Benefits of Vitamin D
Shared by Dr. Justin Thompson
Thinking well pertains to how we handle stress both physiologically and mentally. There are many links between these two realms of stress. Vitamin D is an example! Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health. Beyond its well-known benefits for bone health, emerging research has demonstrated that vitamin D may also have important implications for mental health. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Some studies have also found that vitamin D supplementation can have a beneficial effect on these conditions.
In a meta-analysis attached below, the effect of vitamin D on negative emotions is explored. Across 25 trials and over 7,000 participants, it was revealed that there is supporting data that vitamin d supplementation can reduce negative emotions. It was most effective in individuals with a vitamin D deficiency and major depressive disorders. Portions of the country are not exposed to enough sunlight due to the frigid temp’s half of the year. These locations are prone to vitamin d deficiency, so it is important those of us living there ensure we are getting enough.
The pooled data from trials of vitamin D supplementation lasting ≥8 weeks and dosage ≤4,000 IU/day indicated that vitamin D had an effect. This is the dosage recommended in our clinics!
At our clinics, we have a large body of research to explain the numerous benefits and its correlations to our body. I just found this relationship cool because I love reading about the different ways we can improve our mental health, and how we can support this in our practices. If you have any questions about vitamin D or ways we can improve our stress management, be sure to ask us! Eating, moving, and thinking well are the foundations to living a life of wellness!
Resources
Cheng YC, Huang YC, Huang WL. The effect of vitamin D supplement on negative emotions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Depress Anxiety. 2020 Jun;37(6):549-564. doi: 10.1002/da.23025. Epub 2020 May 4. PMID: 32365423.
Our Message
When you are looking for a Chiropractor near you that you can trust, choose one who will not only get rid of your back pain, neck pain, or headaches but who will also guide you to living a healthier lifestyle to keep you out of pain. Our McKinney Chiropractors, located near Craig Ranch, near the corner of S. Stonebridge Dr. and Eldorado Pkwy., will teach you what the research says about how and why we should eat a better diet, move more and have more positive thoughts.