Vitamins are significant for the overall function of human body. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and enhances your bone health. This is a naturally occurring vitamin that is your body forms vitamin D after exposure to sunlight. Besides getting vitamin D through sunlight, you can get this vitamin with certain foods and supplements. Vitamin D deficiency can cause numerous side effects.
If your body does not get sufficient vitamin d levels you are deficient. Vitamin D deficiency can cause bone weakening, rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Studies have also revealed that vitamin D deficiency can cause a chronic headache. Men with lowest vitamin D levels are most likely to get frequent headaches.
Sources of Vitamin D
If you have vitamin D deficiency, you should concentrate on consuming foods that are rich in vitamin D like:
- Cheese
- Egg yolks
- Cod liver oil
- Fish including salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel
- Oysters
- Milk (fortified with vitamin D)
- Orange juice (fortified with vitamin D)
- Yogurt (fortified with vitamin D)
- Cereal (fortified with vitamin D)
Side effects of Vitamin D
Too much of anything is good for nothing, increased vitamin D levels can cause side effects. Consult with your doctor and consume an adequate amount of Vitamin D. The common symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Elevated calcium levels, which can cause confusion
- Increased risk of kidney stones
- Dry mouth
- Metallic taste
Vitamin D Deficiency and Headache
There is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and headache. Studies show that vitamin D deficiency can cause chronic headaches, it can also elevate tension-type headaches. Researchers also noticed that people with a chronic headache after taking vitamin D supplements experienced real relief from their headaches.
What is the sufficient vitamin D level?
There are some controversies over the exact amount of vitamin D level required for healthy functioning of human body. The recommended international units for vitamin D are:
- Children and teens: 600 IU
- Adults up to age 70: 600 IU
- Adults over age 70: 800 IU
Depending on your vitamin D levels and other health condition your doctor will determine the exact amount of vitamin D required for you.
People at risk of Vitamin D Deficiency
People who stay indoors and no or less exposure to sunlight as your body can’t make vitamin D from sunlight. Not eating an adequate amount of vitamin D rich foods such as eggs, fish, and cheese are also at increased risk. Elderly people, vegetarians, and infants of a lactating mother with low vitamin D level are at increased risk.
Home remedies for a Headache
Utilize these effective and safe home remedies to avoid and get rid of headache spells.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can also provoke headaches. Consume 2-3 liters of water per day and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.
Drink ginger tea
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce and cures a headache.
Apple
Eat an apple daily to keep diseases at bay. green apple is best for migraine headaches.
Bottomline
Understand that low levels of vitamin D can trigger headaches. Before taking any medication for a headache, find the exact reason for your headache. Consult your doctor with your health conditions and other medications.
