Here’s how Vitamin D will benefit you!

Expose yourself to the early morning sun for 10 minutes for strong and healthy bones! - very relatable health advice of most doctors these days. Vitamin D, not a foreign term for the masses subjected to numerous advertisements rolling every now or then on television channels or radios, on health drinks and dietary supplements for all age groups promoting strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D, a very crucial fat-soluble nutrient required in small amounts, is immensely vital to maintain our overall health. Often its importance is underrated until a medical condition strikes with varied symptoms like excessive hair loss, acne, joint pain, severe hormonal problems, etc. at first, which are later diagnosed as a manifestation of irregular vitamin D levels. 

Yes, this single vitamin is not only responsible for keeping bone health, but also plays an indispensable role in sustaining the normal functioning of nerves, muscles, internal organs like heart, etc. Such an essential nutrient but can only be obtained from selective foods like fishes, eggs, or fortified products like cereals. Well, worry not for our bodies harbour a unique ability to endogenously synthesise its adequate levels upon sunlight exposure.

Vitamin D- Vital for survival

• Calcium, when acquired from foods or supplements doesn’t get absorbed on its own and needs vitamin D particularly for its absorption in body.

• It maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations for normal mineralisation of bones, bone growth as well as for bone remodeling.

• Apart from maintaining body’s temperature, it increases muscle strength and reduces loss of muscle mass significantly.

• Be it colorectal cancer or breast cancer, an optimal vitamin D serum levels are known to boost our immune system to ward-off tumours, reduce inflammation, thus delaying disease progression. 

• It lowers the risk of anemia by boosting hemoglobin levels and is associated with production of red blood cells through an yet-to-be understood mechanism. 

• It modulates cell growth, inflammation reduction, nerve signaling, immune system functions and regulates genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation.

• B-complex vitamins known to foster deep sleep are also produced by intestinal bacteria which require vitamin D to thrive, thus low vitamin D levels can goof up your sleep.

Current research has shown that low vitamin D levels can cause high blood pressure, depression and activate genes linked to various autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, Type-2 diabetes, etc. Abnormally excessive levels of vitamin D build up for prolonged periods or its sudden overdose may lead to kidney stones or kidney damage.

Having knowledge of your current vitamin D levels prior to onset of even the symptoms of any disease paves a way towards keeping one’s well-being. Go for a preventive healthcare checkup today to know your existing serum vitamin D levels and if irregularities persist, depending on its severity seek medical help to correct them. Till then, bask in the morning sun and ‘brighten’ up your vitamin D levels while the sun is shining!

For more details, visit Thyrocare.com

Creating Awareness about Diabetes Prevention

Who is not aware about this lifestyle inflicted condition? Diabetes mellitus (better known as ‘Diabetes’) has become a common disease of the present generation affecting old and young alike. While we have “Type 1 Diabetes” which is related to less or no production of insulin; there is “Type 2 Diabetes” which is majorly caused due to a resistance developed in the body to utilize insulin for effective management of blood sugar levels. Also, there exists a third type - termed as “Gestational Diabetes”, a condition in pregnant women due to increased levels of blood sugar.

Type 2 Diabetes - A major health concern worldwide

Yes! The rate at which this non-communicable disease is growing, it has become a major health concern around the globe! But how do we cope with it? What is the cause for so many of us to succumb to this ‘sweet-killer’? 
Well, by large, it is our life style to be blamed for! The present generation is more indulgent in fast foods and all that the appears appealing to their ‘taste buds’. This trend has very well contributed in giving rise to obesity which eventually forms a major risk factor towards type 2 Diabetes. 
Again technological advancements aimed at making our lives simple, less labor-intensive and less tedious has got us humans to become completely dependent and less physically active.

How to prevent Diabetes?

More of physical activity
Get into a habit of regular exercise. Physical activity and exercise helps in losing weight and hence lower blood sugar levels. Moreover, regular exercise boosts your immunity which again keeps a tab on your sugar levels.  

Include fibrous foods in diet
Increase the amount of fibrous foods you consume. Fibrous foods take more amount of time in digestion and hence contribute in lessening the chances of shooting up your blood sugar levels. Also, they keep you full for a longer periods, lessening binge eating habits. Fibrous foods again lower risk of heart diseases and promote weight loss.

Whole grains the best bet!
Have more of whole grains foods in your diet as these aid in reducing risk towards diabetes. Whole grains also help to manage the blood sugar levels; so ensure to look at the label on that bread you buy to check if it made from whole grains.

Lose weight!
Being overweight equally increases your risk towards diabetes. Thus, losing that extra pound will not only decrease your diabetes risk but will also contribute to get you a healthy and fit body!

Make healthier choices
Keeping a check on the carbs and maintain balance of fats, proteins helps efficiently managing your weight and thus decrease diabetes chances. Excluding foods with more unhealthy carbs and white flour and include foods with more of fiber content. Instead of driving, walk that little distance from your home to the supermarket. Lessen intake of fast foods post working hours and go for healthy snacks like boiled sprouts, whole grain biscuits, etc. 

Prevent the ‘sweet-killer’ before it silently creeps into your life. Cause if it does, it will bring many afflictions along...

For more information, visit Thyrocare.com