Vitamin Deficiency Managed in Naturopathy: An Overview

Introduction:

Naturopathy is a philosophy that promotes human development on the physical, mental, moral, and spiritual levels of existence in accordance with Nature's constructive principles. It has excellent promise for promoting health, preventing and treating disease, and healing the body.

Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D, or calcitriol, functions more like a hormone. It controls blood calcium levels and is crucial for strong bones. Additionally, it supports immune system homeostasis. Our skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to sunshine. To get enough vitamin D throughout the summer, expose the arms and legs to the sun (without sunscreen) for 10 to 15 minutes.

What Signs Might Point To Vitamin D Deficiency?

• Fatigue.

• Joint or bone aches.

• Low mood, which is frequently worse in the winter.

• A weakened or cramping muscles.

• Recurring colds and flu.

Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency Include:

• Decrease in sun exposure.

• Being a northern climate resident.

• Operating within.

• A liver or kidney condition.

Which Foods Contain A Lot Of Vitamin D?

• Fish: Tuna, salmon, and mackerel.

• Liver of animals.

• Eggs.

• Soy, rice, and milk products that have been fortified.

• Sadly, plant-based foods are deficient in vitamin D.

Which Vitamins Are Utilized?

There are two types of vitamin D pills that are frequently accessible. D2 and D3. Cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, is typically advised because it is three times as effective.

What Ailments Does Vitamin D Help Treat?

• Osteoporosis: It has been demonstrated that consuming calcium and vitamin D supplements together lowers the incidence of fragility fractures.

• Pregnancy: The mother's and baby's bone health depends on vitamin D. Studies indicate that this vitamin may help avoid preterm labor, low birth weight, bacterial vaginosis, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

• Mental Disorders: Adrenaline and norepinephrine, two hormones involved in alertness, are controlled by vitamin D. Additionally, it support the creation of dopamine and prevents the loss of serotonin. Two neurotransmitters are necessary for controlling mood. Additionally, studies have hinted that vitamin D levels and the severity of schizophrenia symptoms may be related.

• Multiple Sclerosis: Observational studies imply that vitamin D may help to prevent MS. Further investigation has revealed that vitamin D contributes to the reduction of T helper cells and Th-17 cells, which can lessen inflammation and possibly stop the progression of the disease. Additionally, vitamin D might assist in remyelination, aiding the nervous system's recovery.

• Cancer Prevention: The prevention of breast, colon, and prostate cancer may be aided by vitamin D.

• Diabetes: According to research, vitamin D may boost the pancreas' ability to produce insulin and the insulin receptor's expression. Decreased inflammation may also enhance the flow of glucose into the cells. Why does this matter? The body may be able to utilize its insulin more efficiently with the help of vitamin D, lowering blood sugar and avoiding long-term consequences.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Up to 50 % of IBD patients lack enough vitamin D. The severity of the illness may also be correlated with vitamin D deficiency. Why? Vitamin D reduces inflammation and TNF, which may contribute to its effectiveness.

Can Excess Vitamin D Cause Issues?

Yes. The blood calcium level can rise if vitamin D intake is excessive. Due to this, the heart, kidney, or lungs may harden or calcify. Additional signs of vitamin D overdose can include confusion, sadness, headaches, constipation, nausea, and a thirsty feeling.

How Can A Healthcare Professional Assist?

Naturopathic doctors could advise blood testing to determine vitamin D levels based on the medical history. Testing enables the development of a more specialized treatment plan. A vitamin D injection, a supplement, or advice on living life are examples.

How to Obtain Adequate Vitamin B?

According to Dr. Melanie Keller, N.D., a naturopathic physician in Los Angeles, the best sources of B vitamins are:

• Particularly beef, hog, lamb, or chicken liver.

• Oysters, clams, and mussels are excellent sources of vitamin B12, whereas salmon and other seafood are high in various B vitamins.

The two vitamins B3 and B6 most abundant in poultry, such as chicken and turkey, are pyridoxine and niacin.

• One of the best sources of biotin is eggs.

• Milk and other dairy products are good sources of riboflavin.

• Most notably, legumes contain a lot of folate.

• Especially notable for their folate (B9) levels are leafy greens.

• B vitamins are present in seeds and nutritional yeast, frequently enriched with them.

What Takes Place If a Vitamin B Deficiency Goes Untreated?

While shortages of other B vitamins are not common, if vitamin B12 deficiency, in particular, is not treated, it may result in:

• Brain and nerve damage.

• Higher chance of stomach cancer.

• Unable to conceive (although this may be treated).

• Lung and heart conditions.

• Watch out for folate deficiency and other B vitamin deficits, especially during pregnancy.

What Are The Food Sources Of Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for sustaining healthy reproductive organs, eyesight, immune system, and bodily growth. The symptoms of vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to severe hair loss, night blindness, dry eyes, and a number of skin issues, can be avoided by including a standard quantity of vitamin A in the daily diet. For men, women, and children, the Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) for vitamin A is 900 mcg, 700 mcg, and 300–600 mcg, respectively.

Foods rich in vitamin A: Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is only abundantly present in items derived from animals, such as fatty fish, liver, butter, and cheese.

What Foods Can Treat Vitamin C Deficiency?

This therapy mandates that the food be consumed in its natural state. Sprouts, seasonal fruits, and fresh, lush green veggies are wonderful choices. These diets can be broadly divided into three groups, which include the following:

Elimination Diet: Liquids like lemon, citrus juice, tender coconut water, vegetable soups, buttermilk, wheatgrass juices, etc. Fruits, salads, boiled/steamed vegetables, sprouts, vegetable chutney, etc., are all part of a calming diet. Healthy food choices include whole grains, unpolished rice, small legumes, sprouts, and yogurt.

Conclusion:

The diets help to improve health, cleanse the body, and make it immune to disease since they are alkaline. A suitable meal combination is required to fulfill the requirements of vitamins. The diet should include 80 % alkaline and 20 % acidic foods for optimal health.