07 Nov The Delights of Additional Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is a pandemic in the United States, but many Americans, including physicians, are not aware that they may be lacking this important nutrient.
The wellness world talks a lot about Vitamin D for optimum wellness and for the prevention of disease. After reading this article, you will understand why.
Researchers have pointed out that increasing levels of vitamin D3 among the general population could prevent chronic diseases that claim nearly one million lives throughout the world each year!
Vitamin D is Not a Vitamin
Many people think that vitamin D is really a vitamin, but in reality, the active form of vitamin D is one of the most potent hormones in your body, and regulates more genes and bodily functions than any other hormone yet discovered.
Best Source of Vitamin D
We can get vitamin D from foods such as fortified milk and cereals as well as eggs, salmon, tuna and mackerel, but the amounts found naturally in most foods are not significant. Sun exposure is the best way to maintain adequate levels; ultraviolet rays trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. In spite of the ability to make our own vitamin D, most people in the U.S. need to take supplemental vitamin D, especially seniors, as the ability to synthesize it in the skin declines with age.
How Much Do We Need?
Based on research published by Grassroots Health from the D*Action study, the average adult needs to take 8,000 IU’s of vitamin D per day in order to elevate his or her levels above 40 ng/ml — the bare minimum requirement necessary for disease prevention. Ideally, you’ll want your levels to be between 50-70 ng/ml.
Get Tested
The only way to truly optimize your own vitamin D levels is to work with your doctor, take the 25 OH D blood test and then get sun exposure and/or supplement with a dose somewhere in the range of 5,000-40,000 IU, retesting your blood levels after a few months of supplementation.
Symptoms of Low D:
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Muscle pain/weakness/cramps
- Back and joint pain
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Restless sleep
- Getting sick or infected often
- Hair loss
All content and information are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. Check with your physician for recommended vitamin intake.
Before starting any diet regime, check with your physician to see what’s best for you.
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