The truth is many of us are seriously lacking an adequate supply of vitamin D. Part of it is due to our spending less time in the sun, and when we do, we tend to be slathered up with sunscreen. You see, sunlight is responsible for producing vitamin D in our bodies. If we're not exposing our skin to the sun's rays, then it's only natural we're deficient in this essential nutrient.
Why is vitamin D so important?
Well, according to Cedric Garland, MD, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Diego, an estimated 50,000 cases of colorectal cancer could be prevented yearly if only Americans had sufficient levels of D in their systems. Additionally, vitamin D significantly reduces the chance of developing other cancers (breast, skin and prostate), as well as cuts the risk of heart attacks in men by as much as 50 percent.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to other physical disorders/diseases as well, including:
- stroke
- adrenal insufficiency
- Alzheimer's disease
- allergies
- autoimmune disorders -- i.e. multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis
- diabetes types 1 and 2
- gluten intolerance
- lectin intolerance
- hypertension
- infertility
- learning and behavioral disorders
- tooth problems
- osteoporosis
- rickets
- Parkinson's
- PMS
- psoriasis
- osteoporosis
This past summer researchers at Aberdeen University found a possible link between obesity and vitamin D deficiency. Wouldn't it be nice to find out some of our fat problems could be resolved simply by taking a supplement?! According to Dr. Helen MacDonald, from Aberdeen's department of medicine and therapeutics, "Obese peole had less vitamin D and the link between obesity and vitamin D deficiency was statistically significant."
So how does a lack of vitamin D in pregnant women affect their babies? I am particularly concerned about the findings here. According to studies conducted at Oxford University, springtime babies were more in danger of developing multiple sclerosis than babies born in the fall. The conclusion that was reached is that summertime pregnancy results in higher sunlight-induced vitamin D levels in the moms.
Apparently the birth-month effect is particularly strong in Scots, with a stronger link developing the further north you are, as Scotland is known to have a serious lack of sunshine.
Pregnant moms need a sufficient amount of vitamin D in their systems to ensure proper bone growth and strength for their growing infants. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the need for additional vitamin D supplements. Your pre-natal vitamins may not be enough, and even though this essential nutrient is found in eggs, milk and oily fish, chances are you're not getting enough simply through your diet. Keep in mind your body cannot absorb calcium without vitamin D.
One way to determine if you are vitamin D deficient is to put pressure on your sternum. If the pressure results in pain, there's a good chance you are seriously in need of a supplement.
How much should you take? Here's where experts differ. Within the past year the amounts have climbed significantly, with an average recommendation at 2,000 IUs for adults and 1,000 IUs for kids. Pregnant women need even more, but do not do anything without careful research and a conversation with your doctor!
Remember how simple life used to be? We spent hours on end poolside in the summer and a fair amount of time outdoors even in the winter. But that was before two-income households, Wii, TiVo, pay-per-view, Facebook, and...oh yeah, fear of skin cancer.
Keeping it healthy,
Hana
looks like I will be poolside this summer!!
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