Feeling exhausted, moody, achy, and sick all the time?
It might not be “just life.” It could be Vitamin D deficiency.
My Battle With Vitamin D Deficiency
For months, I felt like my body was slowly shutting down.
I was tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep.
Random aches and sharp pains would flare up in my back and legs.
I fell sick with every passing cold and flu.
Even my mind felt foggy and heavy — like someone had dimmed the lights inside my head.
Every doctor visit treated a symptom, not the problem.
Until finally, one smart doctor ran a simple blood test — and boom, there it was:
Severe Vitamin D deficiency.
Correcting it wasn’t instant — it took months of supplements, diet changes, and careful monitoring — but slowly, my energy returned.
The cloud of sadness lifted. The weird pains eased.
I felt like me again.
If any part of my story sounds familiar, please: get tested. It’s such a small thing with such a big payoff.
Vitamin D: The Unsung Hero of Calcium Absorption
One of Vitamin D’s most critical jobs?
Helping your intestines absorb calcium — the mineral your bones desperately need.
Without enough Vitamin D:
- Calcium absorption drops dramatically (Harvard Health).
- Your body steals calcium from your bones to keep your blood levels stable (NIAMS).
- This weakens your bones over time, leading to conditions like osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults and rickets in children.
“Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen.”
National Institutes of Health
It’s not just about stronger bones.
It’s about keeping your entire skeletal foundation solid so you can walk, run, play, dance — live— without crumbling.
The Vitamin D–Depression Connection
It’s not in your head.
(Okay, technically it is, but you know what I mean.)
Studies have shown a strong link between low Vitamin D levels and depression:
- Vitamin D receptors are found in areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.
- It influences neurotransmitters like serotonin — our “happy chemical” (Science Direct).
- Deficiency has been associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms, especially in those with chronic illnesses.
“Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a higher risk of depression.”
– Annals of General Psychiatry
When my Vitamin D was at rock bottom, it wasn’t just my body that hurt — it was my spirit too.
I was moody, sad, and disconnected.
Once my levels normalized, the world felt a little lighter, a little easier again.
Why Vitamin D Deficiency Happens (and Who’s at Risk)
- Lack of Sun Exposure: Housebound life = low D.
- Dark Skin: More melanin = slower Vitamin D production.
- Obesity: Fat cells hoard Vitamin D like dragons hoard gold.
- Age: After 65, your skin makes less Vitamin D.
- Medical Issues: Celiac disease, Crohn’s, kidney and liver disorders disrupt Vitamin D absorption and activation.
- Certain Medications: Steroids, laxatives, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and seizure medications can all lower Vitamin D levels.
Symptoms That Should Make You Go “Hmm…”
- Frequent illnesses or infections
- Chronic fatigue
- Bone/back pain
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Depression or anxiety
- Slow wound healing
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
How To Know For Sure
The blood test you need:
25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D).
- ≥20 ng/mL: Normal
- 12 to <20 ng/mL: Insufficient
- <12 ng/mL: Deficient
How I (Slowly) Climbed Out of the Deficiency Hole
1. Supplements:
Prescribed Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplements — dosage based on my bloodwork.
Two types are available: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol)
D3 is usually better absorbed.
Important: Always check with a doctor before starting supplements!
2. Sun Therapy:
I moved out of my apartment which barely got any sunlight to an east facing apartment which had plenty of it in the early hours.
Early morning sunlight — 10-20 minutes, face, arms, and legs exposed.
3. Food Choices:
Adding to my diet chart:
- Fatty Fish: Salmon, sardines, tuna
- Fortified foods: milk, cereals, plant-based milks, tofu
- Mushrooms (UV-treated)
- Pastured eggs
4. Follow-Up Bloodwork:
Testing every 3–6 months to track progress.
Vitamin D: Not Too Little, Not Too Much
Warning:
High doses of Vitamin D can be dangerous.
Vitamin D toxicity causes calcium buildup in the blood (hypercalcemia), which can lead to nausea, vomiting, weakness — and even kidney stones (Cleveland Clinic).
Always work with a doctor for the right dosage.
Disclaimer
This blog post is based on my personal experience and research and is intended for informational purposes only.
It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific situation, supplements, and dosages.
Real Talk
If you’re tired of being tired…
If you’re done feeling “off” and don’t know why…
If you’re tired of doctors side-eyeing you like you’re a hypochondriac…
Please check your Vitamin D.
It changed my life. Maybe it’ll change yours too.
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