Vitamin D and It’s Benefits
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced when a person’a skin is directly exposed to sunlight, and it has several significant benefits and functions.
Vitamin D supports heart health and blood sugar balance, and aids in phosphate and calcium absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. The nutrient can strengthen bones and aid in the prevention of osteoporosis. Vitamin D has also been found to lower high blood pressure, and even improve neurological function, according to research.
Sufficient levels of vitamin D have been shown to stave off colds and help regulate the cells responsible for autoimmune functions. Studies also indicate that vitamin D gets converted to a steroid hormone with the capability to turn genes on or off, signaling them to make proteins and enzymes essential for staying healthy and fighting off disease.
To maintain health, adults need 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily, while seniors (anyone over age 70) need 800 IU. Shorter days and more time spent indoors during the colder, darker months of fall and winter, combined with poor eating habits, can lead to vitamin D deficiency. And the list of foods that contain enough vitamin D to reach the necessary levels is very short to begin with.
Vitamin D Deficiency
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), nearly 41.6% of the U.S. population suffers from vitamin D deficiency. Studies show that individuals with low levels of vitamin D are at higher risk for cancer, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to osteoporosis, heart disease, and types 1 and 2 diabetes.
It is possible to reduce your risk for these diseases by including vitamin D in your diet. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna have small amounts, while beef liver, egg yolks, and mushrooms are better sources of vitamin D. For optimal amounts of vitamin D, include vitamin D-fortified milk, orange juice, and yogurt in your diet.
Those who still struggle with getting enough vitamin D through their diet may want to consult their provider about taking supplements to increase their vitamin D levels. Not all vitamin D supplements are created equal, however. Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) is not produced in the human body. It is created by exposing certain plant-derived materials to ultraviolet light. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is the bioidentical form of vitamin D synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D3 has been found to maintain active vitamin D levels for longer durations, making it the ideal choice for those who test positive for vitamin D deficiency.
How Natural Bio Health Can Help
Obtained from food, supplements, and sun exposure, vitamin D is incredibly important for overall health, but it can be a challenge to get the right amount of the sunshine vitamin. To find out if you are getting enough vitamin D, consider having a health provider evaluate your nutritional needs.
At Natural Bio Health, we offer comprehensive genetic testing kits that assess your unique nutritional needs with remarkable precision. Once your genetic test is complete, you will meet with a Natural Bio Health provider for a full consultation. Based on your test results, our team of providers can offer valuable insights into your genetic health and recommend treatments.
Our treatments include guidance on your diet and lifestyle combined with recommendations for pharmaceutical-grade, nutritional supplements. From vitamin D for boosting your immunity to magnesium for lowering unhealthy blood sugar levels, the nutritional ingredients in these supplements are results-based and customized to you.
To learn what supplements you can take to lower any health risks you are genetically predisposed to and optimize your overall health, contact our team at Natural Bio Health today.