Do you find yourself feeling tired all of the time? While being tired after a long day or a poor night’s sleep is normal, chronic tiredness is not. If you find yourself struggling to stay alert and focused, it may be a sign of a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin.” It is an important nutrient for your overall health. Without the proper amount in your system, you might find yourself feeling fatigued and lacking motivation. Vitamin D injections can help restore you to normal.
A surprising number of Americans are vitamin D deficient. In fact, a 2011 study found that nearly 42% of adults in this country do not have enough of this vitamin. These numbers are even higher among African American and Hispanic populations.
What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?
Although sun exposure is important to vitamin D levels, the primary source is your diet. Foods that are rich in vitamin D include spinach, okra, eggs, cheese, salmon, and tuna. If you do not eat these types of food often enough, a vitamin D deficiency can develop. Certain medical conditions can also cause this problem. Examples include high blood pressure, thyroid or kidney problems, and a certain genetic type of rickets.
Other risk factors associated with a deficiency include being obese, spending too much time indoors, and living far away from the equator. Since sunlight is what triggers your body to make vitamin D from cholesterol, adequate exposure to it is important.
What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?
Feeling sluggish is one of the primary symptoms of not having enough of this essential nutrient. Other symptoms can include:
- Hair loss
- Slowed healing
- Unexplained pain in arms or legs
- Depression
- Getting sick often
Who Should Consider Vitamin D Injections?
Anyone who does not get adequate exposure to sunlight or consume enough of the foods that are high in vitamin D should have their levels tested. The upside with a deficiency in this vitamin is that it is easy to fix. Vitamin D injections can help you get your level of this nutrient back up where it belongs. The injections themselves are quick and easy, similar to an immunization.
The first step in this process is to come in for a consultation at SimplySlim Medical. The number of vitamin D injections you will need depends on the level of your deficiency and your body weight. This can all be discussed when we develop your personalized treatment plan. We are conveniently located in Bethesda, MD and Falls Church, VA, and we serve residents located in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, including Tysons Corner in VA. Call our office today to schedule a time to come in and see us. You can stop feeling sluggish and start feeling better sooner than you think!