Vitamin D - Many Benefits, Especially for Those Over 50!
Vitamin D Does Many Wonderful Things for People of All Ages
Everyone seems to be talking about Vitamin D these days. Dr. Oz has talked about it on his show. Good Morning America has also done a story on it. There are even articles about it in magazines and newspapers, as well as the internet. After seeing all this, I began to wonder why, so I started doing some research. Imagine my surprise when I found out the health benefits and bodily functions that this Vitamin is reputed to help. I was so impressed, I decided to write this article about the benefits of Vitamin D, so I could keep it straight in my head and so that others could get the low down on this extremely healthful vitamin.
Read on to find out more about Vitamin D !
~Graphic is an original by Jade
Some of the Benefits of Vitamin D - There are Many !
It aids your body in absorbing nutrients, most importantly calcium and phosphorus. This helps give you good teeth, strong bones and a more powerful immune system
Helps your body's calcium balance, thereby preventing osteoporosis or arthritis
Reduces Stress and Tension
Relieves body aches and pains by reducing muscle spasms
Helps control insulin level in diabetics
May help weight loss, especially in post menopausal women
Vitamin D and AlgaeCal - Weight Loss Help For Post Menopausal Women
There has been several studies that have shown a connection between calcium and vitamin d and weight loss in post menopausal women. This duet of supplements may also be able to stop the dreaded weight gain that comes with middle age, because it is believed that the intake of calcium and vitamin d changes the way the body breaks down fat.
Plant based calcium is recommended, a being easier on the stomach and also non-constipating. AlgaeCal has gotten great reviews as being a premium plant based calcium supplement.
AlgaeCal - The Best Calcium for Bones
Exposure to the Sun Creates Vitamin D
Your Skin Creates It
I've always known that sunlight was the natural source for Vitamin D. Exposure to the sun causes your skin to manufacture it. Unfortunately, spending time in the sun with unprotected skin is a dangerous practice that puts you at risk for premature aging and skin cancer. So I am thinking to myself, if you need put your unprotected skin in the sunlight to get Vitamin D, but you really shouldn't put your unprotected skin out in the sun, what do I do now?
I called my family doctor and posed this question to him. He said that the sun exposure your skin needs to produce Vitamin D is minimal, far less than levels needed to cause health problems. I asked him how much, and he said sun on your unprotected skin for about 15 minutes twice a week would be more than enough for the Vitamin D that I needed. He also recommended eating Vitamin D rich foods, such a salmon, on a regular basis was an excellent way to maintain good Vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D Rich Foods
Shitake & Button Mushrooms:
Mackrel
Sockeye Salmon
Herring
Sardines
Catfish
Tuna
Cod Liver Oil
Eggs
Beef Liver
Swiss Cheese
Fresh Fruit
Without sunscreen 15 minutes of sun gives you 20,000 IU of Vitamin D
This is not recommended and may promote skin aging and skin cancer
Recommended Dosage of Vitamin D
The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is:
400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months
600 IU for ages 1 to 70 years
800 IU for people over 70 years
However, studies have shown that more can be better when it comes to Vitamin D, and many people take 1000 IU per day or more, with no risks or side effects.
Want to Know If You Are Vitamin D Deficient?
Ask your doctor for a 25-hydroxy blood test. The normal range is 30 to 74 nanograms per milliliter. If you are not within that range, you need to take more Vitamin D.
Rainbow Light Vitamin D Gummies - Yummy Gummies !
Sour lemon flavored gummies, 100% natural and free of gluten, nuts, fish, soy, eggs, yeast and milk. 1000 UI each. These are my favorite vitamins, I love lemon!
Vitamin D Helps Prevent Injuries from Falls in Older Adults
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently came out with the recommendation that Vitamin D supplements and exercise are the best preventive measures that older Adults can take against injury from falling. Falling is one of the major causes of injury in people over 65, who usually fall at least once a year. Serious injury occurs in 5 to 10% of these falls.
Much research has been done on how to help prevent injuries from falls. There are many things that have been found that do not help, such as wearing hip protectors, taking protein supplements or more frequent eye exams. Studies have shown no injury reduction with the introduction of these factors. However, with the addition of Vitamin D and either regular exercise or physical therapy, the reduction of injuries from falling decreased 13 to 17 percent according to Reuters Health report of December 21, 2010. The recommended dose is 800 IUs per day, for long term maximum benefit.
My mom took vitamins every day of her adult life, and she always took Vitamin D, as well as C. Even in her 90's she never broke a bone, or damaged her hip when she took a tumble! I firmly believe it was her vitamin regimen that was the reason for that.
~Graphic is an original by Jade
Vitamin D Helps Keep You Healthy!
Vitamin D May Help Some Health Issues
It's Part of the Recommended Treatment
Vitamin D has been found to aid in the treatment of several health issues:
Research on vitamin D use for specific conditions shows:
- Cancer. Research suggests that vitamin D and calcium, may in the prevention of some types of cancer.
- Cognitive health. Some research suggests that vitamin D may help cognitive function in patience with dementia.
- Inherited disorders. Vitamin D supplements have been used to help treat inherited disorders.
- Multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of multiple sclerosis, some small research has indicated.
- Osteomalacia. Adults with severe vitamin D deficiency, resulting in loss of bone mineral content, bone pain, muscle weakness and soft bones (osteomalacia) are often treated with high doses of Vitamin D.
- Osteoporosis. Studies suggest that getting enough vitamin D and calcium in your diet aids in preventing osteoporosis and reduces the chance of bone fractures.
- Psoriasis. Applying vitamin D or a topical preparation to the skin may help in treating plaque-type psoriasis in some people.
- Rickets. Vitamin D can prevent and treat this disease.
Some Medication Can Prevent Vitamin D Absorption
Hydroxychloroquine, or Plaquenil, and corticosteroids are prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and can prevent Vitamin D from being absorbed. See your doctor and have him adjust the dosage of your Vitamin D accordingly.
Infomrative eBook: The Miraculous Results of Extremely High Doses of Vitamin D3
Jeff Bowles experiment with large doses of Vitamin D3 from 25,000 to 100,000 IU a day for one year. Read this and be amazed!
Dr. Oz on The Importance of Vitamin D
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Disclaimer: The information presented on this page is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own physician