Why Do I Ache So Much?
In spite of our exercising and trying to eat right, some folks still experience aches and pains in their body.
The answer may be that you have a vitamin deficiency; vitamin D to be exact. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is normally absorbed in the small intestine. Vitamin D deficiency is very common.
What does Vitamin D do?
Vitamin D-2, D-3 is stored in your liver. Both vitamin D-2 and D-3 must be metabolized by the liver and kidneys in order to become calcitriol; its active form. When active as calcitroil, vitamin D promotes absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines. We need calcium and phosphorus absorption as these minerals, when incorporated physiologically, help make our bones strong and dense. We need vitamin D therefore in order for our bone formation, growth and repair.
Another component of vitamin D is its ability to assist with our immune function and improving muscle strength. As we age our bodies require more vitamin D. The most common cause of vitamin D deficiency is low exposure to sunlight, although there are certain other causative disorders as well. When calcium and phosphate levels in the blood are decreased vitamin D deficiency results because the body needs vitamin D levels to be adequate in order that absorption of these two minerals exist in the blood. Without enough vitamin D levels in the blood, muscle and bone weakness may occur which could cause pain. Vitamin D deficiency can make osteoporosis worsen.
As a mechanism of defense, our bodies may try to combat the low level of vitamin D by increasing the production of the parathyroid hormone. When this occurs, the hormone draws calcium out of bone to increase its level in the blood, a condition called hyperparathyroidism. This in turn results in weakened bones. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness, aches, and bone pain in people of all ages. Muscle spasms may also occur. Rickets in infants and young children is a consequence of low vitamin D levels.
What Ccan I do if I'm low on Vitamin D?
Our diets rarely contain enough vitamin D to adequately meet our needs. Getting enough direct sun exposure is also difficult, especially in light of the fact that sun screens block the skins ability to absorb vitamin D. If you have a low exposure to direct sunlight and/or an inadequate diet, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Low bone density testing or often having an incidence of fractures may also be indicative of low levels of vitamin D. Ask your physician about blood tests that will measure the level of vitamin D in your blood to find out if you are at risk. It may be that you would benefit from dietary supplementation of vitamin D in order to bring your levels of vitamin D to optimum. All you have to lose is some muscle and bone pain.
Jean McConnell, MS, PT, ATC is the owner of Pinnacle Health Concepts physical therapy located in Boardman, OH. You may reach her at 330-480-9362.