A couple of years ago, I was suffering from health problems and visited my doctor. One of the many tests he ordered was a blood test to check my levels of vitamin D. I was found to have a vitamin D deficiency as I had very low levels of vitamin D in my body. This accounted for many of my symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, blurred vision, and depression.
The Doctor’s Advice for Treating Vitamin D Deficiency
The doctor prescribed me with a high dose of vitamin D supplements. However, I also discussed with him the steps I could take to improve my vitamin D levels myself.
Making Lifestyle Changes to Resolve Vitamin D Deficiency
The main source of vitamin D is sunshine and this explains why it is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin. I was spending hours sitting at the computer working as a freelance copywriter, so it was no surprise when he told me I needed to spend more time outdoors.
From that point on, I started going for three or four long walks a week. I also started working in the garden on the days when the sun was out.
Dietary Changes
Although vitamin D is not found in many foods, there are some good sources of this vitamin, and diet really does make a difference. Some of the foods that contain vitamin D are orange juice, spinach, fortified cereals, egg yolks, and oily fish, such as tuna steaks. I started to include these in my diet as much as possible. These are all foods that I started to include in my diet.
A combination of supplements, dietary changes, and spending time outdoors walking all made a big difference. In just two months, my vitamin D levels had risen significantly. My energy levels increased, I suffered less from joint pain, and my moods improved. A further bonus was that I lost weight and toned up from all that walking.
A Backward Step
Unfortunately, I have slipped back into bad habits. I am back spending too long at my computer and snacking while working instead of eating proper meals during the day. As a result, I am suffering from Vitamin D deficiency again.
At least now, I know what I can do to make the change. I need to resume my walking regime and start eating breakfast again. Hopefully, I can get my health back on track.
Update- May 2020
Since originally writing this article, my vitamin D deficiency has reared its head again. However, I had started walking back from school when the weather was nice.
I am likely to take another downward turn since the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a lockdown in the UK. I am not going out on walks at the moment and I can’t work in the back garden because I have brought the table inside. We are using it as the homeschooling area for the children while the schools are closed.
I am looking forward to the end of the lockdown when I can revert back to a lifestyle that involves a little more time outdoors.