Take 20 minutes today and research the benefits of Vitamin D.
Hey Superman and WonderWoman, there’s a pill that can increase your superpowers ten fold. I know, I know, you’re invincible how could one little pill do you any good? I guess you’re right being superhuman you probably feel great all the time.
Let’s talk about all of you out there who may think you’re superhuman, Are you the type of person who thinks they don’t need to pay attention to why they are feeling sore, depressed or just have no energy at all? Sometimes just too busy to consider why you are not feeling the best you can feel.
Well Vitamin D may be a quick fix and an easy way to get you back to feeling superhuman. Especially if you’re like me and not lucky enough to live in the southern hemisphere where they get all the free Vitamin D they can handle from the sun. That’s the best Vitamin D of all. What can we say? The tough winter months are something we’ve come accustomed to and the several cloudy days in a row are just normal. That doesn’t change the fact that humans need Vitamin D and statistics say most aren’t getting enough.
Here are some reasons you should stop after work at the local Walgreen’s and pick up some Vitamin D especially if the sun hasn’t touched your skin today.
- Studies have shown that if you improve your vitamin D status, it reduces risk of colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and a whole host of other deadly cancers by 30 to 50 percent.
- A study by the Nurses’ Health Studies showed that nurses who had the highest blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, averaging about 50 ng/ml, reduced their risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 50 percent.
- Similarly, a Canadian study done by a Dr. Knight showed that women who reported having the most sun exposure as a teenager and young adult had almost a 70 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer. It’s just insane not to take advantage of this prevention strategy.
- Adequate intakes of vitamin D may help as an anti-aging solution by preventing chronic disorders like cognitive decline, depression, cardiovascular disease, immune depression, inflammation, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and cancer which are prevalent in older adults. These conditions are unfortunately responsible for a diminished quality of life, impeded functional capacity, and premature mortality.
- Helps to reduce your likelihood of developing the flu.
- According to 2010 research published in the American Journal of Clinical NutritionIn another study, people taking a daily calcium and vitamin D supplement were able to lose more weight than subjects taking a placebo supplement. The scientists said the extra calcium and vitamin D had an appetite suppressing effect.
The benefits of Vitamin D go on and on. What is the best way to get Vitamin D? The sun, just don’t over do it. We don’t have that problem right now in mid-January in Michigan. No sun, then take a vitamin D supplement. Here are the recommendations from the Institutes of Medicines.
- Infants age 0 to 6 months: adequate intake, 400 IU/day; maximum safe upper level of intake, 1,000 IU/day
- Infants age 6 to 12 months: adequate intake, 400 IU/day; maximum safe upper level of intake, 1,500 IU/day
- Age 1-3 years: adequate intake, 600 IU/day; maximum safe upper level of intake, 2,500 IU/day
- Age 4-8 years: adequate intake, 600 IU/day; maximum safe upper level of intake, 3,000 IU/day
- Age 9-70: adequate intake, 600 IU/day; maximum safe upper level of intake, 4,000 IU/day
- Age 71+ years: adequate intake, 800 IU/day; maximum safe upper level of intake, 4,000 IU/day
I take a 1000 IU(The abbreviation “IU” on vitamin labels means “international units.” It is a standard used by the scientific community to measure the amount of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E in a capsule or tablet.) a day.
It’s a 1000 IU pill which also has calcium. I like the added calcium since I’ve cut back on my milk intake.
Winter just isn’t my season. Until I retire and have the freedom to search for “Another Day of Sun”, I will continue to add Vitamin D to my daily regimen. Forgive me, I’m a sucker for musicals……
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