Vitamin D - Super Important in the Midwest during the Winter Months!

Vitamin D - Super Important in the Midwest during the Winter Months!

The reason Vitamin D is so important is because it aids our bodies in absorbing calcium and phosphorus.  Our bodies need both minerals in order to have strong healthy bones.  It is also an important device our bodies use to assist in cell to cell interchange in the entire body and plays a role in supporting the immune system.  

Vitamin D is a unique vitamin because our bodies can produce it when it is exposed to sunlight.  Anyone who has lived in the midwest knows how little sunlight we get during the cold months.  And, even if we get a sunny day, since the sun is so far away it is not as potent as it is during warmer months.  For many of us, even during the warmer months we find ourselves low in Vitamin D because of the use of sunscreen to protect against skin cancer and premature aging.  Being deficient in Vitamin D has many negatives.  Why do we need Vitamin D besides the previous reasons?  As long as our bodies have an adequate amount there are numerous health benefits.  Here is a list of just seven:

1. Helps keep the brain functioning properly (especially during later years in life).
2. Is a key role player in maintaining a healthy body weight.
3. Reduces the occurrence and severity of asthma symptoms.
4. Lowers the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Significantly lowers the risk of getting cancer.
6. Reduces the likelihood of having a heart attack.
7. It is the bodies main protector against radiation.  With all the cell phones and devices out there that cause little bits of radiation, I’d like as much protection from it as possible.

So, what do we do if we live in an area of the country that doesn’t have loads of sunlight year round or if we bathe ourselves in sunblock?  Take high quality Vitamin D everyday.  How much is needed?  According to the Vitamin Council adults need 5,000 IU (children and infants 1,000 IU).  On the other hand, the Endocrine Society suggests only 1,500-2,000 IU a day for adults (400-1,000 IU for children and infants).  While the Food and Nutrition Board states only 600 IU for adults, but the elderly need 800 IU (infants 400 IU and children 600 IU).  With the varying amounts suggested it is not easy to decipher how much to take.  But rest assured that they all agree that 10,000 IU daily is the limit, and strongly suggest not going over that amount.  As you can see the answer is not clear as to how much to take.  I’m not a Dr, I just like doing a lot of research on health and nutrition.  I’d suggest if you feel you may be deficient in Vitamin D, it would be a good idea to get a blood test from your Dr to see how much you should be taking.  If you are one of those people that would rather run 10 miles then go to the Dr. I’d have to say again that it’s not good being deficient in Vitamin D either.  So, take steps to maintain a healthy amount of Vitamin D for your health and well being this winter.

As always make sure if you are going to use a supplement, please make sure it is truly what you are paying for.  I only trust Shaklee because I know what is in the bottle, no fillers or sugary additives.  Plus, the dosage is accurate, unlike most other brands.  I’d hate for you to waste your money on a toxic pill that is not going to benefit you because the dosage is not accurate.  If you don’t know which brand to trust, do your research.  If you don’t have time to research, you can always check out Shaklee here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/