Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?
Scientists say we are clearly not getting enough of this amazing “Sunshine Vitamin,” especially in Canada! Health researchers now know that earlier recommendations for optimal levels of Vitamin D were dangerously low. As a result, many serious health conditions have been linked to chronically low levels of this amazing vitamin that is literally a fat-soluble hormone.
With daily intake of Vitamin D, many Vitamin D deficiency-related health conditions steadily improve. Considered risk-free, nutritionally oriented physicians can recommend an average 1000 IU as the daily supplemental adult dosage. Take it every day with a meal that contains some natural fat. Combined with a daily diet rich in plant-based phytonutrients, polyphenols and antioxidants, Vitamin D has been shown to make a noticeable difference to our energy levels, moods, weights and overall health and wellbeing.
As a fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin D3 is best absorbed in a natural food oil base. The finest organic and virgin cold-pressed olive oil is the preferred oil base. Because Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is more potent and readily utilized by the body, it is the preferred form recommended by nutritional researchers and physicians. Many supplements and most fortified foods are made with vitamin D2, a form that is not properly utilized by the body. Choose Vitamin D3 (the same kind of D vitamin we make with sun exposure) for optimal absorption!
Older Adults with Higher Vitamin D Levels Have Better Physical Performance.
Imagine being balanced and strong your whole life long. Vitamin D helps us do just that. This is the conclusion of a very recent study conducted by Denise Houston, PhD, RD, assistant professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, Massachusetts. Dr Houston and her colleagues evaluated 2,641 older men and women with an average age of 75. A variety of physical function tests were given that included balancing tests, walking a quarter of a mile as fast as possible, and standing up from a chair without using the arm. The researchers found that “those with better vitamin D levels started out better and ended up better on physical performance tests.”
Vitamin D for Strong Bones
We all know that we need vitamin D for calcium absorption and strong bones. That’s old news. The newest research is showing that a lack of Vitamin D also plays a role in preventing many health issues such as asthma, cancer, depression, heart disease, diabetes, and even weight gain.
Aging Increases the Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency
It’s a simple fact that many things change with aging. And Vitamin D absorption is one of them. As we age, our skin cannot synthesize vitamin D from sunshine as efficiently as it once did. And our kidneys are also less able to convert vitamin D into its active hormone form. Since it isn’t all that easy to get enough of the right kind of D from our diet, daily supplementation with Vitamin D3 is absolutely critical for healthy aging.
More Vitamin D, Less Weight Gain?
Menopause can be a challenging time of life, but Vitamin D can help. Most post-menopausal women pack on the poundage up until they reach their mid 60’s. But there is encouraging evidence that taking daily vitamin D and calcium supplementation may diminish that weight gain and even encourage weight loss.
Chronic Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
- Poor mineral absorption (especially calcium)
- SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
- Greater susceptibility to colds & flu
- Weak bones & osteoporosis
- Impaired immune function
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Various cancers
- Fractured bones
- Overweight
- Dementia
Top 10 Reasons Scientists Tell Us to Take Vitamin D Everyday
- Prevent osteoporosis, strengthen bones & promote bone mineralization
- Prevent colorectal cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer
- Modulate immunity & decrease autoimmune diseases
- Support normal functioning of the nervous system
- Promote healthy hormone function
- Relieve muscle weakness & pain
- Combat depression and SAD
- Normalize insulin secretion
- Lower high blood pressure
- Prevent colds and flu
Feel the Difference that Vitamin D Makes!
