 5 years.
(My modest cod liver oil collection)
I have to do more research on this topic including understanding the various types of vitamin D. But in the mean time, I will do what I know. I will also make a conscious effort to consume vitamin D foods including leafy greens, eggs, sardines, etc. Â I'm excited to learn about the connection of vitamin D to a successful hair (& health) journey. Â By the way, this doesn't mean that I'll be foregoing sunscreen. Â I will still wear it daily on my face and hands for anti aging purposes. Â But, what I will do, is wear shorts more when I walk instead of full length pants.
Here's to healthy hair growth all year long!
**Please consult with your doctor regarding the proper amount of vitamin D usage to avoid risk of toxicity.**
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