Among all nutrients Vitamins A and D are arguably the most thoroughly researched vitamins. These vitamins are noted for antioxidant effect, benefit to the eyes, immune function, aid to physical growth and development, and protection from infections. Vitamin D, in addition, performs a critical function of regulating the immune system, preventing autoimmune diseases and particularly yeast infections.
Vitamin D
is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in
very few foods like the flesh of fish such as salmon,
tuna, and mackerel, fish liver oils. Small amounts of
vitamin D are found in beef liver, cheese, and egg
yolks. Other foods, like milk, are fortified with this
vitamin and it is also available as a dietary
supplement. It is naturally produced in the body in the
presence of sunlight when ultraviolet rays from sun fall
on the skin. Vitamin D is promotes calcium absorption in
the intestines and maintains calcium and phosphate
concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone.
It is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling.
Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin,
brittle, or misshapen. Together with calcium, vitamin D
also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.
Vitamin D has other roles in human body, including
immune function and reduction of inflammation.
In many
critical illnesses, especially, of the gastrointestinal
tract like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis,
patients become deficient in vitamin D. This deficiency
probably makes the patient more susceptible to yeast
infections.
Chronic
fatigue syndrome is also caused by deficiency of Vitamin
D. vitamin D has a half-life of two months in the human
body. Subsequently if a person gets less sunlight the
amount of vitamin D goes on declining consequently
affecting the functioning of his immune system, making
him an easy prey to yeast infections. Deficiency of
vitamin D is also known to cause fatigue. As chronic
fatigue sets in, the muscles of the gastrointestinal
tract too are affected, reducing transit time, and
causing food in the intestines to decay. This along with
the wet and warm environment of the intestines makes an
ideal condition for yeast to proliferate leading to
yeast infection.
Yeast
infection is a very complex syndrome and deficiency of
vitamin D may only play a small part in its etiology.
Taking massive doses of vitamin D will not cure a yeast
infection overnight. This article is just to highlight
the importance of balanced diet in health and prevention
of infections. Treatment of yeast infections is best
done through holistic approach. Lifestyle changes, good
diet habits, exercise, weight reduction, stress
management, nutritional supplementation are some of the
aspects which the holistic practitioner will counsel on.
This will improve overall health keep you disease free
for a long time.
