Many people are aware of the importance of Vitamin D for overall health and vitality, absorption of calcium and phosphorus, growth of bones and teeth, muscle strength, regulations of heartbeats, prevention of breast and colon cancer, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, thyroid function and normal blood clotting however many do not realize how important it is for health and longevity of the largest organ in the body – your skin.
The body uses sunlight to make Vitamin D but expose to sun can accelerate skin aging and over time leads to wrinkles, sun spots and an increased risk for skin cancer. Most of the Vitamin D produced by the skin is taken up and used by other organs in the body to prevent all the health issues listed above.
There are several forms of Vitamin D including D2 which comes from food, D3 which is synthesized through the skin and D5 which is a synthetic form. Vitamin D3 is the most natural form and offers the most benefits. The form of Vitamin D we get from food is not fully active until it gets converted by the liver and then the kidneys. This is why people with liver and kidney disorders are at a higher risk for osteoporosis.
Exposing your skin to the sun for fifteen minutes at least 3 times per week is one way to get Vitamin D however those with dark skin or those who live in northern climates where sunshine is limited especially during the winter months, cannot produce adequate amounts this important vitamin. A lack of exercise outdoors and milk consumptions can lead to deficiencies in Vitamin D.
The benefits of vitamin D are endless including a reduced risk of developing polyps in the colon, prostate cancer, coronary artery disease and Type 1 Diabetes. Muscle strength is improved with this vitamin as well as better coordination, balance and stronger bones. A severe deficiency can cause rickets in children and a lesser deficiency can cause vision problems, insomnia, diarrhea, loss of appetite, a burning sensation in the mouth or throat and weight loss.
You can ingest Vitamin D through foods like fish liver oils, saltwater fish like mackerel, halibut, salmon, oysters, sardines, tuna, dairy products, eggs, butter, cod liver oil, dandelion greens, liver, shiitake and chanterelle mushrooms, oatmeal, sweet potatoes and vegetables oils. However, with today’s ‘dieting’ by so many searching for successful weight loss, a lack of this important vitamin/hormone is prevalent. There are some herbs that contain Vitamin D and they include parsley, nettle, horsetail and alfalfa.
There are other factors that interfere with successful absorption of Vitamin D including liver and gallbladder disorders, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antacids, diuretics, mineral oil and steroid hormones such as cortisone.
Age, skin color, geographic location, use of sunscreens and the amount of sun exposure make it difficult for the body to produce all the Vitamin D it needs. Unfortunately, the skin loses its ability to produce enough Vitamin D3 between the ages of 20 and 70 so supplementing with Vitamin D is the way to go. Always follow label directions when it comes to supplementing and check with your health practitioner for their recommendations but many do well with 1,000 international units daily. It is more a hormone than a vitamin but it is an integral part of a strong immune system and youthful longevity.
Regeneration USA
www.regenerationusa.com
