The Sunshine Vitamin

Here in the North Country we are well aware of the vanishing sunlight as the circle of seasons moves towards the winter solstice. Unfortunately, when the days shorten, our ability to produce an essential hormone also diminishes. The hormone is called cholecalciferol, but is commonly known as Vitamin D3. There is currently a tremendous buzz in the scientific research community about the benefits of having adequate amounts of D3 in our bodies.

D3 deficiency has been strongly linked to:

• 17 varieties of cancer, including breast and colon,
• heart disease,
• diabetes,
• depression,
• seasonal affective disorder,
• chronic pain,
• migraines,
• arthritis,
• osteoporosis,
• birth defects,
• autoimmune diseases,
• lowered immune function; especially against colds and flu!

Most of us are woefully deficient in Vitamin D3 due to Minnesota’s latitude, and increasing time spent indoors. From about the middle of May through August our skin will produce 10,000 IU’s of D3 from exposing arms, legs and faces for 20-30 minutes to sunlight. (Yet the current government RDA advises that we only need 200 IU per day.) Sunscreen blocks UVB radiation and therefore blocks D3 production as well. In the winter, many folks never even see the sun until the weekend!

The only way to remedy a deficiency is through sunshine or supplements. There is some D3 in fish, eggs and other animal-derived foods, but not close to what’s needed for good health. Several foods, such as milk, are fortified with Vitamin D…. but it is D2, which is not utilized properly by your body. In fact some research indicates that D2 is broken down into potentially harmful substances after ingestion.

It is important to get a simple blood test to determine your level before supplementing. Many doctors are now routinely testing, but some aren’t yet savvy to the importance of this vital hormone. If that is your case, there are reputable private labs that will do the test for you without a doctor’s order.

This past summer I got a lot of sun exposure and also took 5000 IU’s of D3 every other day. Out of curiosity I had my level tested and it was only just in the normal range! Everyone is different and you may need much more, or much less than that.

The important thing is to get your level up to normal before flu and cold season hits. Since I’ve been supplementing with D3 my immune system has been supercharged – 13 months without even a sniffle! Go to Vitamin D Council to learn more – and head into the holidays protected by the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’!

Laurel Regan

© 2010

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