Do you lack energy?
No motivation?
Have the blues?
Short tempered?
Have irritable kids?
I’d like to share with you a few conversations that I have had about vitamin D3. Let me preface a few things. I live in Ontario and the weather isn't always consistant. That said if you are familiar with southern Ontario you would know that you can be in a turtlneck one day and in shorts the next. We really look forward to the 3 months of summer. Clearly being bundled up in our Snuggies we are not getting exposed to enough sunlight. We need vitamin D bad!
If you can answer yes to any or all of the above questions, you probably are deficient in Vitamin D.
I have been asked countless times if I could suggest something that would cheer them up, get rid of a lagging cold, prevent the cold or flu, or give them more energy. My answer to all of these is to supplement with Vitamin D3.
I call Vitamin D “the good mood vitamin.” Not only will it get you more motivated and feeling good it has many prolonged benefits for prevention of disease.
I had to laugh the other day when I was asked, “What is this hot new Vitamin on the market?” Well it’s NOT new and IS essential for overall well being.
So why is Vitamin D receiving so much attention lately? Well a few reasons; first more and more research is being done on the benefits of Vitamin D. With this research also come profit margins, companies that are looking to make a buck. You will notice much more advertisements for products fortified with Vitamin D and its benefits. Now this is really good for you if you do your research. You receive really good information on its benefits and gain the knowledge on how to weed out scams. Your job is to find what works best for you.
We hope to help you along in this process with quick and easy information to follow and understand. It then is up to you to apply and move forward with that knowledge.
Did you know that it is estimated that over 60% of adolescents and adults are deficient, I believe it is even higher in the regions lacking in consistent sunlight. Once you understand the importance of Vitamin D you will see why this is a major health challenge. My goal is to increase your understanding of vitamin D and promote awareness of its connection to health and well-being.
Below are just a few of many testimonials that I have received on supplementing Vitamin D. For a recommendation of a quality product CLICK HERE
Below you will find a few question and answers to support the benefits of vitamin D.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin. I like to call it my good mood vitamin. It is synthesized naturally in the body when skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Vitamin D is a vital nutrient for bone, brain, and immune system health. Many of us, however, don't have enough vitamin D in their bodies.
A mounting body of research suggests that vitamin D may also have antibiotic properties and play a role in reducing the risk of diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers; stalling tumor growth; treating skin disorders; and promoting mental health.
What is the Difference between Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3?
The two forms of vitamin D available as supplements are ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). In humans, vitamin D3 is much more effective, and safer, than vitamin D2. Therefore, if you supplement, be sure that you are taking vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol. D2 has a much shorter shelf life and potency can be an issue.
Why is Vitamin D Important?
Vitamin D helps maintain bone density, healthy bone growth and helps maintain the normal functioning of the nervous system. It is crucially important in aiding the body’s absorption of calcium. Without sufficient vitamin D, calcium supplements are almost useless. Vitamin D insufficiency is a contributing factor of osteoporosis, as calcium absorption cannot be maximized. It has also been found that having a higher intake of vitamin D can help lower certain cancer risks, such as breast, prostate and colorectal cancer.
What are the Effects of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is well known for its role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects, anti-cancer activity and its ability to strengthen the immune system.
What Evidence Exists for the Benefits of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with at least 17 varieties of cancer, along with many other chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and chronic pain.
Where do I get Vitamin D?
The body can make its own vitamin D following exposure to UVB radiation from the sun. Adequate exposure typically requires around 15 to 20 minutes of midday sunlight, 2 to 3 times per week. However, this particular ultraviolet light is not available during the winter months at some latitudes, while other latitudes offer a year-round supply. Those with darker skin will require a longer duration of exposure to sunlight, compared to those with lighter skin.
Remember to protect your skin if you are going to be in the sun for prolonged periods of time. Sensible sun exposure must be balanced against the harmful effects of sunburn.
Supplementation can provide an optimal amount of vitamin D for those unable to spend sufficient time in the sun. There are also dietary sources of vitamin D, but it's practically impossible to get enough from food alone. Some examples include fatty fish, egg yolks and fortified milk. To reach even bare minimum levels you would need to drink 20 glasses of milk every day. Not recommended!
Am I Taking Enough or Too Much?
Estimates from current research show that a healthy individual uses around 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day. The dose needed to satisfy daily demand varies depending upon sun exposure factors, age and weight. Generally, older people need more than younger people, and those who are overweight need more than those who are normal weight.
Fortunately, there is a wide gap between the level of supplementation that will guarantee optimal vitamin D status and the level that could lead to toxicity. Research has shown that vitamin D toxicity may occur following long-term intake of around 40,000 IU daily; whereas, toxicity is unlikely with a daily intake of 10,000 IU or less. While it is true that most individuals do not need a dose of 10,000 IU per day, it's good to know that vitamin D has such a wide margin of safety.
What can affect Vitamin D levels?
Many in the medical profession are beginning to recognize that people who take cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are becoming vitamin D-deficient. Cholesterol is required by the body to synthesize vitamin D and statin drugs are responsible for eliminating it, leading many to speculate that statin drug users do not have enough cholesterol to process vitamin D
What are some Food Sources of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is found naturally in few foods. Good sources include cod liver oil and other fish liver oils, and fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. Vitamin D is also found in egg yolks, beef liver, cheese and some mushrooms. Some foods are fortified with vitamin D, such as milk and milk products, margarine, bread, breakfast cereals and orange juice but generally is D2 and has a short shelf life and low levels.
Vitamin D is also available as a supplement. It is very difficult to get all the Vitamin D without supplementation, especially if you live in a colder region where you are not exposed to consistent sunlight. If you are looking for a quality Vitamin D3 Click the link below.
VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT
Now that you understand the basics on Vitamin D, it is time to take action and incorporate it into your daily routine.
Have a Healthy and Successul Vitamin D Filled Day!
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