Vitamin D is increasingly recognized as crucial to maintaining overall health,
particularly in supporting the immune system. Studies show that individuals with adequate vitamin D levels are better equipped to fight infections and illnesses and heal from injuries.
Vitamin D, functioning much like a hormone in the body, influences the activity of over 3,000 genes. It enhances our immune system response against infections, viruses, and other pathogens. But its benefits don’t stop there. Vitamin D is vital for reducing inflammation and decreasing our risk for severe conditions like Alzheimer’s, Type 2 Diabetes, and age-related Macular Degeneration (the leading cause of blindness). It also plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, supporting bone health. It enhances the self-destruction of mutated cells to help defend against over 15 cancers.
With all of these benefits, it is easy to see how supplementing vitamin D can enhance the benefits of Neuro-Structural Chiropractic care. Neuro-Structural Chiropractic care focuses on the importance of well-functioning nervous and musculoskeletal systems, and vitamin D plays a crucial role in nerve health, bone health and muscle function. The synergistic effects of these two can reduce inflammation, improve recovery time, promote bone density, and strengthen immunity.
Vitamin D deficiency is common, even in sunny areas like San Jose. In the U.S., about 42% of adults and a significant portion of children have low levels. The likelihood of deficiency is higher among individuals with darker skin tones, with nearly 63% of Hispanic adults and 82% of African American adults being vitamin D deficient. Some common early signs of Vitamin D deficiency include:
- fatigue
- muscle weakness, aches, and cramps
- bone density loss
- mood changes and depression
- hair loss
- joint pain (especially in your back), and
- decreased immune system function.
Our bodies synthesize vitamin D through sunlight exposure, particularly from UVB rays between 11 am and 2 pm (depending on the time of year and location). However, sunlight becomes scarce during fall and winter, especially in regions farther from the equator. Many people also spend most of their days indoors or wear clothing that limits sunlight exposure. Even our age affects our body’s ability to synthesize vitamin D. By age 50 it takes twice as long to produce the same amount as we did in childhood. Considering these factors, you can see why we recommend year-round vitamin D supplementation.
But which vitamin D supplement to choose? Just take one look at the shelves at your grocery store, and you can see not all supplements are created equally. But don’t worry, we have done all the hard work for you. Our office carries Designs for Health Vitamin D Supreme. It comes in a small, easy-to-swallow capsule with 5,000 IUs (research recommended dosage) coupled with vitamins K1 and K2 to ensure proper calcium metabolism, enhance bone health, and support immune system function.
Pick up some vitamin D at your next appointment. We will have samples out all week.
