I heard a rumor that some people noticed taking Vitamin D supplements significantly helped their stomach issues. Even before I started doing any research on why that might be, a lightbulb went off in my brain. My parents live in Colorado, but I did my undergrad in Florida. Every time I started to make progress gaining weight while I was at school, I would go home and struggle to simply maintain weight. It is incredibly frustrating. But after hearing this rumor, I considered it is simply that I have a lot more time in the sun in Florida which could be raising my vitamin D levels while at school. Okay, so how does this have anything to go with my stomach pains?
Turns out vitamin D plays a role in controlling inflammation. It helps in this by regulating transcription of certain genes. These genes then go on to play various roles depending on the gene. One of these genes helps to stop inflammation which certainly can help with pain and general uncomfortableness of the intestines. Some studies also suggest that vitamin D can help with bloating, diarrhea, and constipation in those with IBS.
Vitamin D’s most researched and understood role is its control of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. Thats why when you think of this vitamin, you think of bones. But there are actually some other connections to be aware of such as a possible connection with eczema, fatigue, frequent colds, back pain, muscle weakness, and more. The wide range of effects vitamin D has is a big reason why it deficiencies are often misdiagnosed.
You can get vitamin D from your diet, from sunlight, and from supplements. It can be difficult to get all the vitamin D you need just from your diet, but there are some things to know about getting some from sunlight and supplements. First, sunlight also causes sunburns. So, ya know, be careful with that. In terms of supplements, there are two forms you can get: Vitamin D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 is ergocalciferol which comes from plants, Vitamin D3 is cholecalciferol and comes from animals. D3 is suggested over D2 because it is what naturally occurs in our bodies and therefore our body makes use of it a bit better.
Checking your vitamin D levels is a good first step in determining if taking supplements could benefit you. Your doctor will also be able to provide dosage information and, not that vitamin D is expensive, but you might be able to get a prescription to help with cost. If you have experience with vitamin D helping you please leave a comment or email me to share your story.
If you’d like to try a supplement, I recommend this one made by Sports Research: Vitamin D. The coconut oil makes for better absorption, it is reasonably priced, and has a 5 star rating. Click the link below to be redirected to Amazon.
Fecal Matters 