Vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin, plays a vital role in a healthy immune system. Not only is it available as a supplement, but it can also be found in certain food sources and can be synthesized in humans through exposure to sunlight.
Do you often find yourself getting sick during the cold winter months? Come winter, many of us get sick and become susceptible to influenza where their sun exposure is quite limited. One major factor that weakens our immune system is the lack of vitamin D in our bodies. Vitamin D plays an essential role in the proper functioning of our immune system.
Studies published in the Journal of Tropical Pediatrics and Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Journal showed that children are 11 times more likely to have respiratory infection if they have the lowest serum levels of vitamin D. In the same study, they found that after a period of six months of Vitamin D supplementation at 60,000 IU per week, there was a complete disappearance of infections when children with recurring respiratory infections
Aside from boosting our immunity and resisting respiratory infections, it also increases our body’s capacity in absorbing and metabolizing phosphorus and calcium needed in maintaining healthy bones. There has also been evidence that having adequate levels of vitamin D may significantly lower the risks of cancers such as colon, breast and prostate, just to cite a few. It may also help in the treatment and prevention of diabetes types I and II, reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis, glucose intolerance, certain autoimmune diseases, schizophrenia, and reduces the frequency and severity of asthma and further medical conditions.
With all the benefits that vitamin D has in store for us, it is unfortunate that many of us still do not get enough of it. Currently, the Recommended Daily Allowance for this vitamin is still not enough. Even if we are already taking the supplements, it may still not be the proper recommended dosage. According to one of the pioneers in vitamin D research, Dr. Michael F. Holick, he believes that adults and teens are able to tolerate, at most, 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily without having to worry about toxicity.
Most of us do not need to reach this allotment every day but normally, adults and teens need at least a minimum of 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily. But if you are found to be severely vitamin D deficient, the 10,000 IU allotment may be prescribed.
Not everyone may be complacent about taking dietary supplements. But if you are, you may always opt to go natural. Foods like whole eggs, cod liver oil, raw milk and raw dairy products, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, mushrooms, and red meat such as beef and beef liver. These are just a few examples of food sources that can help you reach your daily 2,000 IU vitamin D quota!
1. Beef and other Red Meat Liver
2. Whole Eggs
3. Raw Milk and other Raw Dairy Products
4. Cod Liver Oil
5. Mushrooms
