Vitamin D also known as the “Sunshine Vitamin,” is a very important component of your health. The benefits continue to be researched and scientists are finding more and more evidence of how vital Vitamin D is.
Vitamin D and your immune system
Vitamin D plays a large component in building your immune system. It helps to fight disease as well as bolster the immune system. The current research shows that Vitamin D plays an important role in Multiple Sclerosis, Heart Disease, and the flu. Vitamin D has also been seen to be beneficial with depression and fibromyalgia. The vitamin is also very important in helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus which helps keep your bones and teeth strong and well.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Current research is saying that the vitamin acts almost like a hormone in the body and is involved in at least 2,000 gene expressions. It is absorbed from the sun via UVB radiation through the skin. Once absorbed the liver then converts the vitamin into a different form. From there it is transferred to the kidneys where it is converted again to a usable form by the body. You can also get the vitamin from food sources or supplements.
How much Vitamin D do you need?
The RDA (recommended dietary allowances) says you need about 600 IU of D daily. Some newer research, however, states that most people are deficient in the vitamin so upwards of 2,000-5,000 IU are recommended. This is especially true for people who have indoor jobs and are hardly ever exposed to the sun or for those that live in a climate where the sun shines less or it is cold as they are more likely to be covered up. Usually between 10-20 minutes of sun exposure (no sunscreen) is enough to regulate what the body needs, however, remember that you are usually covered by clothes in most areas so you may not be getting as much as you think!
Vitamin “D-Ficiency”
If you are deficient in Vitamin D you make experience symptoms such as; overall not feeling well, achy and sore, overall tiredness. When severe, the deficiency can lead to bone pain, muscle pain and/or weakness, and even stress fractures in your weight-bearing bones.
Food sources of Vitamin D
It is not always easy to get out in the sun to get all of your Vit. D needs. The following food sources can help you meet your daily needs; eggs (especially the yolk), salmon, shrimp, sardines, as well as fortified versions of milk, cereals, orange juice and yogurts. An even easier way is to take a daily supplement. Just make sure that the supplement is Vitamin D3, the active form.
Bone health
It is important as we are growing and as we age to keep our bones healthy and strong. Everyone seems to know the importance of calcium, but without Vitamin D3 we cannot absorb the calcium. Getting your necessary minerals is great, but other aspects are necessary as well. Light, weight-bearing exercises are very important for bone health, as well as keeping the body moving. Also, keeping the body in proper alignment helps to maintain bone density and decrease pain. Maintenance chiropractic care is important in keeping the bones, joints, and nerves functioning properly so you can be at your best.
If you are looking for a chiropractor in Frisco to help maintain your spine and help with nutrition then Express Chiropractic and Wellness of Frisco might be the place for you!