Here’s another reason to get some sun: people who live in places where they get more sun were less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Most likely, the good effect comes from the Vitamin D the sunshine helps the body create.
Stated another way, Vitamin D deficiency likely increases your chance of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, where the body attacks itself with inflammation causing injury and pain. In this instance, it attacks the joints (usually). That Vitamin D could help prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis falls in line with other research that has found a correlation between Vitamin D and a better functioning immune system. It also makes sense because Vitamin D is anti-inflammatory.
Not getting enough sun, not eating a diet rich in Vitamin D, or being overweight can contribute to Vitamin D deficiency.
Besides possibly contributing to problems like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Vitamin D deficiency can weaken bones and muscles, causing pain and possibly deformity.
You can get more Vitamin D by spending 15 minutes in the sun (plus or minus, depending on your skin tone, latitude, and altitude), eating Vitamin D fortified foods, and taking a supplement.
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