Vitamin D is an essential element which all humans need in order to thrive, and your backyard swimming pool is a great means toward that end! You may have already known that, but you may not know exactly how you get more Vitamin D or what specifically does Vitamin D do for you. Well, we’re about to enlighten you? (See what we did there?)
While we’ve already tried our best to debunk the myth that sunscreen prevents your skin from absorbing the sunlight it needs, it bears repeating: in real life (and according to large studies), sunscreen use is not a contributing factor in causing a deficiency in vitamin D.
How Your Body Produces Vitamin D
Ultraviolet (or UV) radiation is what causes the body to produce Vitamin D. Here’s the basic gist of how it works: the body naturally forms precursors to Vitamin D during exposure to sunlight. The kidneys then convert those substances into active Vitamin D, which is then carried throughout the body through the bloodstream, helping the body’s immune system fight against disease. A hormone that helps strengthen bones as well as the immune system, Vitamin D also helps reduce multiple forms of cancer, including colon, kidney, ovarian, and breast cancer.
Why You Need To Know About Vitamin D
Approximately 1 out of every 4 Americans are either on the borderline or have clearly low levels of Vitamin D. About 1 out of every dozen of us has serious deficiencies. Those especially susceptible to a Vitamin D deficiency include the following:
- Those with limited exposure to sunlight (due to lifestyle, work environment, regional, or seasonal factors)
- Infants who are breastfeeding
- Senior citizens
- All individuals with darker skin tones
Early symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency vary from person to person but can include general physical weakness and achiness, low energy levels, depression, a sweaty forehead, and broken bones. (Some symptoms can be falsely diagnosed as arthritis or fibromyalgia.)
In addition to these uncomfortable symptoms, Vitamin D deficiency puts you at risk for even more serious, long-term health problems ranging from heart disease to breast and colon cancer. Low levels of Vitamin D can also lead to osteoporosis (in adults) and rickets (in children), since the body requires it in order to use calcium to build healthy bones.
According to a 2014 international study, approximately one of every 7 deaths in the U.S. can be linked to low levels of Vitamin D3.
What To Do About Vitamin D
First of all, get plenty of sunshine! Your backyard swimming pool will be sure to help lure you into doing that during the summer months, but then there’s the rest of the year. Those in the northern half of the continent, particularly, simply can’t get the full amount of Vitamin D that our bodies require from sunlight alone, at least for the months of November through March.
In addition to getting as much sunshine as possible, you can eat more Vitamin-D-rich foods such as wild-caught fish, almond milk, and orange juice. If you’re at risk for a Vitamin D deficiency or are experiencing symptoms of a potential for one, you should ask your doctor about being tested or going on seasonal or continual supplements.
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Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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