Words of Wisdom

Most all of us know that vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. It is called this because sunlight is the primary way to get it. UVB rays trigger the skin to produce vitamin D.

When sunlight reaches the skin, there's a chemical reaction with a cholesterol component, which is located under the epidermis. Of course, this is the first steps of the vitamin uptake. There's lots of other steps that it goes through in the body for it to be converted into its usable form. Vitamin D3 is the form we need if we take a supplement.

Vitamin D3 is essential for the proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus to maintain strong bones and teeth. It supports the breaking down and rebuilding of bone tissue.

Vitamin D is also important for muscle function and nerve transmission.

Vitamin D supports the immune system, mood regulation and cardiovascular health.

You can see just by these three functions how important vitamin D is. I could say more, but you get the idea.

There's arguments on how much vitamin D we need, but most experts agree that the majority of people do not get enough. It's best to test your levels.

Some people are more susceptible to low levels, depending on their lifestyle, climate, and environment.

Check out this list. If you:

live north of Florida

are not Caucasian

always wear sunblock

work indoors

avoid the sun

have depression or seasonal depression

have tender bones

have had two or more broken bones

have an autoimmune disease

have osteoporosis, or osteoarthritis

are losing mental sharpness

are over 60

have frequent infections

You may have a vitamin D deficiency.

All of those are connected to low vitamin D, and this next list is as well. See if any of these sound familiar.

persistent fatigue

muscle weakness

bone pain

bone loss

aches

cramps

mood changes

depression

anxiety

frequent illness

slow wound healing

hair loss

weight gain

increased sensitivity to pain

Most experts will say you should only wear sunscreen during the hottest part of the day, or when the sun is strongest. If you can get outside in the morning hours and the evening hours, you can do without sunscreen and the sunlight will do its amazing work in your body and for your mood.

Again, I say it's recommended to get tested before you jump in and start taking a lot of supplements. However, I'm in the group that believes it's good to take our basic vitamins and minerals daily. You would have to take a large dose to get too much.

There is also the option of getting vitamin D from the food we eat. This is the best option along with getting the sunshine.

I know this will be your favorite! Cod liver oil... If you can't handle that, (it's really not that bad if you get the lemon flavored ) try to eat these as often as you are able:

salmon

sardines

trout

swordfish

herring

mackerel

tuna

beef liver (yay)

pork loin. (served with those mushrooms)

egg yolk (eggs)

yogurt

fortified milks

fortified cheese

dried or UV treated mushrooms

fortified cereal (choose gluten free:)

So, there you go! We have a good look at the problems that come with vitamin D deficiency, and some good options to raise our levels.

Hopefully you read my previous two posts, and you are starting to understand how critical vitamins and minerals are to our health.

Have fun trying new foods. Real foods that nourish the body.

Until next time...

Enjoy God's providence!