50% of the general population is at risk of Vitamin D deficiency and this percentage increases with the elderly and darker skinned individuals.
Few foods actually have therapeutic levels of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone, that we are designed to obtain primarily through exposure to the sun.
Researchers have noted that Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in adults of all ages who always wear sun protection.
7 signs you may be deficient:
- You have darker skin.
African Americans need as much as 10x more sun exposure than someone with pale skin. - Feeling blue.
Serotonin (a mood elevator) rises and falls with the presence or absence of sun light. - Over the age of 50.
As we age our skin doesn't make as much Vitamin D with sun exposure, which at the same time our kidneys become less efficient, converting the Vitamin D into a usable Vitamin D for the body. - If you're overweight or obese.
Vitamin D is a fat soluble hormone, so in other words the more fat or muscle mass you have the more vitamin D you're going to need. - Bone aches and pains.
It's believed that vitamin D deficiency causes a defect in putting calcium into the bone matrix. - Head sweating
- Digestive Problems.
Since vitamin D is fat soluble, if you have a condition that affects your ability to absorb fat you may have low vitamin D; As well as conditions such as: Crohns, celiac, inflammatory bowel disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Optimizing your Vitamin D may prevent cancer and heart disease. How much Vitamin D is needed to be optimal? With a blood test, 50-70 ng/ml. Expose your skin to at least 10 mins of sun daily. When your skin turns slightly pink that's enough. If your skin is dark you may need more time and should expose large areas of your body, such as your legs, arms and torso. Put sun block on your face. The best time of day is 11am-2pm.
Have your Vitamin D serum level tested.
Summer is here! Get out there and enjoy some natural Vitamin D.
Mercola "7 Signs You May Have a Vitamin D Deficiency"
