In the fast-paced life, humdrum of the modern lifestyle, pretending dearth of time, present generation are not attending to simple bodily requirements and landing up into major health risks.
‘Vitamin D’ deficiency is emerging as a major public health problem. It can be addressed by adequate exposure of the body to sunlight which is freely and abundantly available in India. Vitamin D deficiency affects almost 50% of the population worldwide. Approximately over one billion people worldwide encompassing all ethnicities and age groups have a vitamin D deficiency (VDD). This pandemic of hypovitaminosis D is the outcome of poor lifestyles such as reduced outdoor activities, air pollution and poor exposure to sunlight. Ultra Violet B rays of the sun on exposure to the skin produce ‘Vit D” in the body.
Vitamin D is a nutrient found in some foods that are needed for health and to maintain strong bones. It does so by helping the body absorb calcium which is one of bone’s main building blocks from food and supplements.
Vitamin D deficiency leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism that causes increased bone loss, osteopenia (weak bones), osteomalacia (soft bones), osteoporosis (brittle bones), and scarcity of ‘ Vit D’ will lead to higher fracture risk. A severe vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and pain.
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin. On exposure of skin to sunlight vitamin D is produced by the body.
Foods rich in ‘Vit D’ are; fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks. It is also found in fortified dairy products, grain products, orange juice, soy milk, cheese, and cereals.
Exposing body (with white half sleeve shirt, Bermuda/half pant) in the morning sun is a good health initiative. “Weak bones, lack of calcium and various skin and hair issues can be solved by morning exposure to the sun”. However, western literature recommend, ideal exposure time between is 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. At least 20–30 minutes of exposure to sunlight is essential.
Adequate Vitamin D in the body can prevent diseases like cancer, rickets, arthritis, heart disease, respiratory disorders, tuberculosis, obesity, depression. etc. Sunlight is a potent energy that produces vitamin D to fight against bacteria and viruses. Sunshine exposure is a mood elevator, increases appetite and reduces insomnia.
Senior citizens particularly women are at higher risk of bone fractures, children suffer from rickets. Allow children to play in the sunshine. To overcome ‘Vit D’ deficiency, all are advised to get exposed to the lord of light ‘SUN’. Hence Suryadevobhava.
Amid lockdown, all are advised to get on terrace/balcony and expose your body to sunlight but maintain social distancing.
By Pramod N Sulikeri.
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