Sunny-D – Why is Vitamin D so important?

by blog optimumhealthvitamins on August 27, 2013

supplements_sun_and_flowers_sunshine_healthy

We all know that the body creates Vitamin D with sun exposure but with all the mainstream media coverage about skin cancer and wrinkles, are we getting enough?

In order to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels you need to have at least 10-15 minutes of sun exposure, twice per week on your face, arms, hands or back. This doesn’t seem like a lot however sunscreen hinders Vitamin D production. Also if you are dark skinned, it is said that you need 20- 30 times more exposure than those with fairer skin.

So if we’re not getting enough sun, how else do we get the sunshine vitamin?

Surprisingly, vitamin D isn’t readily found in our diet. Commonly found in fortified foods where it is added , the only food sources include some fish, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks. This is why most people who are concerned about their levels of Vitamin D turn to supplementation.

So what does Vitamin D do anyway……?

  • Aids in the maintenance of healthy bones
  • Regulates the immune system
  • May protect against diabetes
  • Lowers the risk of MS
  • Increases brain function as we age
  • Aids in maintaining healthy body weight
  • Helps severity of asthma symptoms
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Protects us against radiation damage
  • Protects against cancer
  • Maintains cardiovascular health
  • Helps with mood / depression

Light bulbDID YOU KNOW... Lower Vitamin D levels are commonly found in cancer patients and peolpe with asthma who use steriods.

With such a wide scope of health benefits I think it is safe to say that we all need to make sure we have enough Vitamin D. Especially in the darker days of winter, Vitamin D supplementation is very important.

Although opinion may vary by doctor or naturopath the recommended daily dose of Vit D is 600IU – 4,000 IU for adults. I take 4,000 IU’s in the winter and drop it down to 2,000 in the summer. When in doubt consult your doctor or naturopath.

You can purchase Vitamin D at Optimum Naturals.

- Heidi

 

This is a guest post from Preferred Nutrition.

 

Topics: Antioxidants, Inflammation, Allergies, Cold and Flu, Immune Support, Guest Blogs, Vitamins, Mood

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