Health: Vitamin D...do it!

Winter is an important time (especially with this horrible flu season) to focus on the consumption of Vitamin D rich foods.  The health benefits of this fat soluble vitamin are amazing (be sure to have plenty of healthy fats in your diet as well so they can properly absorb). Of course sunshine is the best way to obtain and absorb vitamin D. However, now that it is winter many of us are unable to get out into the sunshine, particularly those of us who live in northern climates. New research indicates that optimal intake should be 10 times higher than the RDA.

Health Benefits of Vitamin D

▪   aids in weight control and can help prevent obesity

▪   it can help to counteract hypertension

▪   essential for a healthy vascular system

▪   aids in the optimal absorption of calcium

▪   very helpful in autoimmune diseases, anyone with an autoimmune disease should have their levels checked and may need to additionally supplement. Often those with Hashimotos (an autoimmune condition) have vitamin D receptor polymorphisms that impair absorption and metabolisms of D, requiring supplementation. Please supplement under the supervision of a practioner who will be checking your D levels quarterly.

▪   supportive to those with cancer

▪   helps protect from heart disease, tuberculosis, influenza and colds

▪   lowers inflammatory markers

▪   supportive for eczema, psoriasis, insomnia, hearing loss, periodontal disease, muscle pain, athletic performance, age related macular degeneration and fertility. Along with asthma, migraines, depression, schitzophrenia and alzheimers.

▪   decreases systemic inflammation

At least 85% of Americans are currently deficient in vitamin D. It certainly would be helpful to learn what foods are rich in Vitamin D and make sure we are incorporating more of them regularly.

Vitamin D Rich Foods

▪   lard from pastured hogs

▪   pastured eggs

▪   organ meats/ liver

▪   seafood: raw oysters, wild salmon, cod liver/oil, marine oils, shrimp, crab, sardines, mackerel, herring (raw supplies the most vitamin D and fish canned in oil over water will be higher in D)

▪   butterfat/raw dairy

▪   shiitake (sun-dried) and button mushrooms

This month I’d like you to try to make it an effort to focus on consuming vitamin D rich foods daily.

Nutrients work in tandem eating D rich foods will go a long way to supply your body with a whole host of other nutrients to support a healthy body.

Have a happy and healthy day!