Summer is here! This means there is plenty of sunshine to boost Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D, while called a vitamin, acts more like a hormone in the body, as it is made from cholesterol after the skin is exposed to the sun. Vitamin D is estimated to be involved in the regulation of thousands of genes and influences critical processes in cells throughout the entire body. It’s no wonder that Vitamin D has been shown to influence numerous health conditions from immune function to bone and muscle health, cardiovascular health, and more!
It’s estimated that 42% of the US population is deficient in Vitamin D, which can have harmful consequences. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of Vitamin D, and how to boost and maintain levels.
BONES:
Vitamin D supports the normal structure and function of bones and muscles. Vitamin D enables calcium and the mineral, phosphate to be absorbed to mineralize bones. Thus, deficiencies in vitamin D have been associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis, as well as with a greater incidence of hip fractures. Vitamin D substantially affects the brain and nervous systems, too. Studies have shown that supplemental vitamin D may enhance mood during the winter season when vitamin D synthesis from the sun is extremely low.
IMMUNE:
Vitamin D has been shown to boost and modulate our immune system. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with increased susceptibility to infection, as well as increased autoimmunity. Long-term studies have shown that adequate vitamin D can reduce cancer risk, particularly with regard to breast and colorectal cancers.
RESPIRATORY:
Vitamin D has been shown to have a positive influence on acute and chronic respiratory issues and may help to diminish symptoms when they occur. For example, adequate amounts of vitamin D during childhood and adulthood have been shown to decrease the risk of exacerbation of chronic respiratory issues and their symptoms. Alternatively, vitamin D deficiency has been shown to increase the risk of upper respiratory tract infections and to negatively impact asthma and wheezing diseases.
In addition to the respiratory system, research shows that vitamin D plays a role in the health of the cardiovascular system as well, helping to reduce the risk of various complications of the heart and blood vessels. For example, researchers reported that daily vitamin D supplementation using a wide range of doses (i.e. 600 IU, 2,000 IU, 4,000 IU) decreased the stiffness of specific blood vessels after only eight weeks, compared to placebo.
MOOD:
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of depression. In fact, low levels of vitamin D are associated with both major and minor depression as well as mood disorders. Low levels of vitamin D may contribute to poorly regulated mood and behavior, as there are vitamin D receptors in areas of the brain responsible for mood and behavior, including the development of depression.
ACTIVITY/EXERCISE:
Vitamin D plays a major role in muscle function and thus can affect physical performance. Vitamin D supplementation in athletes who are diagnosed as having a vitamin D deficiency can improve physical performance.
HOW TO BOOST VITAMIN D:
Soak up some sun! Midday, especially during summertime, is the best time for sunlight exposure. At noon, the sun is at its highest point, and its UVB rays are the most intense. This means you need less time in the sun to make sufficient vitamin D. Aim for 15 minutes per day, but be careful not to burn. Light-skinned people likely will only tolerate about 15 minutes, while those with darker skin, may tolerate hours of exposure.
PERFECT SUPPLEMENT ADDITIONS:
- Res-Q Vital D3: Each capsule contains 5,000 IUs of vitamin D, making this one of the best Res-Q products to boost levels, especially during the winter months.
- Res-Q 1250+: This combination of omegas and vitamin D is a wonderful option to maintain healthy vitamin D levels and should be taken daily, year-round.
- Res-Q Cor-Immune Defense: If you’re looking to support healthy vitamin D levels, along with concentrated immune support, then this is the product for you.
