What is a watermelon diet? Here are the pros and cons

The only happy thing about summer is our favourite melons. Tasty, hydrating and nutritious – watermelons make for a perfect summer and weight loss snack. If you want to lose weight and watermelon is your favourite fruit, here is a piece of good news for you. 

A lot of people are trying watermelon diet to lose weight and it is working for them. Should you try it too?
What is a watermelon diet?
There is not one but many versions of watermelon diet and the most famous sort is the cleanse watermelon diet. While following this version of the diet, dieters eat nothing but just watermelon during the first stage. This initial stage lasts for nearly three days. Because you are only eating watermelon, you can safely eat one large-size watermelon every day.
After this initial stage, many people go back to their normal diet while others add other foods gradually into their diet. For example, you might have two light meals a day and watermelon as a snack.
What do experts say?The diet is appealing to many people because it only involves short term commitment. And it’s easy for people to follow because watermelon is the favourite of many.
Watermelon is low in calories, provides you with essential vitamins, minerals and also has antioxidant, which gives it the red colour. The diet actually is a cleanse plan because watermelon is 90 per cent water.
Risks of dietAs the diet only involves eating watermelons, it leaves you deprived of any protein and fat, which are essential nutrients for a healthy living. People who have any health condition might face problems while following the diet. So do not forget to consult your doctor before you decide to follow the diet.
Once you stop the diet and go back to your old eating habits, you may gain all the lost fat back.

Watermelon diet and weight loss
The diet claims quick weight loss, but it is only for short-term like any other fad diet. When you consume watermelon, it helps curb hunger by reducing your appetite. Also, the chewing and swallowing process gives you a filling effect.

Who must not follow the diet?No one should overdo the diet as it may have negative health effects. Pregnant women, diabetics and children must not follow the diet.

TipIf you want to try the diet, do not just have watermelon alone. You can add some healthy protein, fat and carbs to have a balance diet.

We recommend you to consult a doctor before choosing to follow this diet. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                      FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                     https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

Amazing benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most common remedies people use to relieve their ailments. It’s an incredible gift of nature, and we give you some great ways of using it.

Benefits of apple cider vinegar

1. Frizz-free hair

Frizzy hair may be a result of pH imbalances. Rinse it with apple cider vinegar solution to make it smooth and frizz-free.

2. Bad breath

Apple cider vinegar has an antiseptic effect. Gargle apple cider vinegar after brushing your teeth to get rid of dangerous bacteria and plaque.

3. Blemishes

Apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels in your skin and regulates the production of natural oils. Use it to relieve any pain, swelling and redness. Apple the vinegar on your skin using cotton pads. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse.

4. Deodorant

It neutralizes bad odors caused by bacteria. Dilute it with water, and spray your armpits. It doesn’t leave unpleasant smells.

5. Skin irritation

Add a cup of this vinegar to your hot bath to soothe your skin, regardless of whether you deal with bug bites, jellyfish stings, poison ivy rashes, sunburn, or any other irritation.

6. Cholesterol

Apple cider vinegar increases the production of bile and optimizes the function of your liver. Use it regularly to lower your cholesterol.

7. Sore throat

Gargle apple cider vinegar to soothe your throat and kill dangerous bacteria. Don’t forget to consult your doctor.

8. Intestinal health

Apple cider vinegar contains probiotics and enzymes. It’s as effective as kombucha and yogurt, and you can use it to enhance digestion, treat acid reflux and improve your overall health.

9. Yeast infection

You can use it topically, internally or vaginally. Don’t forget to dilute it first.

10. Blood sugar

Apple cider vinegar has anti-glycemic effect, and it regulates blood sugar. Use it regularly to block the digestion of starches and prevent blood sugar spikes. Take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar before bedtime to lower your blood sugar levels.

11. Nutrient absorption

Aceitc acid improves your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Add apple cider vinegar to your salads. It’s the easiest way to use it.

12. Hiccups

Take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to stop the hiccups.

13. pH balance

Apple cider vinegar balances the pH values in your body.

14. Cleanse your liver

Use apple cider vinegar regularly to improve your lymphatic system, and get rid of toxins. This vinegar will cleanse your body of pollutants.

15. Belly fat

Apple cider vinegar will shut down your cravings and will help you maintain a healthy weight.

16. Premature aging

It is rich in antioxidants, and these make you look and feel young.

17. Free radicals

Free radicals cause emphysema, immune diseases, arthritis, and similar health problems. It destroys free radicals and prevents damage.

18. Joint pain

Add apple cider vinegar to your bath to relieve joint pain, especially if you deal with gout, tendinitis or osteoarthritis.

19. Whiten teeth

Gargle apple cider vinegar or brush your teeth with it. That’s all.

20. Mood

Apple cider vinegar can help you deal with anxiety. It improves mood, and breaks down amino acids which leads to an increased production of serotonin.

21. Acid reflux

Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to relieve your acid reflux.

Final words

Apple cider vinegar is an incredibly versatile ingredient, and you can use it for almost anything. Some say it works great in those dealing with dandruff, too. Try this natural remedy, and relieve your health problems naturally.

Always use organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. Make sure it has The Mother in it. If you can’t find the real stuff, learn how to make your own. All you need is some crushed apples and patience.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                      FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                     https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

9 Herbs That Naturally Kill Parasites

There are many powerful herbs that are used to treat parasite infections. But before you start experimenting with remedies, read this to learn the best way to naturally kill parasites.

Before we dive in, know that it is not advised to take any herbs unless you’ve been working with a professional or, even better, a functional medicine doctor with experience in parasitic infections. It’s ideal if you have been practicing a holistic lifestyle for some time. That is because the first and most critical step for healing an infection is getting your immune system up and functioning optimally.

To help this process, if you suspect you have an infection or are running a routine yearly cleanse, here are some of the best natural food and herbal remedies to naturally kill parasites.

Fresh Garlic - kills fungus, bacteria and potent viruses

Use- 1 garlic clove crushed or juiced, slowly increase the number, depending on how many you can stomach

This might come as a surprise, but do not underestimate this common household herb. It is actually among the most effective herbs for ridding the body of any unwanted organisms. Garlic is able to slow and kill over 60 types of fungus and 20 types of bacteria, as well as some of the most potent viruses.
Garlic has a history of killing parasites and controlling secondary fungal infections. It also detoxifies while gently stimulating elimination, and has antioxidant properties to protect against oxidation caused by parasite toxins. The active components in garlic that kill parasites are allicin and ajoene.  These compounds can kill amoebas including one-cell varieties, as well as pinworms and hookworms.
Allicin is not present in garlic in its natural state. When garlic is chopped or otherwise damaged, the enzyme alliinase acts on the chemical alliin, converting it into allicin, the active component contributing to its success for killing parasites.
To get the most out of garlic, be sure to use it crushed or juiced. Start off with 1 clove and work your way up to as many as you can stomach. 

Cucumber Seeds- used to remove tapeworms within the digestive tract

grind seeds into powder, add daily 1 tsp daily to a smoothie to cleanse

Cucumber seeds have been used as an all-natural treatment to remove tapeworms within the digestive tract. The powder of cucumber seeds can be used to treat tapeworms but also consumed even if you do not have a parasite, as a preventative measure.
That is because cucumbers are of course are also a vegetable. They are effective due to enzymes within the cucumber and seeds that kill tapeworms. Look for heirloom cucumber seeds, grind into a powder and add 1 tsp. to a smoothie daily during your cleanse.

Papaya- destroys parasitic worms, including intestinal and tape worms

Sugary, tropical fruit is typically not advised when dealing with parasites. However, this particular fruit has a strong ability to destroy many parasitic worms, including most intestinal worms and tapeworm. The most powerful part of the fruit is actually the seed.
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises a mixture of honey and papaya seeds, which has been found to clear stools of parasites. If you are going to consume the fruit for its benefits, it is best to remove the skin and ferment in apple cider vinegar for one day. You will want to eat eight ounces of the cultured papaya and drink 2 ounces of the brine for 4 days.
An alternative therapist suggests  suggests this papaya smoothie recipe: Take the seeds from an average-sized papaya and grind them in a coffee grinder. Next, add a tablespoon of organic virgin coconut oil. Then add about a cup of coconut milk and the rest of the papaya; finally, blend until smooth. Drink the smoothie each morning for at least 7 consecutive days. 

Clove- can kill malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, scabies and other parasites, bacteria, viruses and fungi including Candida

Best consumed with black walnut hulls and wormwood.

Cloves contains the most powerful germicidal agent in the herbal kingdom, known as eugenol. It also contains caryophyllene, which is a powerful antimicrobial agent. These components travel through the bloodstream, killing microscopic parasites and parasitic larvae and eggs.
Cloves are tremendously effective in killing malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, scabies and other parasites, viruses, bacteria and fungi, including Candida. Cloves also destroy all species of Shigella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. It is best consumed with black walnut hulls and wormwood.

Raw Pumpkin Seeds- anti-parasitic, toxic to parasite eggs

Grind 1/2 a cup at a time, add to smoothies or salads

These are able to kill eggs, and they contain a natural fat that is toxic to parasite eggs. Curcurbitin in pumpkin seeds has shown anti-parasitic activity, since it has the ability to paralyze worms so they drop off the intestinal walls.
Chinese scientists used pumpkin seeds to treat acute schistosomiasis and tapeworm infestations. Many parasite formulas contain pumpkin seed, but it doesn’t do much in just a few capsules. You need half a cup at a time to really work. Grind in coffee grinder and add to salads or smoothies. 

Turmeric- anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, worm-expelling and over-all body purifier

Air with coconut oil or black pepper for improved absorption

This is perhaps one of the most powerful herbs and is helpful for just about everything. It boasts powerful properties. it is an anticancer, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, worm-expelling, and an overall body purifier. This is a very safe herb to consume regularly for maintaining health as well as to use medicinally. Pair with coconut oil and black pepper for improved absorption.

Ginger- improves stomach acid production, good for gas, nausea

fresh ginger is good for eliminating mucus, while ground ginger is better for de-worming the digestive system.

A family member to turmeric, ginger has many similar qualities. It also increases circulation and helps all digestive issues. It is particularly good for gas and nausea associated with parasite die-off. It also improves stomach acid production, which kills parasites and protects us from getting infected in the first place. Fresh ginger is better for eliminating mucus, while ground ginger is better for warming the digestive system. Take both.

Cayenne- powerful ant-fungal, ability to destroy fungus, mold and parasites

try sprouted pumpkin seeds with ginger and cayenne for treating intestinal bugs

This hot pepper is a powerful anti-fungal. The best cayenne has the ability to destroy fungus, mold & parasites on contact! It increases circulation and health, and also increases effectiveness of other herbs when used in combination with them. Try sprouted pumpkin seeds seasoned with ginger and cayenne for a delicious snack and a medicine for treating intestinal bugs! The best is African Cayenne. 

Green Hulls of Black Walnut- reduces blood sugar levels, helps the body rid of toxins, effective against tapeworms, pinworms and Candida

take as an alcohol tincture 3 times a day.

These have been shown to have powerful effects on killing many varieties of parasites. The dried and ground green hull of the black walnut contains tannin, which is organic iodine, as well as juglandin.
Black walnut has been used for centuries to expel various types of worms, including parasites that cause skin irritations such as ringworm. It oxygenates the blood, which also helps kill parasites.

Black walnut is very effective against tapeworms, pinworms, Candida albicans (yeast infections) and malaria. It is also effective in reducing blood sugar levels, and helping the body rid itself of toxins.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                      FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                     https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

 

Signs You Might Have a Parasite

Yes, we all have parasites. It’s practically impossible to not come in contact with them because they are in just about everything from our food to our carpets. However, having parasites doesn’t necessarily mean they’re negatively affecting you.

In fact, parasites will always exist. They’re part of nature’s cycle of life. Yet, even healthy individuals have them. The difference is that they’re not doing much harm. Instead, they are doing their job.
What we don’t want is an infection of parasites. In order to keep them at bay, we must practice good hygiene – starting with our homes. They love garbage and will thrive off food or anything decaying. If you let things get too out of hand, you’re probably extending an open invitation to these unwelcome guests.

Where to Look for Parasites in Your Home

To get started, I recommend everyone do a parasite cleanse once or twice a year. Parasites are everywhere: doorknobs, keyboards, restrooms, shopping carts, fingernails, water, air, food, pets, the floor, etc. In order to keep ourselves from being affected by them, we must stay in tip-top shape – because once they’re inside of you, they multiply like crazy. For example, roundworms can lay 300,000 eggs in one day! Tapeworms can grow to be 30 feet long. Single-celled amoebas can actually eat the brain.

Consequently, no one is totally immune to them – not even the healthiest people alive. Yet, we can keep our bodies in very good condition and create a non-ideal environment for them.

Did you know liver flukes could even lead to cancer?  You usually don’t even know you have them, until of course you have so many that it’s hard to avoid the symptoms.

Signs You Might Have An Infection

Not feeling quite right? Parasites can be the actual cause of most mysterious illnesses. Some people may not have any symptoms from infection. Yet, these are some of the most commonly associated symptoms with a parasite infection:

• Mood disorders
• Strong cravings for processed and sugary foods
• Anemia or iron deficiency (worms can create enough blood loss to cause anemia or iron deficiency)
• Skin ailments such as hives, rashes, weeping eczema, itchy dermatitis, acne, ulcers, sores, lesions, etc.
• Recurring yeast infections like Candida
• Bleeding gums
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Teeth grinding and drooling during sleep
• Food allergies/food sensitivities
• Loss of appetite
• Sexual dysfunction
• Chronic fatigue
• Unhealthy food cravings
• Persistent digestive problems (cramps, bloating, gas, etc.)
• Hungry all the time
• Sore/stiff joints
• Breathing problems
• Itching – especially around mouth, nose and anus
• Memory problems

The tricky thing with parasite infections is that they can cause just about any known symptom. Hence, that’s ultimately why parasites are often the culprit behind almost every known medical condition.

Parasite Effects On the Immune System

Parasites are very tricky. Some worms have the ability to fool the body into thinking they are normal part of the tissue or organ, stopping the immune system from fighting them off.

Once these invaders are established in our bodies, they can even eat holes through organs. Remember, they are living off of you. If you stop feeding them, they could start eating your organs, instead!

Worm infections can cause physical trauma by perforating the intestines (such in the case of leaky gut), the circulatory system, the lungs, and the liver.

They can create major nutrient deficiencies and digestive problems, as they rob us of our vital vitamin and mineral nutrients and amino acids needed for digestion. This can cause anemia or cause people to become drowsy after eating.

Overall, they depress the immune system by making us toxic. They literally poop toxic waste into the body. A weakened immune system and toxic body leads to further degeneration, fatigue and illness.
Furthermore, they can age us rapidly by destroying our cells faster than cells can be regenerated. There really isn’t anything a parasite can’t do in terms of destroying our health. After all, they are the “garbage enforcers” of our bodies and life.

Types of Parasites and What They Do

Specifically though, here are just a few types of parasites and what they do:

• Roundworms. This specific type of parasite can lay 200,000 eggs a day and grow up to 15 feet long. Estimates show that 1 billion people are infected with this one. Symptoms are upper abdominal discomfort, asthma, insomnia, appendicitis, peritonitis, fever, weight loss and rashes due to the secretions or waste products from the worms.

Large numbers of them can cause blockages in the intestinal tract, hemorrhages when penetrating the intestinal wall, abscesses in the liver, hemorrhagic pancreatitis, loss of appetite, and insufficient absorption of digested foods. 

• Hookworm. This parasite afflicts over 700 million people. Hookworm infection induces a complex mixture of host-protective and pathological immune responses. The larvae of hookworm penetrate the skin. When hookworms reach adulthood, they can sap the victim’s strength, vitality and overall well-being.

Young worms use their teeth to burrow through the intestinal wall and feed on your blood. Symptoms from hookworm are iron deficiency, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, protein deficiency, dry skin and hair, skin irritations, edema, distended abdomen, mental dullness, and eventually cardiac failure.

• Pinworms. A pinworm infection is caused by roundworm. It infects one in five children. Symptoms may include itching and irritation of the anus or vagina, digestive disorders, insomnia, irritability or nervousness. You might also show no symptoms at all. Female worms crawl out of the anus and lay about 15,000 eggs per day. Once airborne, the eggs can survive about two days anywhere in your living environment. The worm is white and can grow to about half inch in length. 

• Whipworm. These infections are estimated at several hundred million worldwide. Symptoms of whipworms are bloody stools, pain in the lower abdomen, weight loss, rectal prolapse, nausea and anemia. Hemorrhages can occur when worms penetrate the intestinal wall, and bacterial infections usually follow. They can be 1 to 2 inches length. 

• Tapeworms. These may grow to 35 feet long and live ten years inside a person’s intestine. Some tapeworms can lay as many as one million eggs per day. Their bodies are in separate segments with hooks and suction cups on their skull. 

• Flatworms. These are found in the bladder, blood, liver, lung, kidney and intestines. Human infections of flukes are in excess of 250 million worldwide. They can cause severe disease of the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, liver and destroy blood cells. Size varies from 1 to 2.5 centimeters in length (1/2 to 3 inches long). 

What Causes Parasite Infections?

Studies show that, 9 times out of 10, parasite infections are actually lifestyle-induced, not environmentally-induced. That means you are less likely to get a parasite from water than you are from living an unhealthy lifestyle.

The biggest cause of parasite infections is a weakened immune system. It’s a two-way street. Living a lifestyle that weakens the immune system is the most likely way to attract a parasitic infection; this is because a weakened body is a breeding ground for them. It is their job as the universal garbage men to clean up waste. A sick body is a wasting body and therefore, food in a parasite’s world.

They like what we like and don’t like what we don’t. That is to say, they like the obvious stuff we most often gravitate towards; stress, sugar, junk food, long nights with little rest, etc.

As a result, this is what makes things tricky and another reason why they survive. The real solution is boosting our health up in every way possible. Our natural tendencies for bad habits are their fuel. Our healthy habits are their kryptonite. In essence, we need to understand stress and learn to dissolve it.

How To Handle Parasites
If you suspect a parasitic infection is the cause of your symptoms, then it is best to get proper stool testing before you try anything. You can of course always choose an optimal diet and lifestyle to boost your immune system, regardless of whether you have an infection or not. If anything, it will just boost your immune system, which is the best way to handle parasites.

In addition, when dealing with an infection, some people have the idea of just trying to kill them. However, you can’t simply try to kill a parasite; it won’t do much good for two reasons. First, they are in multiple stages. You may kill the adults, but not the half million eggs deposited throughout your body. These things are designed to survive.

Secondly, think of parasites as your garbage men. Their job is to eat up your garbage. If you kill them, the garbage in your body will just keep accumulating.

Ways to Safely Get Rid of Parasites

The first thing you do is clean up the body, which takes away their food supply. Stop eating any modern processed food. You can also try fasting. However, you want to properly research the topic and do it under the supervision of a practiced functional medicine doctor.

Furthermore, hit them with strong herbs that’ll knock them out and make them leave your body — along with any eggs they may lay as they die. The goal is to make your body so clean and healthy that they have nothing to eat, and then support your body with parasite-ridding herbs.

This is not a simple one-week process, however. It can take up to three months, because as parasites die, they lay thousands of eggs that you need to handle. Ultimately, this is why clean and healthy practices need to become a way of life.

Additionally, there isn’t one thing that will kill all parasites. They are very immune to many things, even antibiotics. You’ll need to be strategic and get your body healthy so that it becomes an unsuitable living environment for them.

Ultimately, your true defense is having a highly alkaline body that is well-oxygenated with a strong immune system and a healthy digestive tract. If your blood is acidic, you are breeding parasites. Mucous in the digestive system and body makes for the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and parasites.

21 signs that you may have parasite  
1) mood disorders
2) strong cravings for sugary foods
3) iron deficiency / anemia
4) skin problems
5) recurring yeast infections
6) bleeding gums
7) headache
8) anxiety
9) nervousness
10) teeth grinding
11) food allergies / food sensitivities
12) loss of appetite
13) sexual dysfunction
14) chronic fatigue
15) unhealthy food cravings
16) persistent digestive problems
17) for-ever hungry
18) sore joints
19) breathing problems
20) itching
21) memory problems

 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                      FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                     https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

 

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is technically a pro-hormone, which means it is a nutrient with hormone-like properties in the body. It can be manufactured by the body in response to direct sun exposure by interacting  with cholesterol.  It is also known as a fat-soluble vitamin because it is stored in the body’s fat cells and it absorbs best when taken or eaten with fatty foods.

All cells have receptors to bind with vitamin D – it’s that crucial of a nutrient. Yet more than 1 billion people across the world have inadequate levels. 

There are several groups of people that are at higher risk of deficiency. They include:

• The elderly
• Those pregnant or breastfeeding
• Infants
• Overweight or obese people
• People who spend little time outdoors, or wear sunscreen constantly
• Those who don’t eat enough dairy or fish

Vitamin D is an extremely important vitamin that has powerful effects on several systems throughout your body.
Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D functions like a hormone, and every single cell in your body has a receptor for it.
Your body makes it from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
It's also found in certain foods such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, though it's very difficult to get enough from diet alone.
The recommended daily intake (RDI) is usually around 400–800 IU, but many experts say you should get even more than that.
Vitamin D deficiency is very common. It's estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide have low levels of the vitamin in their blood .
According to a 2011 study, 41.6% of adults in the US are deficient. This number goes up to 69.2% in Hispanics and 82.1% in African-Americans .

Here are 7 common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency:

• Having dark skin.
• Being elderly.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Not eating much fish or dairy.
• Living far from the equator where there is little sun year-round.
• Always using sunscreen when going out.
• Staying indoors.

People who live near the equator and get frequent sun exposure are less likely to be deficient, as their skin produces enough vitamin D to satisfy their bodies' needs.

Most people don't realize that they’re deficient, as symptoms are generally subtle. You may not recognize them easily, even if they’re having a significant negative effect on your quality of life.

Here are 8 signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

1. Getting Sick or Infected Often

One of vitamin D's most important roles is keeping your immune system strong so you're able to fight off viruses and bacteria that cause illness.
It directly interacts with the cells that are responsible for fighting infection .
If you often become sick, especially with colds or the flu, low vitamin D levels may be a contributing factor.
Several large observational studies have shown a link between a deficiency and respiratory tract infections like colds, bronchitis and pneumonia .
A number of studies have found that taking vitamin D supplements at a dosage of up to 4,000 IU daily may reduce your risk of respiratory tract infections 
In one study in people with the chronic lung disorder COPD, only those who were severely deficient in vitamin D experienced a significant benefit after taking a high-dose supplement for one year.

2. Fatigue and Tiredness

Feeling tired can have many causes, and vitamin D deficiency may be one of them.
Unfortunately, it's often overlooked as a potential cause.
Case studies have shown that very low blood levels can cause fatigue that has a severe negative effect on quality of life .
In one case, a woman who complained of chronic daytime fatigue and headaches was found to have a vitamin D blood level of only 5.9 ng/ml. This is extremely low, as anything under 20 ng/ml is considered deficient.
When the woman took a vitamin D supplement, her level increased to 39 ng/ml and her symptoms resolved.
However, even blood levels that aren't extremely low may have a negative impact on your energy levels.
A large observational study looked at the relationship between vitamin D and fatigue in young women.
The study found that women with blood levels lower than 20 ng/ml or 21–29 ng/ml were more likely to complain of fatigue than those with blood levels over 30 ng/ml.
Another observational study in female nurses found a strong connection between low vitamin D levels and self-reported fatigue.

3. Bone and Back Pain

Vitamin D helps maintain bone health in a number of ways.
For one, it improves your body's absorption of calcium.
Bone pain and lower back pain may be signs of inadequate vitamin D levels in the blood.
Large observational studies have found a relationship between a deficiency and chronic lower back pain .
One study examined the association between vitamin D levels and back pain in more than 9,000 older women.
The researchers found that those with a deficiency were more likely to have back pain, including severe back pain that limited their daily activities .
In one controlled study, people with vitamin D deficiency were nearly twice as likely to experience bone pain in their legs, ribs or joints compared to those with blood levels in the normal range .

4. Depression

A depressed mood may also be a sign of vitamin D deficiency.
In review studies, researchers have linked vitamin D deficiency to depression, particularly in older adults.
In one analysis, 65% of the observational studies found a relationship between low blood levels and depression.
On the other hand, most of the controlled trials, which carry more scientific weight than observational studies, didn't show a link between the two .
However, the researchers who analyzed the studies noted that the dosages of vitamin D in controlled studies were often very low.
In addition, they observed that some of the studies may not have lasted long enough to see the effect of taking supplements on mood.
Some controlled studies have shown that giving vitamin D to people who are deficient helps improve depression, including seasonal depression that occurs during the colder months.

5. Impaired Wound Healing

Slow healing of wounds after surgery or injury may be a sign that your vitamin D levels are too low.
Results from a test-tube study suggest that the vitamin increases the production of compounds that are crucial for forming new skin as part of the wound-healing process .
One study on people who had dental surgery found that certain aspects of healing were compromised by vitamin D deficiency .
It's also been suggested that vitamin D's role in controlling inflammation and fighting infection is important for proper healing.
One analysis looked at patients with diabetic foot infections.
It found that those with severe vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have higher levels of inflammatory markers that can jeopardize healing .
Unfortunately, there is very little research about the effects of vitamin D supplements on wound healing in people with deficiency at this point.
However, one study found that when vitamin D deficient patients with leg ulcers were treated with the vitamin, ulcer size reduced by on 28%, on average .

6. Bone Loss

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism.
Many older people who are diagnosed with bone loss believe they need to take more calcium. However, they may be deficient in vitamin D as well.
Low bone mineral density is an indication that your bones have lost calcium and other minerals. This places older adults, especially women, at an increased risk of fractures.
In a large observational study in more than 1,100 middle-aged women in menopause or postmenopause, researchers found a strong link between low vitamin D levels and low bone mineral density .
However, a controlled study found that women who were vitamin D deficient experienced no improvement in bone mineral density when they took high-dose supplements, even if their blood levels improved.
Regardless of these findings, adequate vitamin D intake and maintaining blood levels within the optimal range may be a good strategy for protecting bone mass and reducing fracture risk.

7. Hair Loss

Hair loss is often attributed to stress, which is certainly a common cause.
However, when hair loss is severe, it may be the result of a disease or nutrient deficiency
Hair loss in women has been linked to low vitamin D levels, though there is very little research on this to date .
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe hair loss from the head and other parts of the body. It's associated with rickets, which is a disease that causes soft bones in children due to vitamin D deficiency.
Low vitamin D levels are linked to alopecia areata and may be a risk factor for developing the disease
One study in people with alopecia areata showed that lower vitamin D blood levels tended to be associated with a more severe hair loss .
In a case study, topical application of a synthetic form of the vitamin was found to successfully treat hair loss in a young boy with a defect in the vitamin D receptor.

8. Muscle Pain

The causes of muscle pain are often difficult to pinpoint.
There is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be a potential cause of muscle pain in children and adults.
In one study, 71% of people with chronic pain were found to be deficient .
The vitamin D receptor is present in nerve cells called nociceptors, which sense pain.
One study in rats showed that a deficiency led to pain and sensitivity due to stimulation of nociceptors in muscles.
A few studies have found that taking high-dose vitamin D supplements may reduce various types of pain in people who are deficient .
One study in 120 children with vitamin D deficiency who had growing pains found that a single dose of the vitamin reduced pain scores by an average 57% .

The Bottom Line

Vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common and most people are unaware of it.
That's because the symptoms are often subtle and non-specific, meaning that it's hard to know if they're caused by low vitamin D levels or something else.
If you think you may have a deficiency, it's important that you speak to your doctor and get your blood levels measured.
Fortunately, a vitamin D deficiency is usually easy to fix.
You can either increase your sun exposure, eat more vitamin-D rich foods, such as fatty fish or fortified dairy products. Fixing your deficiency is simple, easy and can have big benefits for your health.

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