Promote Healthy Aging by Getting Enough Vitamin D
As we age, it becomes ever more important to take care of our bodies. One way to promote healthy aging is by consuming the appropriate vitamins in the right amounts. Among the most important vitamins for seniors is vitamin D. Not having enough in your system has been shown to cause serious health issues. Whether your main source is sunlight, diet, or supplements, getting that boost of vitamin D can help prevent dangerous injuries and conditions.
Why Is Vitamin D Important?
In order for our bodies to have strong bones, we need vitamin D. It's produced in response to sunlight exposure. It helps our bodies absorb calcium, a crucial part of maintaining bone health. Vitamin D also
Helps our muscles function and move
Regulates cell growth
Helps us fight off infections
Assists in carrying messages through the nervous system
Benefits Our Mental Health
Further, Vitamin D is a known source to combat elderly depression and boost mental health. This can have rippling effects into many aspects of healthy aging, from improving quality of sleep to increasing the desire to be social and active.
An Immunity Booster
Vitamin D helps us fight off infections, like the flu, and prevents diseases from taking root. Increased levels of vitamin D are linked to preventing colon cancer and blood cancers. When it comes to healthy aging, vitamin D is an excellent way to keep the immune system strong.
Protect Oral Health
Vitamin D is also an important defense against gum disease and tooth decay. This is partly due to the strong link between vitamin D and our ability to absorb calcium. Without sufficient amounts of vitamin D, our mouth would experience calcium deficiency.
How Does Vitamin D Deficiency Affect Seniors?
Regular sun exposure on bare skin is a great source of vitamin D, but during the colder months, it's harder to obtain. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency can occur anytime throughout the year if our bodies don't receive the proper doses.
With age, certain risk factors from vitamin D deficiency may become more common due to
Less dietary intake of vitamin D
Less time outdoors, leading to less exposure to sunlight
Impaired intestinal absorption
Thinner skin
Studies have shown that seniors with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have physical limitations and are more prone to fractures and injuries after a fall. By incorporating more vitamin D into the diet, seniors are less likely to
Develop osteoporosis and other bone disorders
Lose physical mobility
Lose independence
Develop cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and some cancers
How Do I Get More Vitamin D into My System?
Some great ways to gain vitamin D through our diet include:
Drinking more milk. One cup of milk has 20% the daily value of vitamin D.
Eating more mushrooms. Four or 5 sliced white mushrooms have 50% the daily value of vitamin D.
Cooking up salmon. Three ounces of cooked salmon contain 80% of the daily value of vitamin D.
Eating certain fortified foods such as instant oatmeal, cereal, egg yolk, and orange juice.
Another helpful way to get vitamin D is through supplements.
One tablespoon of a cod liver oil supplement contains 170% of the daily value of vitamin D.
Buying a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D supplements are offered in various amounts through companies such as Nordic Naturals and NatureWise.
Curious about your vitamin D levels? A blood test can tell whether you are getting the right amount of vitamin D. Too much vitamin D can be just as harmful as not enough, so speak with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Healthy Aging at Gateway Living
At Gateway Living, we understand how critical a healthy diet is for healthy aging. That's why we tailor our meals to support our residents' minds and bodies. To learn more about how we support our residents' health, read about our facility online or contact us today.