Vitamin D is a hormone synthesized from the sun that plays a significant role in generating human health. Almost 50% of Americans are vitamin D deficient because our modern lifestyles simply don’t give us access to the sun in peak UVB hours of the day. As a result, the risk of various diseases skyrockets. Let’s explore vitamin D deficiency and how you can top up your stores so that you may give your body a chance to thrive.
When one is Vitamin D deficient, this simply means that your body does not have adequate vitamin D to function properly. The baseline number recommended as a daily intake to not be considered ‘deficient’ varies but generally remains low between 400 and 800 IUs. These doses do not address the levels that start to mitigate illness or to thrive truly. Physicians have been using mega-doses of vitamin D (of 4,000 IUs to up to 40,000 IUs), with great success.
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent, affecting nearly 50% of Americans. Although the sun is a primary source of vitamin D synthesis through the skin, many people do not get adequate intake via the sun. This is due to the fact most live and work indoors and simply do not spend enough time every single day exposing their bare skin to the sunshine. Many people also live far enough from the equator that vitamin D is not available year-round. As a result, vitamin D deficiency is widespread. This matters because vitamin D, a hormone, plays a large role in various conditions.
The role of Vitamin D in Five Health Conditions
Depression
Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to depression. A meta-analysis by the University of Cambridge has made various links between the two. The study participants with depression had low vitamin D markers compared to the control group and were indeed more susceptible to depression. Vitamin D receptors are located in the same region of the brain that is associated with depression.
Diabetes
Dietary vitamin D supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Evidence suggests that vitamin D can help improve glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Low levels of vitamin D cause the body to secrete insulin, which promotes insulin resistance.
High Blood Pressure
A meta-analysis of 35 studies and 155,000 people demonstrates that high vitamin D concentrations resulted in lower blood pressure levels and a reduced risk of hypertension. Researchers have found for every 10 percent increase in concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, there is an 8.1 percent decrease in the risk of hypertension. One study demonstrated that with supplementation of vitamin D, 71% of patients were no longer hypertensive one year later.
Cancer
Higher serum levels of vitamin D in the blood are associated with dramatically reduced colon, breast, ovarian, renal, pancreatic, aggressive prostate, and other cancers. Vitamin D has promising links to cancer prevention. One study links the combination of 1,100 IU per day with calcium in reducing cancer risks by 60%. Studies highlight that efforts to improve vitamin D levels may reduce cancer incidence and mortality, with few or no adverse effects.
Autoimmune/ General Immunity
Vitamin D plays a significant role in generating immune health because this hormone has many biological processes that regulate immune responses. This is especially important for those dealing with autoimmune conditions, as vitamin D deficiency has been widely considered a contributing factor to autoimmunity. This is due to its various immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic actions. Whether you are looking to heal from autoimmune issues, or simply bolster your immune strength, having high vitamin D levels is non-negotiable.
Foods high in vitamin D include liver, egg yolks, oily fish, and red meat. It’s important to note that vitamin D levels in food will reflect how much time the animals spent outside, living natural animal lives (wild or pasture-raised/ organically fed). Supplementation is an excellent tool for virtually everyone who wants to optimize their health and immunity.
Larisa Belote, Health Practitioner & Certified Detox Specialist is a strong believer that your body is a smart machine and can heal itself given a chance and the right set of tools. Call/Txt 732.996.6963 or email: larisa@stepbystep-wellness.com to set up a FREE 20-minute consultation.
