Soak up some sun

Vitamin D is a uique fat-solube vitamin, wchin our body needs to help regulate calcium and phosphorous.  It is uniqe in that our bodies can make Vitamin D through exposure of our skin to sunlight.  Once our bodies make vitamin D or if we take it in through out diet, it is stored in the liver where it must be activated by the kidneys to work.  Long known for it's importance to prevent a childhood disease called Rickets, it is now known to be protective to the body in a lot of other ways.

Disorders linked with Vitamin D deficiency include stroke, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, several forms of cancer, some autoimmune disease , diabetes, depression, and schizophrenia.  A major culprit of vitamin D deficiency is inadequate sun exposure.  Deficiencies of Vitamin D are especially problematic for people who spend a lot of time indoors or who live in colder climates.

Sources of Vitamin D: Salmon, Tuna, Sardines, Milk (Vit D fortified), Margarine (Vit D fortified), Cereal (Vit D fortified), Egg (Vit D fortified), Liver, Cod Liver Oil, and of course Sunlight as mentioned earlier.

Recent findings suggest that levels between 40-60ng/ml are beneficial in preventing diseases linked to
Vitamin D deficiency.  1,000 IU of Vitamin D increases serum levels by approximately 10ng/ml.

Vitamin D deficiency factors:

Diseases: cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and Whipple's disease.

Poor absorption and metabolism: stress, dieting, illness, environmental toxins, digestive disorders, high sugar intake, drug and alcohol consumption, allergies, lack of exercise, aging, and processed and fried foods.

Diseases linked to vitamin D deficiency: Alzheimers, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, MS, Crohn's, thyroid, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, bowel disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, osteoporosis, tooth decay, bone pain, gluten intolerance, high blood pressure, infertility, Rickets, depression, stress, Parkinsons, Peripheral neuropathy, Polycystic ovary disease, and Premenstrual syndrom to name some.

Compelling Evidence: Vitamin D and Cancer Risk Reduction

1. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Lancet, Cancer Research, International Journal of Cancer, and International Journal of Epidemiology support the role of Vitamin D in cancer prevention.

2007 found 77% reduction in incidence of all cancers with calcium and Vitamin D intake

2007 found 50% reduction in incidence of colorectal cancer with levels of 33 or greater

2006 found 80% reduction in incidence of breast cancer with levels >65

Toxicity with Vitamin D is possible, but extremely rare.  Monitoring levels and following your providers advice are key to maintaining a healthy level of Vitamin D

To your good health,
Dr. Sonja