You may be surprised to know that Vitamin D deficiency is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. Currently 90% of our patients are Vit D deficient. The thought that a little Vitamin D in milk and 10 minutes of sunshine a day would be enough has not held true. A blood 25-OH Vitamin D level will determine your status. "Normal" blood levels range from 32-100. Research has shown than the higher your vitamin D level (within the normal range), the better the health benefits. We aim for "optimal" levels of around 80ng/ml. The "recommended daily allowance" of Vit D is far too low - it is expected that the RDA will be changed in the next few years, but don't wait!
Although we call it a vitamin, Vit D actually works like a hormone!
Vitamin D:
• Helps in the development and maintenance of healthy bones. Anyone on osteoporosis medication absolutely needs to optimize their Vit D level. Vit D is MORE important than calcium for your bones.
• Has been shown to help prevent cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and more. It does this by affecting genes that control cellular division and cellular destruction of defective cells.
•Enhances immune system function by minimizing the effects of "cytokines" which are harmful inflammatory chemicals in our bodies. Inflammation is the root cause of most of the disease of aging, and one of the causes of accelerated aging.
•Reduces the incidence of multiple sclerosis in animal studies
•Reduces incidence of type 1 diabetes by 80% in human studies
•Reduces the incidence and severity of symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and other autoimmune disorders. In fact, some cases of fibromyalgia may really be cases of Vit D deficiency, as vit D has been shown to be a cause of musculoskeletal pain. If it hurts when you push on your shin, this is a sign of weak bones and indicates you are likely to have Vit D deficiency.
•Vit D has important roles to play in cardiovascular health including preventing plaque formation, improving insulin resistance and maintaining proper blood sugar levels, and decreasing inflammation. Deficiency in Vit D may increase the risk for hypertension.
Optimal health depends on being pro-active and preventing health issues. Optimal Vit D status is an important factor, and the evidence to support this is mounting at an incredible rate. 10 minutes in the sun daily (without sunscreen) is important. If you will be in the sun longer, apply sunscreen after 10 minutes, as skin damage may occur. We recommend always using sunscreen on the face to help decrease the effects of sun damage and aging on your face. People with darker skin need longer than 10 minutes in the sun. In addition to this, many people need up to 5000IU daily of Vit D3 to achieve optimal levels.
Because Vit D is a fat soluble vitamin, levels can accumulate. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity can be constipation, elevated cholesterol, elevated calcium, weakness, decreased appetite, heart rhythm irregularities, and elevated liver enzymes. Levels should be checked every 6 months to ensure optimal levels without risk of toxicity. Do not start high dose vitamin D without knowing your current level.
Our health and disease risk are related to genetic and environmental factors. Since these are never the same for any two individuals, we believe in individualized assessment and recommendations.If you would like to have your Vitamin D level measured and receive specific recommendations for you, please contact us at Signature Wellness.
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