Further Reading

Tuesday, 24 December 2024

How sunlight and vitamin D can help with mental illness

 Vitamin D receptors exist throughout your brain, affecting mental health by regulating neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation. Deficiency is linked to depression, anxiety and psychosis.

Mental health patients show higher rates of vitamin D deficiency, caused by reduced Sun exposure, obesity and other factors.

Studies show vitamin D supplementation improves depression symptoms, particularly in elderly and adolescent patients. Optimal blood levels range from 60 to 80 ng/ml.

Safe Sun exposure remains the best source of vitamin D, but those consuming seed oils should wait four to six months after elimination before increasing Sun exposure; if regular Sun exposure isn’t feasible, vitamin D supplementation may be necessary.

Protective strategies for safe Sun exposure include taking astaxanthin (12 mg daily), using niacinamide cream, pre-exposure baby aspirin and molecular hydrogen supplementation.

Vitamin D receptors are not just limited to your skeletal system for bone health – they’re also present in various brain regions like your hippocampus, substantia nigra and cerebellum.

This hints at vitamin D’s key role in neurological development and the functioning of your nervous system. When your body lacks sufficient vitamin D, it disrupts neurotransmitter release, affects neurotrophic factors and impairs neuroprotection.1

These disruptions are linked to mood and behavioural changes, contributing to psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety and even psychosis. Moreover, vitamin D helps modulate inflammation, which is often elevated in mental health disorders. This is why optimising your vitamin D levels is important for both physical health and maintaining your mental well-being....<<<Read More>>>...