Vitamin D, likewise called the “sunlight vitamin,” is a crucial nutrient in numerous biochemical reactions in the body. It likewise helps in the absorption of other minerals like calcium, phosphate, magnesium and zinc.
New research has clarified lots of, hitherto unidentified, targets for vitamin D action. Among them are cells in the digestive system, highlighting the function of vitamin D in food digestion, and thus offering remedy for GERD.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Heartburn
To comprehend the function of vitamin D in the development of GERD, let’s comprehend the role of muscle health in acid reflux. The esophagus ends in the stomach via a junction that is safeguarded by a muscular valve referred to as lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
A working LES opens inside the stomach enabling food to enter the stomach. However, an improper relaxation of the LES results in its opening the wrong way, spilling acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus triggering heartburn. LES might open the incorrect way due to numerous reasons, including an accumulation of high pressure inside the stomach. LES might also malfunction due to the weakening of its muscles.
In a 2008 study, Dr. Walter Stumpf, who had actually studied Vitamin D for a number of decades, describes the impact of vitamin D receptors on numerous cells in the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach and the pyloric sphincter.
It is common understanding that Vitamin D is important for the correct functioning of muscle cells. This suggests a shortage of vitamin D in the body can impair muscle cell functioning, consisting of the functioning of the LES in addition to the pyloric sphincter, which guards the lower end of the stomach that opens into the small intestines.
If the pyloric sphincter is weak, material from the small intestinal tracts will return into the stomach. This semi-digested product will then be fermented by bacteria triggering gas development, therefore putting pressure on a currently deteriorated LES. As a result, the LES opens in reverse to enable acidic contents to reflux, causing heartburn.
Low vitamin D levels also hinder absorption of magnesium and calcium, among other minerals. Calcium is an essential mineral that helps in muscle contraction. Low calcium levels hinder proper muscle operating.
Magnesium is another mineral whose abundant levels help keep the digestive system functioning at its optimum. Magnesium likewise helps the pyloric sphincter relax resulting in clearing of the stomach. If the pyloric sphincter stays securely shut (in case of magnesium deficiency, for instance), food remains in the stomach for a longer period, causing its fermentation.
Fermentation causes gas development. This excess gas puts in unnecessary pressure on the LES, which can be another contributing element to the LES opening the wrong way.
Vitamin D acts on muscle cells by means of an exceptionally complex procedure. It manages calcium transportation inside the cell. Calcium plays an important role in the real contraction of muscle fibers. By controling calcium uptake by muscle cells, vitamin D indirectly manages muscle function.
Where Can I Get Vitamin D Naturally?
The simplest method to get enough vitamin D is from sunlight. Sunlight promotes the synthesis of vitamin D from cholesterol in the body.
Apart from it, vitamin D can also be found from particular foods. Dietary sources of vitamin D are:
- Caviar, fatty fishes (cod, salmon, tuna, mackerel).
- Eggs.
- Mushrooms.
- Beef liver.
- Raw milk (and products made from it, like cheese).
How Much of Vitamin D to Take?
The suggested daily requirement of vitamin D for a healthy individual is 600 IU. However, in a circumstance in which nearly half of the adult US population is vitamin D deficient, it is essential to first bring back the vitamin’s levels back to sufficient. This must be done by vitamin D supplements.
A weekly dosage of 60,000 IU of vitamin D (a single dosage once a week) is recommended for around 3 months. After 3 months, it is recommended to obtain your vitamin D3 levels checked.
If they are adequate, you can continue either taking a lower dosed vitamin D supplement (like a multivitamin) or eat foods rich in vitamin D to obtain sufficient quantities of the vitamin.
Is Vitamin D Safe?
Doses as high as 60,000 IU for 3 months are safe. Even doses of around 4000 IU daily are safe. Greater dosages, however, might prove to be risky and result in health complications.
Vitamin D supplementation ought to not be taken (or need to be taken under strict medical guidance) if you are struggling with kidney disease, atherosclerosis, sarcoidosis, histoplasmosis, hyperparathyroidism, lymphoma and tuberculosis.
Vitamin D Good for Heartburn
Adequate quantities of Vitamin D are required for regular bodily functions. This important nutrient supports biochemical working through an exceptionally complicated manner, helping many other nutrients to do their tasks correctly.
The discovery of vitamin D receptors in the intestinal tract has opened up a whole new opportunity of insights in its role in digestive health. Therefore, fixing vitamin D shortage is a safe way of addressing the burning issue of GERD.
Have a Good Day! I Wish You Good Health!
