Are you one of the people who feel down in the winter months from the lack of sunlight during the shorter days?
If you live north of latitude 35, then you may be very low in Vitamin D.
Low Vitamin D levels are linked to increased risk of osteoporosis, brittle bones, psoriasis, cancer and heart disease. Many symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency only appear after the deficiency has existed for many years. The first sign can be a fracture from a simple fall.
Sunlight is a major source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D regulates the function of 36 organs and their tissues; in fact there are specific Vitamin D receptors in almost all the tissues in our bodies. In addition to maintaining healthy calcium levels, vitamin D also regulates hormone secretion and supports the immune system.
From the prevention of certain cancers to the lowering of blood pressure in someone with hypertension, Vitamin D is essential for maintaining optimal health, and/or healing some diseases.
Low Vitamin D is associated with the following conditions:
- Osteoporosis and osteomalacia (fractures)
- Cancers; including breast, prostate and colon
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
- Depression
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Facial hair and acne
- Migraines
- Lowered resistance to influenza and viruses
- Pain and muscle ache
Risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency:
- DARK SKIN – produces less Vitamin D than lighter skin (living north of 35 degrees latitude*)
- AGING – less Vitamin D conversion with age
- SUNSCREEN – using SPF 8 reduces production of Vitamin D by 95%
- INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE – reduces Vitamin D absorption
- OBESITY – Vitamin D is easily stored in body, being absorbed directly into fat cells from the intestine
- LOW ESTROGEN LEVELS
Be sure to get your Vitamin D levels checked.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have or to discuss this topic and your best health further at docsage@docsage.com.
Be Your Best Health,
Dr. Sage Campione
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