Lockdown = no sun? Fix the Vit D this way

Apart from the stress, anxiety and other mental issues that it has brought upon us, the lockdown has had another effect on physical health. It is causing VitaminD deficiency among people because stuck indoors, they are not getting enough sunshine. So if you've been getting persistent back and joint pain, feeling tired or low all the time, it may be because of this.
Our body manufactures VitaminD when we are out in the sun. So experts are suggesting VitaminD and Vitamin D3 supplements to make up for the lack of exposure to sunshine. Hema Bhatia, an orthopaedic specialist from Delhi, says, “VitaminD helps regulate phosphate and calcium thus boosting bone health, however, they also help in building your immunity. VitaminD deficiency, a common issue among city dwellers, needs more attention in the lockdown given that the sun exposure is missing or is limited, as we are spending a lot of time indoors.”
Dr Ruprekha Ganguly, nutritionist, stresses that given our houses/apartments in the urban areas are constructed in such a way that it seems impossible for sunlight to enter them.
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"Every second person is suffering from a deficiency of Vitamin D and the lockdown period has only made it worse. VitaminD isn't just important for your bone’s health but also for your immunity. So apart from eating the right meals, you should start with VitaminD supplements that are easily avoidable in medical stores, irrespective of whether you have the symptoms (Vit-D deficiency) nor not, till the lockdown," she adds
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY: LOOK FOR THESE SIGNS
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Lethargy and tiredness Joint and back pain Mood swings/feeling blue Muscle pain Headache Hair fall EAT THE RIGHT FOOD
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In the lockdown, it has become all the more important to have foods loaded with VitaminD. "Animal and dairy products like paneer, cheese, fish, egg yolk, yogurt and fortified cereals are rich sources of the sunshine vitamin," Dr Ruprekha .
HOW TO GET THAT SUNSHINE
- If your residential area permits, go for a run/jog around 7-10 am.
- Spend 20-30 mins in your balcony space in the mornings. Sit, read or simply exercise.
- Keep windows open in the morning for sufficient natural sunlight to enter.
- Set up your workstation in a corner that gets the maximum sunlight in the first half of the day.