The Sunshine Vitamin D

You may know Vitamin D as the “Sunshine Vitamin” but, in fact, Vitamin D is a steroid hormone precursor. Vitamin D is essential for the human body. It is obtained either by skin exposure to sunlight or through diet.

Vitamin D is naturally present in foods such eggs, fish, mushrooms and cod liver oil. Since Vitamin D is fat soluble, you should consume it with other healthy fats to allow it to be carried into blood for best absorption. The body can also store it for later use.

It has been shown that 70% of the population is deficient in this vital nutrient, especially in the winter months as there is less solar radiation. Most people benefit from a dose of 5,000 IU -10,000 IU daily. But under a healthcare provider, doses may go as high as 30,000 IU daily. Some studies suggest taking dosage as high as 50,000 IU for the first three days of any sign of cold or flu. (So take your bottle of D3 with you when you travel.)

Dr. Spurlock recommends that you get your blood levels up to 80-110 for optimal performance.

It has also been recommended to combine it with magnesium and Vitamin K for better absorption. Make sure you get a good brand that gets results!

Today Vitamin D has been proven to have many benefits, such as prevention of diabetes, heart attack, sclerosis and fibromyalgia. It fights depression and it naturally supports an optimal thyroid function.

As well, it has been a positive factor in bone health/strength (thus helping to prevent fractures), fighting depression, boosting your memory, regulating your heart and insulin levels and boosting the immune system, both for infections and for fighting cancer cells.

The Sunshine Vitamin plays a huge role in stimulating the production of potent anti-bacterial peptides in the blood cells protecting the lungs from infections. Since Vitamin D boosts your immune system, it it makes a great substitute or booster for vaccines during cold and flu seasons as it dramatically increases the body’s production of it’s natural antibiotics. Studies show, that Vitamin D also fights against not only viral and bacterial infections but also fungi and parasites.

All in all, the benefits from Vitamin D are endless and it should be a staple in everyone’s diet for optimal health.