The Brain And Vitamin D: A Relationship You Should Know

The brain and vitamin D have a relationship that not everyone knows. It is known that a lack of this vitamin impacts cognitive level and our neuronal aging. Consequently, we are facing a neuroprotector that goes far beyond its role in the quality of our bones or in our ability to synthesize numerous minerals.

There are many people who suffer hypovitaminosis D without knowing it. In fact, it is estimated that almost 60% of people between 50 and 60 years experience a lack of this type of steroid. Especially, the elderly population suffers it by 80%. If this is so, it is mainly due to two very specific reasons.

Low levels of vitamin D are associated with cognitive decline and with premature aging.

The first is that as we mature and grow older, we stop synthesizing it so easily. The second is due above all to our habits of life. Vitamin D is synthesized through the skin and thanks to sunlight. We can also obtain it through diet, especially with dairy products.

Now, due to our jobs or even as we get older, we go out less, we stop receiving the sunlight naturally. And in case we also don't like milk, in general milk or certain fish, will undoubtedly accumulate less and less vitamin D until little by little, we will show a very specific symptomatology.

Let's see all the data below. 

The Brain And Vitamin D: The Quality Of Our Cognitive Processes

Difficulty concentrating, memory loss, difficulty in reasoning, to draw conclusions, to retain new information... All of them are processes that can be affected by the lack of vitamin D. They are neurological symptoms that are sometimes overlooked and they aren't always related to this lack.

In general, every time we talk about this vitamin, we associate it with calcium, with the resistance of our bones and with the appearance of osteoporosis in case of not maintaining optimal levels. Now, the relationship between the brain and vitamin D has been known for a few decades, when it was discovered, for example, the large number of processes that regulate this element so essential for our well-being.

• It is known, for example, that vitamin D activates and deactivates enzymes in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and nerve growth.
• Additionally, this vitamin protects neurons and reduces inflammation. 
• A study conducted by neuroscientist David Llewellyn at the University of Cambridge showed that at lower levels of vitamin D, people showed worse results in tests of agility and mental performance. 
• The ability to process information becomes slower and more difficult. 

As we see, sometimes, something as simple as lacking a vitamin can directly impact our brain health.

Symptoms Of The Lack Of Vitamin D

If we lack vitamin D, we most likely don't notice the symptoms at first. Moreover, the lack of this vitamin is sometimes attributed to other disorders and conditions, and even to simple aging. Now, one of our personal objectives should be careful to invest in a good aging, in a good quality of life where we take care of our cognitive processes, of the health of that brain that like a fabulous muscle can reach advanced ages in good shape.

Let's see now what possible symptomatology is associated with hypovitaminosis D:

• Fatigue. 
• Muscular weakness. 
• Hip and back pain. 
• Problems to concentrate. 
• Memory losses 
• Problems with retaining new information. 

How Can We Prevent The Lacking Of Vitamin D In Our Body?

The pharmaceutical and food industry, also aware of this relationship between the brain and vitamin D, launches products enriched with this dietary source. So, it is more than common to find from milk, yogurt or even cereals where vitamin D is already present.

However, let's see other sources which always have good levels of vitamin D.

• Take the sun every day for half an hour (avoiding the central hours where the sun's rays are harmful). 
• Salmon.
• Eels.
• Tuna. 
• Sardines 
• Oysters.
• Chanterelles (a type of mushroom).
• Shiitake mushrooms. 
• Cheese. 
• Milk. 
• Eggs.
• Chickpeas. 
• Almonds.
• Broccoli. 
• And Seaweed agar, etc.

To conclude, given that the relationship between the brain and vitamin D is evident, let's not hesitate to consult with our doctor to find out if we suffer any lack. Before resorting to vitamin supplements on our own, it will always be more advisable to have the advice of good professionals or implement any food that contains it in the diet.

Having good levels of this element will allow us to even have a stronger immune response and even a more resistant mood to face the difficulties and daily stress. Even though, don't neglect the importance of a good and correct diet.