A high level of vitamin D can cure IBS symptoms and help protect the body from Alzheimer’s, dementia and even depression.
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| The symptoms of IBS can be relieved by vitamin D, it's been revealed |
Suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is unpleasant and embarrassing at the best of times, but there could be a simple way to alleviate some of the symptoms.
A boost of vitamin D can stabilise bowel movements, it's been revealed.
Isabelle Gnany, a Technical Nutritionist at NutriCentre, told NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com there was a direct coloration between getting the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D and relieving the worst symptoms of the bowel condition.
She said: "Studies show that supplementation improves quality of life by stabilising the bowel movements.
Vitamin D seems to also exert beneficial effects on anxiety, insomnia and low mood that is often experienced by IBS sufferers.
"In addition to a healthy diet to promote an increase in levels of healthy bacteria, vitamin D supplementation can help keep inflammation in the gut at bay."
We asked her all about what vitamin D does to your body and to explain the connection in more detail - does it mean we should be sitting out in the sunshine more?
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| This young lady is boosting her vitamin intake with a sit in the sunshine |
How does Vitamin D affect your body
IG: Also known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is essential to our health. Its involvement in supporting bone health arises from the fact that it contributes to the normal absorption and utilisation of important bone minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
A lack of these, affect bone and growth development in children and also put us at risk of developing conditions such as osteoporosis with the occurrence of fractures and falls.
Latest research has found low levels of Vitamin D affect the nervous and psychological system predisposing us to neurological conditions such as to alzheimer’s, dementia or depression.
Lack of vitamin D can also affect our immune system and therefore our ability to fight off bugs or recover from illness.
Vitamin D is an amazing nutrient to support our youthful looks. This coupled with exercise, helps against the effects of ageing. Besides Vitamin D’s ability to maintain normal muscle function, it works as key nutrient for hormonal balance. It has been found to impact on weight loss and cancer prevention amongst others.
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| Having a good diet is essential for a healthy life |
What connection does a lack of that vitamin D have with IBS?
IG: IBS sufferers often have an intolerance to certain foods including fatty substances. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin present high concentrations in fatty fish like salmon eggs of fortified dairy products, which can sometimes trigger bowel spasms. Therefore avoiding the consumption and hence the adequate assimilation of fat, can lead to vitamin D deficiency.
The primary area of absorption of vitamin D is in the (gut), and even when ingested through food, the erratic nature of IBS prevents Vitamin D to be retained.
Further research is still required in this field, despite positive results showing that vitamin D supplementation helps with a multitude of IBS symptoms.
We must remember that Vitamin D has receptors both in the brain and the gut. The receptors are involved with the production of brain chemicals including serotonin. There may therefore be a link between low vitamin D and serotonin with symptoms of low mood, and insomnia IBS sufferers often experience
Does this just mean sitting out in the sunshine for longer?
IG: Not quite! In the UK particularly, the vitamin D that can be obtained through the sunlight is limited as it depends on factors such as the length of exposure, the amount of skin exposed, the time of day chosen and the type of skin.
Fair skin would only need 15 mins a day to produce sufficient vitamin D. However those but with darker skins may need up to 2 hours to make enough vitamin D for the day.
But good news vitamin D can also be obtained through food sources! Examples include salmon, mackerel, liver, sardines, egg yolks and fortified dairy products. Vitamin D can also be obtained through supplements and at Nutricentre, we stock a wide range of those.
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| A lack of vitamin D can lead to being predisposed to such as to alzheimer’s, dementia or depression |
Does this just mean sitting out in the sunshine for longer?
IG: Not quite! In the UK particularly, the vitamin D that can be obtained through the sunlight is limited as it depends on factors such as the length of exposure, the amount of skin exposed, the time of day chosen and the type of skin.
Fair skin would only need 15 mins a day to produce sufficient vitamin D. However those but with darker skins may need up to 2 hours to make enough vitamin D for the day.
But good news vitamin D can also be obtained through food sources! Examples include salmon, mackerel, liver, sardines, egg yolks and fortified dairy products. Vitamin D can also be obtained through supplements and at Nutricentre, we stock a wide range of those.
What are your top tips for staying healthy?
- Eat Well. Keep your diet varied, colourful and balanced. Favour wholefoods which are packed with fibre, nutrients and antioxidants. Don’t forget your regular intakes of protein and healthy fats. Aim to cook from scratch as much as possible.
- Keep your hydration levels up! Water, Herbal Teas, Coconut water.
- Move .Whether it is a walk to the bus stop or an exercise class, moving more and more will help to increase your energy levels, help you cope with the daily stresses of life and lift your mood !
- Be balanced. Listen to how your body feels and reacts. Know how and when to rest when you feel the need to!It is ok to cancel plans last minute, good friends will eventually understand !
- Set yourself goals. The body and mind need to feel challenged .Achieving a set goal gives us this feel good factor. But if you struggle, don’t be harsh on yourself. Look back and see how much you have achieved.
- Surround yourself with those who value your love and friendship. A healthy mind is required for a healthy body and vice versa. Negative emotions can impact on our hormones, sleep, food choices, exercise pattern and the list goes on!
- Expose yourself to a little bit of sunshine on a daily basis! Skin exposure provides us with Vitamin D which helps us maintain healthy bones, teeth, immune system and uplifts the mood.
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