We all know about it, but what is the real story about Vitamin D?
Many of us have heard that Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for proper functioning, but did you know it also plays a vital role in supporting our immune system health? As we mentioned in our recent back-to-school newsletter, this time of year often presents us with various changes and periods of transition, which can place more stress on our health, including our immune system. Especially during this time of year, Vitamin D can help contribute to our body’s natural defense and counteract all three forms of stress (physical, chemical, and emotional). By acting like a hormone in our body it not only supports the proper functioning of over 3000 different genes but also increases our ability to fight infection, viruses, colds, and touches of flu.
Our body naturally synthesizes Vitamin D from UVB rays when exposed to the sun. In fact, this is the best way to obtain this vital nutrient! However, with fall and winter around the corner, the amount of Vitamin D we can attain this way is limited as the sun is at the optimal angle for UVB rays to reach us for a shorter period of time each day. Plus, with shorter days and changing weather, most of us also spend more time indoors, limiting our exposure even more.
In addition to supporting our immune health, Vitamin D is vital for reducing inflammation and decreasing our risk for other serious conditions like Alzheimer’s, Type 2 Diabetes, and age-related Macular Degeneration (the leading cause of blindness). Along with these benefits, it also helps with Calcium absorption in our body to support our bone health. It enhances the self-destruction of mutated cells to help defend against over 15 different types of cancers. Pretty impressive!
We mentioned earlier how our body’s ability to synthesize Vitamin D is highly limited during this time of year, but did you know that synthesis can decrease and vary by other factors like age and skin complexion, too? Given all these factors, it is no surprise that up to 85% of people are at insufficient levels and unaware of their deficient state. To maintain healthy levels of Vitamin D, experts suggest that adults need about 5000 IU’s and kids need about 3000 IU’s per day. While a small amount of Vitamin D can also be obtained from our diet (through food sources like fatty fish, mushrooms, egg yolk, beef liver, and cod liver oil), most of us could still use a bit of extra help meeting these daily requirements — especially during this time of year!
A high-quality supplement can help you reach these daily goals and support you in reaching your highest health potential! The highest quality supplements we have found are the ones we have here in the practice. One in liquid and one in soft gel form, they are also coupled with Vitamin K2 for a synergistic effect, better absorption, and utilization by the body to help support numerous biological pathways. Make sure to try a sample while you’re here in the office this week!
Finally, as we mentioned before, one of the most significant benefits of Vitamin D is to help us maintain a strong and fully functioning immune system. If you want to learn even more tips for supporting your immune health, sign up for our immune system workshop this Wednesday, September 20, at 5:30 p.m.
Space is limited, so RSVP at info@platinumchiroca.com. We would love to see you there!
