D+

After researching Vitamin D for our newsletter I was deeply encouraged by the benefits this vitamin has to offer. My goal for the newsletter was to point out how effective Vitamin D is at fighting infections and viruses that can cause respitory illness, colds and flu.

The reason why Vitamin D works is because it creates over 200 antimicrobial peptides that enhance the bodies own natural defenses against colds and viruses. The easiest and most effective way for the body to obtain from exposure to sunlight. Levels of Vitamin D are usually lower in the winter months when exposure to sunlight is limited making it easier to catch and spread colds and flu.

But there is more to Vitamin D than fighting colds. In a study of 150 people Vitamin D deficiency was determined to be the source of unexplained bone and muscle pain. Vitamin D deficiency may also be linked to several cancers including prostate, breast and colon cancer. It’s also believed Vitamin D can protect the body against heart disease and diabetes.

Although sunlight is the most effective source there are other ways to feed your body Vitamin D. Cod Liver Oil, Salmon, eggs, and fortified milk. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D I found while researching is curious. The RDA is generally 200 - 600 IU, however studies indicate less than 20 minutes spent in the sun can produce 20,000 IU. There are some doctors who believe 1,000 IU daily is sufficient while one doctor recommended 5,000 IU daily. Vitamin D is not toxic and overdosing is not an issue.

Given the drastic differences in recommended doses and what the body can produce before it gets sunburned I only feel comfortable in suggesting you do your own research for dosage. A good diet, exercise, perhaps a walk outdoors in fresh air, a positive attitude will never hurt you and can only aid whatever amount of Vitamin D you decide to take.

Lisa Radke is one of the owners of Wild Natural Beauty natural and organic beauty essentials.