What is hyperhidrosis and how does it affect daily life. Can excessive sweating be a sign of an underlying condition. How is hyperhidrosis diagnosed and treated. Are there natural remedies for managing excessive sweating. Is hyperhidrosis genetic or related to weight. What are the psychological impacts of hyperhidrosis.

Demystifying Hyperhidrosis: The Excessive Sweating Condition

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that goes beyond what’s necessary for normal thermoregulation. This condition affects approximately 5% of the global population, though this figure may be underestimated due to underdiagnosis and misunderstanding of the condition.

There are two primary types of hyperhidrosis:

• Primary hyperhidrosis: This form has no known cause and is believed to be idiopathic.
• Secondary hyperhidrosis: This type is a result of an underlying medical condition or a side effect of medication.

People with hyperhidrosis typically sweat 4-5 times more than the average person, regardless of temperature or activity level. This excessive sweating can significantly interfere with daily activities and quality of life.

Recognizing the Signs of Hyperhidrosis

How can you tell if you have hyperhidrosis? The condition is characterized by excessive sweating that:

• Occurs regardless of temperature or physical exertion
• Interferes with daily activities
• Causes social anxiety or embarrassment
• Affects specific areas such as hands, feet, underarms, or face

If you experience these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

The Causes and Types of Hyperhidrosis Explained

Understanding the underlying causes of hyperhidrosis is crucial for proper management and treatment. While the exact cause of primary hyperhidrosis remains unknown, several factors have been identified that may contribute to its development.

Primary Hyperhidrosis: The Mystery Sweating

Primary hyperhidrosis, also known as idiopathic hyperhidrosis, has no clear cause. However, researchers have identified several potential contributing factors:

• Genetic predisposition: Many individuals with hyperhidrosis have family members who also suffer from the condition.
• Overactive sympathetic nervous system: This may lead to excessive stimulation of sweat glands.
• Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormone levels may influence sweat production.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis: When Sweating is a Symptom

Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs as a result of an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of medication. Some conditions associated with secondary hyperhidrosis include:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Menopause
• Certain types of cancer
• Nervous system disorders

Medications that may cause excessive sweating as a side effect include some antidepressants, hormone treatments, and certain pain medications.

Diagnosing Hyperhidrosis: From Symptoms to Clinical Tests

Diagnosing hyperhidrosis typically involves a combination of clinical observation and specific diagnostic tests. How is hyperhidrosis diagnosed? The process usually includes:

1. Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any factors that worsen or alleviate the sweating.
2. Physical examination: The affected areas will be visually inspected for signs of excessive sweating.
3. Starch-iodine test: This test helps identify the specific areas affected by excessive sweating.
4. Paper test: A special type of paper is used to absorb and measure the amount of sweat produced.

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to rule out underlying conditions that could be causing secondary hyperhidrosis.

The Role of Dermatologists in Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Dermatologists are typically the primary specialists involved in treating hyperhidrosis. They are well-versed in the condition and can provide a range of treatment options, including:

• Prescription-strength antiperspirants
• Oral medications
• Iontophoresis treatments
• Botulinum toxin injections
• Surgical interventions in severe cases

Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis: From Natural Remedies to Medical Interventions

While there is no cure for hyperhidrosis, various treatment options can help manage the condition effectively. These range from natural remedies to medical interventions.

Natural Approaches to Managing Excessive Sweating

Can hyperhidrosis be managed naturally? While scientific evidence is limited, some individuals report success with the following approaches:

• Iontophoresis: A drug-free treatment using tap water and mild electrical current
• Dietary changes: Avoiding trigger foods like spicy dishes or caffeine
• Stress reduction techniques: Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
• Natural antiperspirants: Using ingredients like witch hazel or sage

Medical Treatments for Hyperhidrosis

When natural remedies aren’t sufficient, medical treatments can provide relief. These may include:

• Prescription antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride
• Anticholinergic medications to reduce sweat production
• Botulinum toxin injections to temporarily block nerve signals to sweat glands
• Microwave thermolysis to destroy sweat glands
• Surgical interventions like sweat gland removal or sympathectomy in severe cases

The Psychological Impact of Hyperhidrosis: Beyond Physical Discomfort

While hyperhidrosis is primarily a physical condition, its impact on mental health and quality of life can be significant. How does hyperhidrosis affect psychological well-being?

• Social anxiety: Fear of visible sweat stains or handshakes can lead to social withdrawal.
• Depression: Chronic embarrassment and self-consciousness may contribute to depressive symptoms.
• Low self-esteem: Difficulty managing the condition can negatively impact self-image.
• Occupational challenges: Excessive sweating may interfere with job performance or career choices.

It’s crucial for individuals with hyperhidrosis to seek support, both for managing the physical symptoms and addressing the psychological impact. Mental health professionals can provide valuable strategies for coping with the emotional aspects of the condition.

Hyperhidrosis and Lifestyle: Managing Excessive Sweating in Daily Life

Living with hyperhidrosis requires adapting various aspects of daily life. Here are some strategies to help manage the condition:

Clothing Choices for Hyperhidrosis

• Opt for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton or specialized athletic wear.
• Choose darker colors or patterns to minimize visible sweat stains.
• Consider using sweat shields or absorbent undershirts.

Hygiene and Grooming Tips

• Use antibacterial soap to reduce odor-causing bacteria.
• Apply antiperspirant at night for better absorption.
• Keep a change of clothes handy for emergencies.

Dietary Considerations

Can diet affect hyperhidrosis? While research is limited, some individuals find relief by avoiding potential trigger foods such as:

• Spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Processed foods high in sodium

Staying hydrated is crucial, as it helps regulate body temperature and may reduce the need for excessive sweating.

Debunking Myths: Common Misconceptions About Hyperhidrosis

There are several misconceptions surrounding hyperhidrosis that can lead to misunderstanding and stigma. Let’s address some of these myths:

Myth: Hyperhidrosis is Just a Sign of Poor Hygiene

False. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition unrelated to personal cleanliness. Individuals with hyperhidrosis often maintain excellent hygiene in an attempt to manage their symptoms.

Myth: Excessive Sweating is Always Related to Obesity

While obesity can exacerbate sweating, hyperhidrosis affects individuals of all body types. Weight loss may help some people, but it’s not a cure for primary hyperhidrosis.

Myth: Hyperhidrosis is Just a Cosmetic Issue

Hyperhidrosis can significantly impact quality of life, affecting social interactions, career choices, and mental health. It’s more than just a cosmetic concern.

Myth: There’s No Effective Treatment for Hyperhidrosis

While there’s no cure, numerous effective treatments are available to manage hyperhidrosis symptoms, ranging from over-the-counter products to medical interventions.

The Future of Hyperhidrosis Treatment: Emerging Research and Therapies

As our understanding of hyperhidrosis grows, new treatment options are being explored. What does the future hold for hyperhidrosis management?

Genetic Research

Scientists are investigating the genetic factors that may contribute to primary hyperhidrosis. This research could lead to more targeted treatments in the future.

New Drug Therapies

Pharmaceutical companies are developing new topical and oral medications specifically designed to treat hyperhidrosis with fewer side effects.

Advanced Surgical Techniques

Minimally invasive surgical procedures are being refined to provide long-term relief for severe cases of hyperhidrosis.

Wearable Technology

Innovative devices that can detect and prevent excessive sweating are in development, offering a potential non-invasive management option.

As research progresses, individuals with hyperhidrosis can look forward to more effective and personalized treatment options. In the meantime, working closely with healthcare providers and exploring existing treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Do you suffer from hyperhidrosis / excessive sweating

Understanding hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is highly misunderstood, in fact, many don’t even know that excessive sweating is a medical condition with a name! We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, and provided you with the answers.

What is hyperhidrosis?

• Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by sweating in excess of what is needed for thermoregulation.

What causes hyperhidrosis?

• There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis has no known cause. Secondary hyperhidrosis is named so as it is secondary to another medical condition or a side-effect of a medication.

Is hyperhidrosis serious?

• Primary hyperhidrosis is a benign (non-serious) condition. Secondary hyperhidrosis can signify an underlying medical condition or can be a side-effect of a medication. Consult a healthcare professional to rule out secondary hyperhidrosis.

What is the difference between primary and secondary hyperhidrosis?

• Primary hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that has no known cause. Secondary hyperhidrosis is secondary to another underlying medical condition or can be a side-effect of a medication.

How do you know if you have hyperhidrosis?

• Those with hyperhidrosis sweat 4-5 times more than others no matter the temperature, or their level of activity. If sweat interferes with your daily life and ability to complete tasks, you likely suffer from a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis.

What causes hyperhidrosis on hands?

• Palmar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating on hands) has no known cause. It is thought that there may be a genetic factor, but not much more is currently known.

Does hyperhidrosis go away with age?

• Primary hyperhidrosis is generally diagnosed sometime before young adulthood. Some report that they see improvements as they age, while others experience it during their whole life. Secondary hyperhidrosis may have a later onset in life, as it is caused by underlying medical conditions and can be a side-effect of a medication. Some may experience a decrease in sweating with age, while some may sweat more as time goes on. It’s a case to case basis.

How do you fix hyperhidrosis?

• Hyperhidrosis has no cure but can be successfully treated and its symptoms can be controlled for long periods of time. Iontophoresis, antiperspirants, injections, and thermolysis are some of the treatment options available for hyperhidrosis.

How do you get tested for hyperhidrosis?

• Generally, primary hyperhidrosis can be visually diagnosed. A doctor can also perform a starch iodine test to discover how much an individual is sweating in certain areas and narrow it down to the sweat glands/areas affected.

What type of doctor treats hyperhidrosis?

• Dermatologists are generally the type of doctors that treat hyperhidrosis, as it is a condition affecting the skin. They can prescribe oral and topical treatments to treat hyperhidrosis.

How common is hyperhidrosis?

• It is estimated that hyperhidrosis affects at least 1 in 20 people, or 5% of the global population. This number is thought to be even lower than the actual prevalence as hyperhidrosis is a misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition.

Is excessive sweating a sign of diabetes?

• Excessive sweating can be a symptom of diabetes. This is called secondary hyperhidrosis. Consult a health professional if you have any concerns.

What is excessive sweating a sign of?

• Excessive sweating can be a sign of primary hyperhidrosis. It can also be the sign of an underlying condition or a side-effect of a medication, this is called secondary hyperhidrosis.

Can hyperhidrosis be cured naturally?

• Iontophoresis is a natural, drug-free, and needle-free treatment option for hyperhidrosis that uses tap water. Some have reported some success with natural treatments such as acupuncture and herbal teas.

Is hyperhidrosis a mental disorder?

• Hyperhidrosis is a condition that affects the sympathetic nervous system, which causes the body to release more sweat than is needed for thermoregulation. It can take a mental toll on a person, and is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Can losing weight help hyperhidrosis?

• Eating a well balanced diet and following an exercise schedule can help with overall health and potentially help with sweating. However, people of all sizes suffer from primary hyperhidrosis, and there is no evidenced correlation between the two.

Is hyperhidrosis genetic?

• The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown, however hyperhidrosis is thought to have a genetic component. Those who suffer from the condition will often find they also have a parent, grandparent, and/or sibling who also suffer from hyperhidrosis.

Is there a pill to stop excessive sweating?

• There are some prescription oral medications such as glycopyrrolate that can be prescribed to treat excessive sweating. These pills can have serious unwanted side effects. Speak to a healthcare professional to see if this is the treatment for you.

Can excessive sweating be a symptom of heart problems?

• Excessive sweating can be a result of an underlying condition (secondary hyperhidrosis). This can include heart problems, so if you have noticed a sudden onset or change in your sweating levels, consult your doctor.

How do I stop hand hyperhidrosis?

• There is no “off switch” for hyperhidrosis, nor is there a cure that can permanently stop hand hyperhidrosis. However, sweating can be temporarily halted using iontophoresis treatment, which can provide up to 6 weeks of dryness at a time.

Is there a permanent cure for hyperhidrosis?

• There is no permanent cure for hyperhidrosis, although there are a lot of treatment options available such as topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, injections, and prescription medications.

Can hyperhidrosis be cured?

• Unfortunately, hyperhidrosis cannot be cured, but it’s effects can be successfully managed with the proper course of treatment.

What triggers hyperhidrosis?

• Excessive sweating can happen anytime, anyplace even with the absence of known sweat triggers. However, exercise, hot temperature, and stress can trigger excessive sweating.

Is hyperhidrosis caused by anxiety?

• Anxiety can both be a cause and symptom of excessive sweating. Stress and anxiety can trigger “stress sweating” and make hyperhidrosis sufferers sweat even more.

Does primary hyperhidrosis go away?

• With proper treatment, the effects of primary hyperhidrosis can be controlled, but there is no cure, therefore it never truly goes away. Many experience a decrease in sweating as they age, but that is not the case for everyone.

How is primary hyperhidrosis treated?

• Primary hyperhidrosis can be treated with antiperspirants, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, prescription oral medications, and microwave thermolysis.

How is secondary hyperhidrosis treated?

• Secondary hyperhidrosis is the result of an underlying medical condition or a side-effect of a medication. By treating the underlying condition or identifying and stopping/swapping the sweat-causing medication, the excessive sweating may subside as a result.

What medications cause secondary hyperhidrosis?

• Secondary hyperhidrosis as a side effect is sometimes called drug-induced hyperhidrosis. Some medications known to cause excessive sweating as a side-effects are certain antidepressants, anti-psychotics, medications to treat Parkinson’s disease, some opioids and antimicrobial medications.

What autoimmune disease causes excessive sweating?

• Excessive sweating, especially night sweats, can be a sign of an autoimmune disease. Consult a health professional if you experience any sudden health changes accompanied by excessive sweating.

How do you get tested for hyperhidrosis?

• Most doctors will perform a visual test to diagnose hyperhidrosis. A starch iodine test can also be performed. Primary hyperhidrosis is not always officially diagnosed.

Why do armpits get sweaty?

• Overactive sweat glands in the underarm region is called axillary hyperhidrosis, and many visually diagnose themselves.

At what age does hyperhidrosis stop?

• There is no age that hyperhidrosis stops. For some, hyperhidrosis gets better as they get older, but some have it as a life-long condition.

When should I see a doctor about excessive sweating?

• If excessive sweating is interfering with your daily life, you should see a doctor to discuss treatment options. If the sweating has a sudden onset or starts after taking a prescribed medication, you should also see your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions and discuss sweating as an unwanted side-effect.

Why do my armpits sweat so much even when I’m not hot?

• Sweating excessively in the armpit region may be a sign of hyperhidrosis: constant and uncontrollable sweating. Hyperhidrosis means no “trigger” such as temperature is needed to make your body start producing excess sweat.

Does shaving armpits reduce sweat?

• Heavy sweaters should consider shaving their armpits as treatments such as antiperspirants and iontophoresis work better on clean & shaven underarms. Shaved underarms can also reduce body odor emanating from the armpits as sweat tends to get lodged in the hair of the armpits and facilitates the production of bacteria.

Will I sweat less if I drink more water?

• It is important to stay hydrated and drink the recommended amount of water daily. Maintaining proper hydration can help you sweat less.

Does caffeine cause excessive sweating?

• Caffeine can trigger your adrenaline and sweat glands, therefore you are more likely to sweat after consuming caffeine.

Do I sweat a lot if I’m overweight?

• The amount you sweat depends on several factors such as age, sex, fitness level, genetics, and body mass. Those with a higher body mass are more likely to sweat more as their body generates more heat.

What vitamins help with sweating?

• Diets rich in vitamin B and magnesium are thought to help reduce excessive sweating. Maintaining a proper diet with all the required vitamins and minerals is crucial for your health, and can reduce sweat. When you sweat several vitamins and nutrients are depleted, so it’s important to up your intake, especially if you sweat excessively.

What foods reduce sweat?

• Water-rich foods that help you maintain proper hydration can help you sweat less. Cold foods and beverages can also help your body cool down and therefore help you sweat less.

Does Vitamin D make you sweat?

• Vitamin D does not make you sweat, but a lack of Vitamin D, as well as a diet lacking in vitamins and minerals, can lead to excess sweating.

What mineral or vitamin deficiency causes excessive sweating?

• Excessive sweating may be a sign of several vitamin deficiencies, such as Vitamin D and vitamin B12.

What can I drink to stop sweating?

• Maintaining proper hydration and avoiding caffeinated drinks and alcohol can help you sweat less. Picking cold over hot drinks can also help your body cool down and sweat less.

What foods cause excessive sweating?

• Foods that require more energy from your body to break down, can generally trigger a sweating response as your body heats up due as it breaks down food. These include highly-processed foods and protein-rich foods. Hot and spicy foods, as well as caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can equally trigger a sweat response. There is also a type of hyperhidrosis called gustatory hyperhidrosis that is triggered by eating.

Reproduced from Dermadry.com
By SAM NARDI / 18 Sep 2020

Dermadry Total for hyperhidrosis.

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Get rid of excessive sweat by adding these vitamins to your diet

Summer time can be a pain, especially for people who sweat excessively. Although sweating is essential as it helps your body cool down or even to flush out the body’s toxins to an extent, excessive sweating can be uncomfortable, irritating, and even embarrassing for some. Sweating after a workout is quite natural, but if you tend to sweat too much due to exposure to heat or by being nervous or sick, you can do with a few tips to avoid it. A key factor to adjust is your diet as a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals can also lead you to excessive sweating.

Of course, there are the usual tips to reduce sweat – wear comfortable clothing, use antiperspirants, but dietary changes like consumption of water-dense fruits and veggies, are also important, according to Dr Swathi Reddy (PT), Consultant Physiotherapist and certified diet counsellor and MIAP, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru.

“Apart from this, there are certain vitamins and minerals which can be added to your diet that will help regulate your body temperature and control the sweat.”

That means sweating can come under control by eating right and healthy.

Improve your diet if you sweat a lot! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

1. B complex vitamins

These are essential as they perform the crucial function of maintaining and regulating the nervous system. They have an impact on our energy levels, cell metabolism, and brain function as well. When your sympathetic nervous system overreacts to stress, you start sweating. This happens because of the deficiency of vitamin B in the diet. It will cause over-sensitivity to anxiety, tense and stressful situations, leading to excessive sweating. Deficiency can also cause night sweats. Proper intake of vitamin B will ensure the nutritional support required to control this.

Foods like meat, eggs, poultry, green vegetables, beans, dairy products, legumes, nuts, etc can be rich sources of vitamin B. You can also take Vitamin B supplements along with vitamin B-rich food items.

Also, read: 6 foods to reduce sweat and improve body odour this summer

2. Vitamin D

One of the earliest symptoms of vitamin D deficiency is excessive sweating, especially a sweaty head. Lack of vitamin D will also cause fatigue, bone pain, muscle cramps, and depression.

Vitamin D deficiency can increase amount of sweating. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

You can regulate your vitamin D levels by consuming fatty fish, dairy products like milk and cheese, mushrooms, foods fortified with vitamin D, etc. However, sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. Exposing yourself to sunlight for around 20 mins before 11 am every day can help you increase your vitamin D levels.

3. Magnesium

When you sweat, you naturally lose magnesium. Excessive sweating can lead to magnesium deficiency. This will increase your stress levels and in turn cause even more sweating and loss of magnesium. Increasing your intake of magnesium will help to balance your levels thereby reducing the sweat to some extent.

Sources of magnesium include almonds, pumpkins, spinach, and soya beans to name a few.

Magnesium is a very important mineral that your body needs. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that helps in regulating body temperature and can help in suppressing sweat levels. Dairy products, soya beans, green leafy vegetables, and nuts can help in increasing calcium levels in the body. Vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium in our body.

Sure, sweating is good for your body because it does help you detox but if you want to avoid excessive sweating, make sure your diet is rich in these vitamins and minerals.

Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention KhMAO – Ugra

Normally, sweat glands produce about one and a half liters of secretion per day. With hyperhidrosis, this amount can be released in an hour. Therefore, it is important to normalize the work of the sweat glands, find out the causes of the pathology and designate a treatment regimen.

With heavy sweating in the body, there may be a lack of vitamin B1, which supports the functioning of the nervous system. Often, the disease becomes one of the causes of disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and predisposes to the appearance of pustular and fungal infections, scuffs.

Types of hyperhidrosis

The disease is classified depending on the causes, course, prevalence. Classification of pathology helps to choose the right therapy.

The primary form mainly develops in early childhood, although it may first appear in an adult. The causes of the disease have not been established, but most researchers believe that excessive sweating is simply transmitted at the genetic level – at least 40% of patients indicate that their parents also have local or general hyperhidrosis.

Usually, increased sweating occurs at the time of emotional overstrain, excessive physical and mental effort. In men, the primary form of the pathology is less common than in female patients, and increased sweating affects the armpits, face, hands, and feet. As a rule, the stronger sweat secretion stands out on the right side of the body.

The secondary form of the disease occurs due to a provoking disease. For example, in the presence of cardiovascular pathologies, diabetes, poisoning and infections. Excessive sweat production is noted both in separate areas – palms, armpits, and throughout the body.

Risk groups

About 2% of the world’s inhabitants are familiar with excessive activity of the sweat glands. Women are more likely to develop hyperhidrosis. This is associated with increased sensitivity and emotionality, as well as changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy, menopause and in a number of diseases. It is also important to note that the sweat glands in the axillary region work most actively at a transitional age, and after 50 years the functioning of all the glands of the body, including sweat glands, falls, so people in this group rarely suffer from hyperhidrosis.

Symptoms and psychological consequences

In most people suffering from pathology, a seasonal form is determined. In this case, excessive sweating worries a person during the onset of heat. The main symptom of the disease is almost constantly increased humidity of the whole body or in local areas with a local form of hyperhidrosis. Sweat can stand out in drops, drain in trickles, wet spots in the armpits on clothes indicate a problem.

Increased and uncontrolled sweating provokes social isolation of a person. Discomfort is experienced not only by the patient himself, but also by the people around him, since the repulsive smell and clothes with wet spots are simply unpleasant for most.

In addition to fungal infections, hyperhidrosis can cause other diseases – dermatitis, pyoderma, diaper rash, hydradenitis – acute inflammation of the sweat glands. A timely visit to a doctor will help to avoid such complications in order to identify the main cause of the pathology and prescribe the correct treatment.

Hyperhidrosis is curable

An integrated approach is important here, including medication, physiotherapy, injections of certain drugs. Therapy options are selected based on the degree of violation, the area of ​​localization of increased activity of the sweat glands, general discomfort. Do not be shy about your condition, feel free to contact a specialist who will certainly help restore a sense of confidence and a state of comfort.

Irina Lazareva

general practitioner Nyagan City Polyclinic

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Since childhood, our parents and doctors told us: “Take vitamins. Eat this – there is such and such a vitamin. Drink this – there’s something!”.

And in fact, they said, not without reason: vitamin deficiency can seriously affect health. Today we will talk about one extremely important vitamin – vitamin D .

What signs indicate its deficiency, how serious is the problem, what can be done to increase its consumption?

What are the most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

1. You sweat profusely. Sweating is, of course, completely normal, especially if you’ve just completed a run or a very hot day. However, if you’re sweating too much or for no reason, it could be a sign that you’re deficient in vitamin D.

2. Your bones are often said to break. As we age, joint pain and aching bones become common, but bone pain can be a symptom of vitamin D deficiency. Surely you’ve heard that strong bones need Ca. But only it will not help you much without vitamin D, because it is vitamin D that contributes to the absorption of the amount of Ca necessary for bone tissue growth, and the absence of Ca causes weakening of the bones, known as osteomalacia. This disease can lead to bone tenderness, which can lead to fractures and bone disease, including osteoporosis.

3. Your muscles hurt: You notice that your muscles hurt after a workout and the pain doesn’t go away long enough. But this is normal because physical activity causes microscopic tears in muscle tissues. It takes some time for them to recover. However, if your muscles start to ache after even a small amount of exercise and the pain persists for a long time, then you may be deficient in vitamin D. In addition, pain can occur throughout the body, and this depressing condition is called fibromyalgia. It happens that it turns a person’s life into a real nightmare.

4. You are constantly getting sick: ARVI is the fourth or fifth time in a year. Perhaps a lack of vitamin D prevents your immune system from working properly.

American researchers have found that vitamin D not only helps keep bones healthy, but also that cells of the immune system are able to activate when exposed to vitamin D. Therefore, people with autoimmune diseases can receive vitamin D treatment during cold and flu season.

5. You don’t have enough energy: It’s only 4 p.m., and you have leaden eyelids, and you don’t have enough strength to barely get up from the table. Is this condition familiar? Involuntarily, the body “requires” a cup of coffee, but despite the pleasant taste of coffee and a surge of vigor after it, using this drink all the time is not the best way out of the situation.

This state can be explained by a lot of reasons, for example, you stayed up late the day before. But vitamin D deficiency can also be to blame. If you feel unusually tired every day and can’t get over it, you may want to discuss this with your doctor.

6. Cuts and bruises take a very long time for you to heal: it seems to you that small wounds and bruises heal and take longer than usual. There may be several explanations for this:

– smokers notice slow wound healing due to low blood O2 levels caused by the habit;

– slow recovery of the skin can also be caused by vitamin D deficiency;

– If you have diabetes and you notice that your wounds have begun to heal for too long, pay attention to the level of vitamin D in the body.

European scientists and medical professionals, including clinical nutritionists, believe that vitamin D can positively influence and stabilize blood glucose and cholesterol levels! Patients with diabetes often have problems with both, so in this case, to maintain health, it is necessary to monitor the level of vitamin D.

7. You notice that your hair falls out more than usual: the average person loses 50 to 100 hairs a day. Does it scare you? But if you’re vitamin D deficient, you’ll start to lose a lot more, at least enough to make sure you pay attention to it. However, genetics and other disorders can also be the culprit.

Vitamin D is added to some medications for hair loss. But if you have serious hair loss, it is better to see a doctor and find the “roots” of this problem.

8. You can’t get rid of depression – this is no joke. Many people struggling with this disease experience lack of appetite, fatigue, and in some cases even physical pain. But how can vitamin D be linked to depression? Quite seriously, as strange as it sounds. According to PsychologyToday, vitamin D is the only vitamin that is also a hormone. When taken orally or through the skin, it releases the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which have a strong effect on brain function.

By investigating the effects of vitamin D on depression, scientists have found beneficial effects in areas where the disorder lives. Because of this feature, treatment that includes a dose of vitamin D may help some people treat both depression and other anxiety disorders. Of course, depression has many different causes, and each case is unique. But, if you suffer from depression or anxiety, try talking to your doctor about a possible vitamin D deficiency.

So, now you know what to look for in case of vitamin D deficiency.

So what can be done to get more of it and prevent the body from being deficient again in the future?

You can start, for example, with food rich in this vitamin. The list of foods containing vitamin D includes:

– fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, sardines, and cod liver;

– oranges, orange juice;

– cheese;

– soy, goat milk;

– egg yolks;

– mushrooms;

– kelp;

– beef liver, turkey.

In addition to including these foods in your diet, you can also get vitamin D by walking more outside. According to the European Arthritis Foundation, spending 10-15 minutes in the sun can restore your vitamin D stores, and all you need to do is sit by an open window on a sunny day. That’s why southerners tend to have strong teeth and bones! The main thing is not to forget about the dangers of sunlight.

Never self-diagnose, even if you have one of these symptoms. Always check with your doctor before taking any vitamin supplement. The doctors of the sanatorium “Victoria” (Moscow region) can also help you with this. Despite the fact that vitamin D is just a vitamin, it can also be harmful. No wonder there is an expression: beyond measure. Too many vitamins is also bad. Vitamin D overdose is rare, but be careful about how much you take. Symptoms of a vitamin D overdose include nausea, constipation, and confusion, among others. In the sanatorium “Victoria”, by the way, you can easily take the “25OH Vitamin D total” analysis, which your doctor can prescribe.