More and more studies are revealing the benefits of having plenty of vitamin D and the dangers of having too little. For years, doctors have advocated the intake of vitamin d as a partner to calcium and magnesium, because it helps our bones absorb these essential elements and assists in the prevention of osteoporosis. But a recent flood of new research is revealing that vitamin D does much more.
A lot more, in fact.
All of our bodily functions seem to rely on this nutrient, and studies show that it’s a key to helping prevent everything from migraines to cancer.
A study by University of Toronto researchers revealed that breast cancer patients with low vitamin D levels had a 73 percent higher risk of death than women who had sufficient levels of vitamin D. Those with low levels of vitamin D were also proven to have more aggressive tumors. At the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, researchers found that colon cancer patients with high levels of vitamin D have a 61 percent greater chance of survival. This trend might apply to all cancers, says Edward Giovannucci,MD, SCD, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Many autoimmune diseases, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s and heart disease, are being linked to low levels of this nutrient. Researchers believe that low vitamin D levels contribute to inflammation in the body and an apathetic response of the immune system to the threat of disease. Low vitamin D levels are also being linked to increased body fat and reduced muscle strength. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, women who had low amounts of vitamin D had 24 percent more body fat than those with normal levels of the nutrient.
The problem is that most of us—53% of women, 41% of men and 61% of kids—have insufficient levels of vitamin D. Though our bodies naturally produce the vitamin from the sun’s UVB rays, we usually don’t absorb nearly enough sunlight to manufacture an adequate amount.
The good news is that it’s easy and inexpensive to boost your vitamin D levels. A simple blood test will reveal if you are vitamin d deficient and under the supervision of your physician, a daily supplement (which is inexpensive and readily available at your local health food store) can help to restore the body to the appropriate blood levels, thereby dramatically reducing the potential of the development of many diseases, pain, depression and death.
The bad news is that it’s not yet a common practice to screen for this key supplement and as a result, deficiency often goes undetected until some form of illness or disease sends a physician in search of the root cause of their patient’s symptoms. Since vitamin d is a natural nutrient that cannot be patented, there isn’t an incentive for drug companies to research and/or promote the use of this vital nutrient as a tool for disease treatment or prevention.
Be proactive about your own health and the health of your loved ones. The studies are piling up to support the initial findings. Ask your physician for a basic blood screening and take action now to insure you have a sufficient level of vitamin D.
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(by Michael F. Holick, PhD, MD)
By Jan Greenwood
Jan is a visionary who loves to dream. Creative at the core, she can make the dullest of atmospheres come alive with life and laughter! On top of being a wife to Mark and mother of four, she’s an information junkie, always researching the newest and best things. Her heart for women is apparent in all she does, and she absolutely loves helping develop and shape leaders for the future. She’s a spirit-powered, grace-filled, idea-pumping machine!
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