You have heard about my Vitamin D supplement journey. Now, it is time to dig into this a little deeper. In this post, I would like to break down the basics of this hormone, the role it plays in the body and how a supplement can be beneficial.
Disclaimer: It is important to note that I am not a medical doctor nor do I claim to be. I am offering this information based upon my own research, experience and at the advice of my own primary care physician. I encourage you to do the same.
Hormone vs. Vitamin
Certainly when you hear the term ‘Vitamin D’, it is not uncommon to believe that this substance is some type of vitamin or mineral. Well, it is not a vitamin at all. It is a hormone. What is the difference?
According to Vitamin D: Vitamin or Hormone?, a hormone is defined as “…a chemical substance that helps control and regulate different activities in the body.” It is much more than a vital nutrient, but also a substance that helps to optimize various bodily functions to include – bone health, immunity and more. It is essential to our overall health.
Processing Vitamin D
For a comprehensive view of how Vitamin D works in the body, consider watching this video from the Institute of Human Anatomy. The host does an excellent job of breaking down how the hormone is used in the human body. In short, you will see a demonstration of the various processes that the body completes in an effort to process it through the skin.
Vitamin D Deficiencies
This is where I can offer more of my personal experience. Brain fog, body aches (specifically lower back), stubborn belly fat and more are a few of the symptoms I experienced before Black Girl Vitamins D3 and when I stopped after thirty days of consistent use.
Dr. Bobby Price provides a wonderful overview helping us recognize Vitamin D deficiencies in the body.
Increase Vitamin D
If you have viewed any of the resources shared thus far, you are clear that Vitamin D can be made through contact with the sun. In today’s world, how many of us are outside enough to produce this essential hormone? Right!
While we can absolutely increase our levels by increasing our time out in the sun and/or consistent supplement usage, we can also increase our levels by choosing foods that are high in Vitamin D. Examples include:
- Mushrooms
- Fortified Milks/Cereals
- Fatty Fish
Contraindications
Too much of anything can be a bad thing. That being said, it is important to reiterate the disclaimer above and to share a few symptoms of Vitamin D supplement usage:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Kidney stones
- Dehydration
For a more comprehensive list and dosage tables, check out this Medical News Today article.
Spiritualizing
Because it’s what I do, I have to take this to a spiritual level. If you know me, then you know that I am always seeking and identifying parallels between the physical and spiritual realms. Here is what I gather from what I have learned thus far from my Vitamin D journey:
When we are touched by the sun (or Son), our body is able to receive that love/energy and function optimally. Without that love/energy, we are left feeling lost, exhausted, confused and our temples experience physical harm.
Peace and Love.
