Vitamin D deficiency is a problem that is thought to be associated with many physical and mental disorders such as musculoskeletal pain, heart disorders, sleep disorders and depression. Depression manifests itself with symptoms such as unhappiness, reluctance, not being able to enjoy life, sleep and appetite changes, low energy, and difficulty in focusing for at least 2 weeks and most of the day.
GO OUT TO THE SUN, FOR MILK
Psychiatrist Dr. Alime Burçin Şimşek stated that while depression may be due to many factors, vitamin deficiencies also have an effect on this disorder. Şimşek, who gave information to increase vitamin D, stated that citizens should go out to the sun and that fish and dairy products containing vitamin D should be consumed.
ATTENTION TO VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY
Adatip Istanbul Hospital Psychiatrist Dr. Alime Burçin Şimşek said, “If you feel more tired, lacking energy, reluctance and unhappy than ever before, especially in these days with snowy, rainy and cloudy weather and longing for the sun, you may be faced with vitamin D deficiency. In the scientific studies, it has been determined that the vitamin D levels of depressed patients are significantly lower than those of healthy individuals, while the serotonin hormone, also known as the happiness hormone among the people, increases when people are exposed to sunlight.
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IS VERY COMMON
In studies conducted in our country, it is seen that vitamin D deficiency is up to 74 percent.
Şimşek, who provided information on the elimination of vitamin D deficiencies, said, “Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D, which is more difficult to obtain through direct nutrition, is synthesized by 90 percent through sunlight, while it can only be obtained from foods consumed at a rate of 10 percent if it is not supplemented with sunlight. To increase vitamin D naturally, animal foods such as oily fish, dairy products and eggs containing vitamin D should be consumed in sufficient quantities.
Apart from natural ways, artificial light therapies and vitamin supplements applied by health professionals are used in the treatment in cases where external vitamin D supplementation is required. Of course, our mental health cannot be separated from our physical health. Studies report that eliminating vitamin D deficiency can also reduce the risks associated with the corona virus. In order to support the mental and physical health of both ourselves and our loved ones, attention should be paid to eliminating our vitamin D deficiencies.