The importance of Vitamin D
I have long believed that Vitamin D was vital to life. I didn’t realize how important, until a few years ago during a regular checkup, I found that my Vitamin D level was extremely low. Your vitamin D level should be, according to WebMD, above 12 nanograms/milliliter (ng/ml), and ideally around 50ng/ml. Mine was 5. Yes, you read that correctly, 5nm/ml. You see, I work inside at a desk all day and on my days off, I didn’t really go outside, ever. My doctor put me on Vitamin D supplements immediately.
Why is Vit D important? It helps boost your immune system first and foremost. It allows you to help fight off disease. It also gives you energy. Studies are actually showing that higher Vit D levels can help prevent certain cancers. A study that was performed in 2011 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3081446/) it was found that higher levels of Vit D helped to stave off cancer. No, it does not cure it. However, studies are finding that if your levels of Vit D are 60 or above, you are less likely to develop cancer. Note, I did not say you would not get cancer.
In another study “the importance of this hormone in overall health and the prevention of chronic diseases are at the forefront of research.” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356951/) Studies have shown that adequate Vit D helps with weight loss, obesity, common illnesses, etc. If you fill ill, go outside, if possible, for 15-30 minutes, 1 to 2 times a day and see if it helps you start to feel better. Just the fresh air alone should help, but the Vit D that your body is now making will help with your recovery.
What’s the best way to get Vit D? The sun, obviously. By exposing your skin to sunlight, you’ll be able to spark the creation of Vit D. However, during the winter, sometimes it is difficult to get outside if you live in an area that gets heavy storms and lots of cloud cover. In a pinch, you can take Vit D supplements. By the way, my Vit D is not 89, so I only take my supplement when I’m not able to get outside.
#Sunshineheals #VitaminD #VitaminDheals