Chronic headaches may mean a vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin, as the body produces it when we are exposed to the sun. However, a lack of this vitamin can result in symptoms such as headaches.

Many people in the northern hemisphere are unaware that they can actually be experiencing a vitamin D deficiency, especially as the cold winter months have very little sunshine. Express reports that vitamin D deficiency can lead to symptoms like severe chronic headaches.

A study regarding this subject found that men who lacked vitamin D were more than likely to experience chronic headaches at least once a week. It also bears noting that men from the northern hemisphere reported getting more headaches from the months of October to May, at the time when levels of vitamin D are much lower in this part of the world. While it is unclear why a lack of vitamin D may cause headaches, researchers theorize that the vitamin may also have anti-inflammatory properties along with nerve-related pain.

Experts recommend that children one-year-old and above, as well as adults, need 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day. Pregnant and or breastfeeding women need this amount as well, including those who are at risk of a vitamin D deficiency. People who are often indoors, work in an institution, and people who cover up most of their skin when outside are at risk of a vitamin D deficiency.

Fortunately, being able to get all the vitamin D recommended is easy. Along with exposure to sunlight, there are foods rich in vitamin D and vitamin D supplements. Fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese, and other fortified foods are good sources of vitamin D.

While restoring vitamin D levels is good, too much of it can lead to symptoms that can be problematic. Another report reveals that too much vitamin D supplements can lead to what experts call vitamin D toxicity and some of the symptoms that can occur when this happens are frequent urination.

Too much vitamin D can lead to the blood retaining a little too much calcium which results in a condition called hypercalcemia. Among the symptoms of hypercalcemia, include frequent urinating, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, disorientation, confusion, and double thinking.