High blood pressure (or hypertension) is a health condition that becomes more common as we age. Could something as simple as taking a vitamin D supplement help with its management? The answer is promising, and our endocrinology specialists in East Chicago, Indiana are going to explain it to you below.
Vitamin D is crucial for your heart health and blood pressure management.
Vitamin D is well known for supporting strong bones because it helps the body absorb calcium. Did you know that it also supports your heart and blood vessel health by regulating your blood pressure?
If your body does not get enough vitamin D, you could be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure.
Unfortunately, obesity and aging can make it harder for the body to produce and use vitamin D efficiently. Older adults tend to spend less time outside in the sun, their skin does not produce as much vitamin D as it used to, and their diets also lack enough vitamin D in most cases. All these factors can contribute to high blood pressure.
Older adults with obesity face some unique challenges in managing vitamin D levels.
If you are carrying extra weight, your body is going to use vitamin D differently. Fat cells absorb vitamin D and store it, so there is less available for the body to use. This is called sequestration, and it can make it hard to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D even if you are eating right or spending time in the sun.
This makes it extra hard for older adults with obesity to keep their vitamin D levels at a healthy range. Low levels of vitamin D can raise blood pressure, while obesity itself makes it harder to correct the deficiency. This is why people in this group should always monitor their vitamin D levels. With improvement in these levels, they may be able to lower their blood pressure.
Important findings from a study on vitamin D and blood pressure in older adults.
A recent study to see if vitamin D could help lower blood pressure included 221 older adults with obesity, who were divided into two groups. One group took a commonly recommended daily dose of vitamin D (600 IU / day), while the other group took a much higher dose (3,750 IU / day). Both groups continued to do this every day for a whole year.
The results were encouraging as both groups saw their blood pressure go down.
But what surprised researchers was that the higher dose did not work any better than the lower dose. In other words, you don’t need to take large amounts of vitamin D to see any improvements in your blood pressure. In fact, sticking to the standard recommended dose is safer and works just as well.
How do you safely use vitamin D?
Before you start taking vitamin D supplements, you should talk to an endocrinology specialist in East Chicago, Indiana. An endocrinology specialist can check your vitamin D levels with a simple blood test and recommend the right dosage for your body. Taking too much vitamin D can cause health problems like kidney stones or calcium buildup in your blood, so it is always best to get a doctor’s advice beforehand.
You should also keep in mind that vitamin D alone is not enough to control high blood pressure. You will get the best results by combining vitamin D with other healthy lifestyle changes like eating less salty food, keeping your weight in a healthy range, and exercising regularly.
Consult a specialist about vitamin D and blood pressure.
Managing high blood pressure can be stressful and challenging, especially when it is complicated by obesity and the natural aging process. This is where an experienced endocrinology specialist in East Chicago, Indiana can help you.
These doctors are trained to understand how your hormones, weight, and heart health all work together. With their training and experience, they can create a personalized plan to help you manage your blood pressure and monitor your progress along the way.
Looking for an Affordable Endocrinology Specialist in East Chicago, Indiana?
Are you looking for an experienced endocrinology specialist in East Chicago, Indiana who can help you manage your blood pressure and overall health? If so, 219 Health Network is here for you. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule a visit with one of our specialists.