Health Food Guide

 

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin is proving to be even more important than once thought. It’s a vitamin, which has receptors on all cells. The cells use the vitamin to regulate the genes and protect the area of the cell that is responsible for cell division. In fact, in one study involving 2100 sets of female twins, the research group found when the person has enough vitamin D; their life expectancy extends by 5 years.

 

One way to increase vitamin D is through exposure to the sun. Once you expose the skin for a prolonged period, it creates a substance known as lumisterol. Later, when necessary the body has the ability to convert this back to vitamin D3. There are numerous reasons to step out in the sun and get your daily dose of vitamin D.

 

One of which is the prevention of neurological conditions like MS or Parkinson’s disease. A study done at Washington University School of Medicine found that in a group of 80 seniors, half with mild Alzheimer’s, more than 58 percent had levels well below the mean for vitamin D, compared to the average for the group. These participants were the most likely, by 88 percent, to have depression or anxiety. Those deficient in vitamin D also gave a poor showing when taking mental performance tests. Their results were far worse on two of the four tests given.

 

More studies find that the deficiencies of vitamin D point to a multitude risks for conditions like heart disease, cancer, IBS, diabetes, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis in addition to those already mentioned. Tooth loss is also linked to low vitamin D levels.

Pediatricians are so aware of the importance of vitamin D that they now call for increased doses to infants and small children. Many studies show that children with low vitamin D levels in early life may face osteoporosis later in life. Besides eliminating rickets and reducing the risk of osteoporosis, vitamin D potentially helps the body fight infection and prevents autoimmune disease.                                                                     

 

There’s reason to believe that exposure to the sun isn’t enough, particularly for those with darker skins. There is a marked reduction of the vitamin in people with darker skins. Many scientists believe that the melanin, the substance that produces the darker color, blocks much of the sun’s rays and prevents the absorption of vitamin D. Scientists find that those with the darkest skin who live far away from the equator show an increase in vitamin D deficiencies. Scientists believe its because they require more but their winters contain a weaker sunlight.

 

Estimations by the scientific community show that as much as 55 percent of the adult population in America may have a vitamin D shortage. How can you prevent vitamin D shortages for your family and yourself? One way is to make sure you get at least an hour in the sun each day. It’s also important to include fish, such as salmon, catfish or herring, Krill oil or organic milk fortified with vitamin D. A vitamin D supplement is also recomended

particularly for those that may not receive adequate sunshine.