Vitamin D has been getting a lot of attention for quite some time and the impact it has on our health.
Over 50% of people are deficient in Vitamin D and those numbers are climbing every year. It’s really important to know what your levels are and you can find that out by getting a simple blood test.
What is causing Vitamin D deficiencies in epidemic numbers?
– Lack of sun and the use of sunscreen
We are not out in the sun like we used to be. With modern technology, we stay indoors more and kids would rather be on their devices instead of being outside.
Sunscreen is a good thing and I always recommend it, but getting some natural sun for a small amount of time during the day will benefit your health greatly. If you have a fair to medium skin tone only 10-15 minutes of sunshine will give you 10,000 units of Vitamin D! That’s impressive! For darker skin tones you may need a little longer because you have natural skin protection already in your skin. I like to sit out on my deck with a book or use it as a time to think and relax. Those minutes go by quickly and I’ve gotten my Vitamin D for the day!
Let’s talk about the Vitamin D levels in numbers, and that will help to give you a better idea what to aim for.
- 50+: Optimal level
- 30-50 levels: You need to supplement and add vitamin D foods
- Under 30: Talk to your doctor about a plan to bring your levels up. ( I’m not a fan of mega high doses of Vitamin D which doctors will usually recommend. Studies show that 2,000-4,000 units a day can bring up your levels slowly and safely.)
- 70-100: If you are treating cancer or heart disease
How does Vitamin D work?
Vitamin D is converted from the sun and then used in our bodies. It then becomes a hormone. It impacts pretty much every function in our body. Vitamin D3 is made naturally within our bodies, so taking this in supplement form is the closest to how sunshine reacts within our body. Vitamin D is stored in our liver and fatty tissues and doesn’t have to rely completely on food sources. If you are supplementing, always try to take it with some fat (e.g. nuts, coconut oil, avocado or a smoothie ) for better absorption.
How does a Vitamin D deficiency impact my health?
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes
- Brain fog, low energy
- Getting sick more often
This is just an abbreviated list! Optimal levels of Vitamin D are so important to feeling better and living out our lives with energy and vitality. Knowing what your levels are and if low, making a plan for getting them up will impact your health in such a positive way!
Where do I start?
- Get a blood test to see what your levels are
- Sit in the sun 10-15 minutes a day with no protection
- Supplement if necessary
- Eat more Vitamin D rich foods (e.g. fruits and veggies)
Friends, let’s enjoy the sun and soak in the healing health benefits that we get from those rays in the form of Vitamin D. Then you can put your sunscreen on afterwards for protection!
Until next time,
~pat
