Seniors Need Vitamin D
Vitamins are essential to our health. If we don’t get them from food, the alternative is taking a supplement. Some seniors though, do not eat enough foods to get one essential vitamin – vitamin D. They also don’t take a supplement or head outdoors to get it from the sun. This can lead to a long list of health problems such as:
- Broken bones
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disorders
What Does Vitamin D Do?
Vitamin D is the partner of calcium. Without vitamin D, calcium cannot work in the body. This means that it can’t help keep your bones strong and healthy. Without healthy bones, seniors are more likely to fall and break a bone.
With vitamin D, calcium is able to work effectively in the body to ensure it is strong. This reduce fall risks and keeps seniors moving for much longer.
Vitamin D doesn’t only help with the processing of calcium in the body. It also decreases the risk of other illnesses and diseases such as:
- Cardiovascular problems
- Diabetes
- Cancers
Ways to Boost Vitamin D Intake
It’s not difficult to boost vitamin D intake. All you have to do be sure to eat a diet rich in vitamin D. These foods are:
- Oily fish
- Mushrooms
- Fortified cereals
- Tofu
- Daily products
- Pork
- Eggs
- Dairy alternatives
You can also boost your vitamin D intake by going outside on a sunny day. The sun’s rays sends down a good amount of vitamin D. You skin absorbs it and that’s how your body gets it to use it.
You can also take a vitamin D supplement. Seniors up to 70 years old need at least 600 IUs of the vitamin and those 71 years and older need 800 IUs. A supplement that gives you this amount or a little less if you do consume vitamin D rich foods can help you get the adequate amount each day.
Speak to Your Doctor
You should always consult with your doctor if you feel as though you are not getting the essential vitamins and nutrients you need. Your doctor can give you a blood test to see if you are deficient in vitamin D. If you are, he can help you come up with the best course of action for increasing your intake.
Taking Care of Your Body Takes Care of Your Mind and Soul
As a personal consultant, I help seniors improve the quality of their life. The reason I am choosing to focus on the importance of vitamin D here is because it is important to seniors. When they do not get enough of this vitamin, they risk their quality of life. If they should fall and break a bone or two, they may end up with limited mobility. Limited mobility can cause depression. To be able to continue living a healthy and happy life, it’s important to take care of your body, as well as your mind and soul.
For additional assistance, contact Kendall Van Blarcom. A senior heling seniors… You deserve your senior years to be full of joy.
Kendall Van Blarcom
www.KvanB.com
