Wheezing? Perhaps you need some time in the sun

Image courtesy of Olivia Jester

It's been a hot lately here in southwestern Pennsylvania. Really hot. For people like me, uncomfortably hot. I just don't like heat. But at least there's been plenty of sunshine. I try to get out into the sun for at least a little while every day. And I don't slather on sunscreen when I do. Why? Because there are too many health benefits that could be missed if I deprived my skin of absorbing some natural sunlight. It's all about the vitamin D. **Many studies suggest that sunscreen has no affect on the body's ability to absorb vitamin D, however.

While I take 1000 mg of vitamin D daily, I still like to get the added benefit derived from the sun. for years, I suffered from asthma, bronchitis, and bouts with pneumonia. That all stopped for the most part after I discovered Liquid Silver from a company called Innerlight. The colloidal silver was combined with gold, copper, and titanium and it really helped improve my health. After the company closed, I've been floundering to try to find a suitable replacement; so far, to no avail. 

However, the asthma is sporadic. There are a few things I can point to as to the reason why I no longer suffer the way I used to. When I developed asthma in my late 20s, my husband was working at a chemical plant and bringing home the residue on his clothing. I was cleaning with bleach and other chemicals. I was using fabric softener. It's amazing I could breathe at all! After he died, I continued to use the toxic chemicals for laundry and cleaning (I was sooo stupid!) and I was wheezing my way through my days. There were some close calls and some hospitalizations. That's all part of the past now. Thank God.

But what could be the reason for the improvement in my breathing, other than the elimination of most chemicals from my home? It just might be my daily dose of vitamin D. Apparently, a deficiency of this essential vitamin can cause a whole slew of respiratory problems, including asthma, COPD, and upper respiratory infections. The Institute of Medicine recommends 200 IU per day for healthy adults under the age of 50 and 400 IU for older adults (up to age 70). The elderly should up their intake to 600 IU, although Scientific American recommends 800 IU for this demographic.

Wondering if you could be a bit deficient in vitamin D? Ask your doctor. They can order a blood test and let you know for sure.

Heading out into the sun for a bit. 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. These are my opinions based on my own personal experience and on studies I've read.