(NaturalHealth365) No doubt, these days, it’s all too common for people to be suffering with a vitamin D deficiency and/or thyroid disorder.  But, why is this happening and, more importantly, what has to change – immediately.

First, let’s ask a few important questions: Are you overweight or obese?  Do you spend a lot of time indoors and always slap on sunscreen when you go outside?  And, perhaps most importantly, do you live in a higher latitude location?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions – you’re at a higher risk of a vitamin D deficiency – which is estimated to affect at least 41% of Americans.  In addition, another 20 million Americans are living with a thyroid disorder – and 60% of them don’t even know it.

Now, you may be wondering, what’s the connection?

A new study reveals that something as simple as a vitamin D supplement can positively impact a common thyroid disorder (Hashimoto’s disease) – a promising revelation for people struggling with the effects of this autoimmune condition.

New research: Thyroid disorder can be overcome with vitamin D supplementation

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s disease, is the most prevalent autoimmune disorder and affects 130 million people worldwide.  It occurs when the thyroid – a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in the neck – is gradually attacked and destroyed by a person’s own immune system.

This can lead to decreased thyroid activity (the gland is heavily involved in hormone production) and result in problematic symptoms like fatigue, constipation, bradycardia (slow heart rate), cold sensitivity, weight gain, joint and muscle pain, and more.

Conventional treatment for Hashimoto’s disease include synthetic hormones – which can be expensive and riddled with short-term and long-term side effects.

In a May 2019 study published in the journal Hormone and Metabolic Research, a team of researchers set out to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on a group of women with Hashimoto’s. They randomly divided 42 women into an experimental group and control group.

The experimental group received 50,000 IU of vitamin D weekly over the course of three months; the control group received a weekly placebo pill.

By the end of the study, the researchers found that patients taking vitamin D had a significant reduction in certain antibodies and hormones which are normally elevated in Hashimoto’s disease.  The authors rightly note that “further well controlled, large, longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether it can be introduced in clinical practice,” but their data does give support to the notion that a safe, simple, natural vitamin D supplement may help manage this common and often debilitating disease.

Are you deficient in vitamin D? Look out for these 6 telltale signs

Research tells us that adding just one or two supplements to your lifestyle may not be enough to garner positive effects on your health. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients work synergistically, so it’s in your best interest to investigate your specific needs and deficiencies and address them with a combination of quality supplements.

For example, people with autoimmune dysfunction, this can include magnesium, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Again, keep in mind, a vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common – at least 41% of Americans have it, as do 82% of African-Americans and almost 70% of Latino Americans.  Given that vitamin D plays a key role in hundreds of biological processes (including, as we’ve seen, proper thyroid function), it makes sense that people should prioritize vitamin D in both their supplement routine and their diet (in foods like fish and eggs).

Wondering if you or your loved ones are deficient in this critical vitamin? Here are 6 signs and symptoms to look out for:

1. Frequent fatigue
2. Frequent illness (you “always” get sick during cold and flu season)
3. Back pain and muscle pain
4. Depression
5. Slow wound healing
6. Hair loss and bone loss

Bottom line: As we often say at NaturalHealth365, don’t guess, test.  A simple blood test will reveal if you are deficient or not.  And, of course, if you are deficient – it may be best to work with an integrative healthcare provider to see what’s best for you.  But, just don’t ignore the problem.

Editor’s note: The NaturalHealth365 Store offers the finest quality vitamin D supplements on the market.  Click here to learn more.

Sources for this article include:

Dr-Rath-foundation.org
NIH.gov
Healthline.com
Thyroid.org