Since we've turned to the New Year, many of us are experiencing cold and snow. If that's you, you may have noticed that your joints are fussing more than usual. There are several reasons for that.

Atmospheric pressure can cause tendons, joints, and ligaments to expand slightly. That can cause pressure on nerves which translates to pain. Scientists can't determine exactly how temperature, humidity, and outside pressure can cause joint discomfort to increase, but many people notice the difference. When I was young, I recall adults saying they could predict the weather according to how their joints were reacting.

Today, we'll look at some things that may be helpful. In weather changes, most people tend to stay inside at home, work, classes, etc. Depending on where a person lives, they may not see much sunshine for days. The sun warms body parts and transfers its energy to tiny oil glands in the skin. However, in winter, most people don't expose much of their body to the sun.

Vitamin D3 works almost like a hormone and causes continual and amazing chemical dances between cells, organs, glands, and systems. Let's look at what happens when the sun shines on the skin of our arms, legs, backs, or fronts. Cholesterol, an oily substance produced by skin glands, goes through a series of chemical changes involving the liver and kidneys as well as the skin. The end result is that it turns cholesterol into Vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 is of vital importance to the body. Although it's used in a myriad of ways throughout the body in many organs, glands, cells, and systems, we'll focus on how it's important to the structure of your bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints.

Studies show that a deficiency of D3 plays a role in the pain of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A lack can also cause bones to soften and become weak. In children, the result is called rickets. In adults, it's called osteomalacia.

I remember years ago seeing an older man with bowed legs. In my ignorance, I thought he got them from horseback riding. Later, I realized it was a symptom of deficiency.

So, what are the other symptoms of deficiency of Vitamin D3? They can vary between people because of their life experiences, dietary habits, and possibly genetics. Fatigue may come on the heels of joint and muscle pain and weakness. They can have numbness in various body parts such as hands and feet. They may have difficulty breathing or other respiratory issues. It can even affect their emotions causing seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Some people resolve SAD by getting light therapy lamps. The light also helps reset the melatonin production in the brain. There is evidence that LED lamps may increase the production of Vitamin D3. They also increase serotonin production in the brain which may brighten the mood and heighten alertness as well. If you're interested in getting a lamp, Verilux HappyLight Luxe has been recommended.

Vitamin D3 works with calcium and phosphorous. They all work as a team in providing strong bones and joints. Since this vitamin has a strong antibacterial effect there is less likelihood of infection playing a role in joint pain.

If a person has type 1 diabetes, irritable bowel disorder, or rheumatoid arthritis, supplementation with vitamin D3 may help correct those problems as well as ease joint pain.

Synovial fluid is the rather thick, somewhat sticky fluid that helps cushion joints. If a person has been diagnosed as having "bone on bone," they likely have very little to none of this precious substance protecting the areas where the bones are meant to slide with ease.

Increasing the use of dark green, leafy vegetables, salmon, mackerel, green tea, berries, omega-3 fatty acids (supplements) or flaxseeds can be helpful. The fish also increase Vitamin D3. Studies show that there is a rather high percentage of Vitamin D3 in synovial fluid. That means that it's being used, either in the production of or the maintenance of the fluid.

Another word about light therapy lamps. They do put out electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs). Some people are sensitive to them. However, they do have a limited range of outreach, so it's recommended that a person not have their body exposed nearer than 6 inches. This way they get the benefit, but not the detrimental effects of the EMFs.

If you have any symptoms of D deficiency, realize that D2 is not the same. It is put in irradiated milk and a number of foods and supplements. It's cheaper to manufacture, but the body knows. It rejects it as an imposter.

I liken this and some other vitamin look-a-likes to looking into a mirror. The image moves when you move, but it has no life of its own.

Consider taking supplements if you don't want to get a lamp and can't afford a vacation to land in the sun. There is some dispute as to dosage. An adult would take a much greater amount than a child. Women may need more than men. (Is this because of the amount of sun exposure? Perhaps.) Darker-skinned people may need more than those who are more fair.

Today's guidelines indicate that 400-800 International Units (IU) is about right for most adults. However, there are many experts who dispute this and believe that we need 2,000-5,000 IU a day. They cite it as being an oil and, therefore, may be hard on the liver. There seems to be no real evidence of this.

Some alternative doctors have had excellent results with higher doses, especially when treating certain types of cancer, and immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, breathing disorders, and irritable bowel problems.

If you're interested in supplementation, here are some sites with helpful information. Healthline.com. A far more conservative site is Webmd.com. Dr. Eric Berg has comprehensive information, (drberg.com) as does Dr. Joseph Mercola
https://www.mercola.com")(Resources for More Information on Vitamin D.

Let's Stay Healthy!
Nancy L. Pidutti, PhD (NHH), RN, Hospital Chaplain, Author