The role of sunshine on health was recognised in the 1600's. Vitamin D was "discovered" in the early part of the last century.
Here is some general information about Vitamin D, however you may like to talk with your health professional for advice.
We need Vitamin D for strong bones, immune health, sleep, digestion, mood and other roles in the body.
Did you know Vitamin D is actually a hormone, that low-fat diets may cause low vitamin D and cholesterol lowering drugs may negatively impact vitamin D levels?
People with gut disorders, who have reduced good bacteria in their gut micro-biome, may lack vitamin D. Studies have found that optimal vitamin D levels are associated with greater diversity in gut microbes.
Vitamin D has been under the spotlight in recent years. Here is some general info which may help you understand Vitamin D and it's role in the body.
Vitamin D is a hormone, which the body makes for itself from exposure to sunlight, and from some foods.
Healthy kidneys and liver are important for the body to be able to create vitamin D.
Vitamin D plays an essential role in balancing the immune system, minerals and sleep and it is essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscles.
Important role in sleep, digestion and mood.
Vitamin D boosts immune function and is essential for respiratory health.
Vitamin D fights inflammation in the body - reducing risk of cancer.
Research studies found a link between Vitamin D and Covid 19. There were higher numbers of recovery rates from Covid 19 in people with healthy levels of Vitamin D and less long-term effects. There have been more deaths in countries where there are high rates of vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is stored in the body and also in mushrooms which have been dried in the sun. A remote mountain group of people in an extremely cold region, dried mushrooms in the sun each year and stored them for the winter.
As a fat-soluble vitamin, consuming healthy fats, such as avocado or olive oil will help your body store vitamin
A blood test can show levels of Vitamin D.
Who is at risk of deficiency?
Amongst those that may be depleted, the highest groups for deficiency include elderly people, people living in cold climates, high latitude, some people with gut disorders or chronic illness, people who are constantly covered up or are inside, and shift workers.
People over 65 are estimated to have around one quarter of Vitamin D levels than that of a 20-year-old person!!
Vitamin D food sources include: Fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese, beef liver, cod-liver oil, mushrooms (especially sun-dried), fortified milk, cereal and juice.
How much sun should we have? We're told to stay out of the sun, cover up or apply sunscreen (which may contain cancer-causing toxins, such as benzene).
Maybe "Everything in Moderation" is the key? Spending 6 hours at the beach in summer or 8 hours working outside would be too much. Covering up totally and avoiding all sun exposure would be not enough.
Recommended skin exposure to sunlight may be between 10-20 mins a few times per week– although that’s probably a tricky thing to measure and depend on age and risk of skin cancer.
This also depends on where you live and the season. It is still important to be sun-safe and stay out of the sun during the middle of the day.
I have sun-damaged skin, especially on my neck and forearms, from years working outside in a t-shirt. I cover up with long sleeve clothing when spending extended periods outside gardening or hiking. Sometimes I'll allow more sunlight on my skin when working outside at the beginning or the end of each day, depending on the season.
I try to go outside with short-sleeves or swimsuit in summer, a few times a week for around 10-15 mins.
I sleep better and have stronger nails when a little time is spent outside in the sunshine.
Note: Too much Vitamin D can cause kidney and liver problems, (associated with too much calcium). When it comes to supplements, do your research, understand how they work, how to choose quality supplements and consider a blood test to ascertain your individual needs.
Is there a relationship between the skin micro-biome and vitamin D absorption?
It's possible that there is a link between reduced bacteria in the skin's microbiome and the ability to absorb D? Could depleted skin micro-biome cause low levels of Vitamin D?
Chlorine in the water, lots of soapy bathing and too much sanitizer? (Definitely an idea worth exploring)
A common-sense approach to sunlight exposure, foods and supplements is a good idea. Stay healthy everyone :)
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