There are many health benefits for the presence of Vitamin D in your body. Many mental illnesses can be treated with Vitamin D. Depression is seen when there is a lack or insufficiency of the vitamin. This is also effective against illnesses such as Seasonal Affective Disorder and dementia. Many health care professionals advocate the use of Vitamin D to ward it off. Vitamin D is a hormone, and not literally a vitamin like the others. The best way to get it is from being in sunlight. There are other sources of it as well such as fish, fortified milk and many dietary supplements.

Types of Vitamin D

You can get the required dose of vitamin D from sun exposure. But too much of it is not good - it can lead to skin cancer. If you want to be in the sun and use a lot of sun block, you might not get the required dosage. Some foods are rich in vitamin D. There are supplements (powders and pills, etc.) also available that can give you the required dosage, thus helping you avoid symptoms like depression.

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D aids the body in absorbing calcium. Calcium is important for bone density. Having sufficient doses of this hormone prevents you from suffering from side effects such as depression.

Common misconceptions about Vitamin D

The risk of anything bad actually happening when one does not take enough of it is extremely low. For this to happen, you would have to actually take a lot of the supplement continuously over many weeks for it to actually reach a level of toxicity.

Depression

Lack of this vitamin has led to becoming a victim of depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder and depression stem from the lack of Vitamin D. Physicians recommend supplements to boost the levels of Vitamin D in a person's body. Supplements are highly recommended for people who live in high altitude climates or in the northern parts of the country, as the level of sunlight is much lower. Vitamins and other natural remedies can be used to help alleviate the symptoms. There are many signs of depression. They can vary from person to person. They can also range from very mild to very severe and anything in-between. Some signs are an increase or decrease in weight, changes in sleeping habits, change in interests, tiredness, fatigue, feelings that no one likes them, nervousness, feelings of guilt and suicidal thoughts.

The Elderly

This particular age group has been shown to lean towards developing dementia, as well as Alzheimer's, due to the lack of the vitamin. Their levels of Vitamin D are much lower than any other age group - this could be partially why the elderly suffer from depression.

Concerns

One has to be careful with the levels of Vitamin D. It is not that simple that the body can metabolize it easily. In some extreme cases, it has led to health issues. There can be health issue with the increased calcium intake. It can also lead to toxicity. In very rare cases, it results in cardiac arrhythmias. The importance of Vitamin D in your diet and daily life is an absolute necessity - allowing your Vitamin D level to drop could cause depression. There are many benefits of this wonder vitamin. Studies have shown that it can prevent cancer and it also helps with osteoporosis. It can help people with mental illness and calm them down. If you want to reap the benefits, consult your physician. All it takes is a blood test to determine you level of Vitamin D. Spending only a few hours in the sun weekly is highly beneficial. If you wear a light sunscreen, you will get all the benefits you need. Your body will naturally absorb these ultraviolet rays. If sun exposure is not possible, then speak to your physician about how you can supplement it. The daily-recommended dosage is about 200 IU per day. This amount offers protection against Mental Illness, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, High blood pressure and many kinds of Melanoma.

Side effects

If you have any of the following side effects, make sure that you let your physician know immediately. Vomiting or any sign of weight loss are reasons to be wary of. A loss of appetite, constipation, weakness of limbs, ache in bones, unusual headaches, itching sensations, a sharp metallic taste in your mouth, regardless of whatever you eat, are all possible signs of toxicity. As always, before you start on any kind of medication, change in diet or supplements, it is always best to speak to your physician before starting on it. This is because they know your medical history and know what would be best for you.