I am always looking for ways to keep myself and those I care about healthy, strong, and feeling younger. One topic I have been reading up on and talking a lot about lately is the known benefits of Vitamin D and some surprisingly new benefits.
But what exactly is Vitamin D? I am not going to go into too much detail here but I was curious to know and want you all to understand its process in the body. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary to keep our bones, hair, and skin from becoming thin and brittle, and — along with calcium — helps to fight against osteoporosis. Once our body takes in vitamin D, a chemical process takes place in our liver that allows it to be absorbed into our blood.
Vitamin D is an extremely important vitamin for our skin and hair, the strength of our bones, and our overall health and immunity. However, I was really surprised to read that an estimated “one-billion people worldwide have a vitamin-D deficiency”. There is recent and mounting evidence that suggests low levels of the vitamin to an increased risk of type 1 diabetes, muscle and bone pain, and certain types of cancers like breast, colon, and ovarian.
Another recent UF study I just read found that vitamin D-deficient patients were “four times more likely to be COVID-19 positive than those with a sufficient amount of the crucial vitamin.” And that, “People with low vitamin D have a higher admission rate to the ICU”.
I was always told getting 20 minutes of sunlight each day was enough to keep our Vitamin D at optimum levels. So you can imagine how surprised I was to hear from my doctor that my levels were very low. After all, I live in the “Sunshine State”. My doctor told me with higher SPF Sunscreens now being used to protect against skin cancer, and the number of foods naturally rich in vitamin D being very limited (bone broth, egg yolk, and certain fish like salmon, and tuna), many doctors, including herself, are recommending supplementation to maintain adequate vitamin D levels.
I have been taking a daily supplement – Vitamin D3 50mcg (2,000 IU) – for over a year now and though I felt healthy before I definitely notice more energy in the day. If this supplement can also improve the resistance against certain diseases than I think this should be a topic of conversation for all of us to be having.
If you do not know what your vitamin D levels are, talk to your doctor. Find out if adding a daily supplement is recommended for you.
Drop your opinions below. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
*not intended as medical advice.
Source: https://www.humnutrition.com/blog/vitamin-d-deficiency-what-you-should-know/
