26 Aug 2015

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The modern western lifestyle has influenced a variety of health issues within our bodies. A relatively new concern in many otherwise healthy individuals is that of Vitamin D deficiency. One would think the increased prevelance of Vitamin D deficiency has a strong correlation to the strong messages we have been fed about being sunsmart and avoiding skin cancers. Of course the number one cause of skin cancer is the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun but are the side effects of the SLIP SLOP SLAP campaign as bad as those that can result from over exposure?

 

The best way to naturally increase your Vitamin D levels is through sun exposure but these days you can get some good quality supplements that when taken with a nutrient dense diet are equally as effective.

 

A lack of D’s has been linked with many cancers such as breast and prostate cancer as well as heart disease, obesity and depression.

 

Ample levels of Vitamin D has been linked to the promotion of healthy bones by helping with the absorbtion of calcium.

 

A Boston University study believes Vitamin D decreases a hormone called Renin, which is believed to play a role in Hypertension. A study linking patients with HBP who increased their UVA and UVB exposure increased their Vit D in their blood by 100%, hence normalizing their blood pressure in most cases.

 

Vitamin D plays a role in stimulating the pancreas to produce Insulin, helping diabetics to stabilize their blood sugar levels.

 

And a study in the journal Neurology, in 2004 found a link between women that regularly took vitamin D who were 40% less likely to develop Multiple Sclerosis.

 

Recommendations are leaning towards incidental sun exposure outside of the most dangerous times of the day. Avoid direct prolonged sun exposure between 10am and 3pm

 

Eat plenty of Oily fish such as Salmon, Tuna, Mackeral, Trout and Mulloway

 

Egg Yolks also contain vitamin D (yet another thing we cut out in the 90’s when all the nutritional advice was to avoid the fat of the yolk and opt for egg whites only).

 

Try eating organ meats such as liver in pate. Opt for homemade versions as the store bought options often contain a lot of other ingredients that are not so great.

 

You can also take a good quality vitamin D supplement but it is best to consult your Doctor and get tested for deficiencies before jumping into any supplementation.

 

Be sun smart but know that a good boost of vitamin D may just be the boost of energy you need to get up and go in the morning.