As the population of North America progresses through seasonal changes from summer to fall and then into winter our bodies also go through critical changes.
The days get colder and shorter with decreased sunlight exposure promoting changes and alterations in our immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems (especially the brain) as well as lesser changes with the other body systems.
These seasonal changes will bring illness unless our systems are healthy enough to adequately adapt. Because a large percentage of our population is already not healthy (huge numbers are obese, prediabetic or worse, highly stressed, immune compromised, etc.) seasonal changes will add another level of stress which frequently results in illness.
There is one critical vitamin- D3- which positively affects nearly every system in the body and with adequate levels in the body can prevent many of the illnesses which normally accompany the change in seasons, summer to winter.
Vitamin D strengthens the immune system, regulates blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance, improves mood, assists to increase Energy levels, regulates Calcium and several other minerals, helps the heart and nervous systems as well as strengthens bones, decreases pain and accelerates healing of wounds.
As you can see Vitamin D affects so many areas of the body that suffer during the present seasonal changes. In addition Vitamin D also affects almost 3000 genes and their expression in overall health including the ability to fight cancer.
Unfortunately, a large percentage of the population is Vitamin D deficient and this is only exacerbated when winter brings shorter sunlight hours and less direct sunlight exposure.
The most relevant health challenges that Vitamin D significantly affects in the fall and winter months are Energy levels, maintenance of mood and flu prevention.
The ways to increase Vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight (must be on bare skin and on the eyes), tanning beds, taking supplements or in the food we eat (great source of a supplement /food is cod liver oil).
Because direct sunlight exposure is compromised during the winter here is a guideline for consuming Vitamin D and achieving adequate Vitamin D levels. You want to achieve levels of greater than 40 or 50 ng/ml in the blood so Vitamin D testing will determine if you have sufficient Vitamin D levels as each person’s ability to assimilate Vitamin D is different in addition to the level of Vitamin D consumption. Researchers and top health coaches now believe that adults need up to 8000 IUs / day to achieve healthy levels in the blood. Vitamin D3 needs to also be supplemented with Vitamin K2 to help achieve optimal Vitamin D3 levels. D3 and K2 act synergistically in many systems of the body.
Foods to be taken to boost Vitamin D3 (George Mateljan Foundation)
- 4 oz of Alaskan Sockeye Salmon – 128% RDA
- 3.2 oz of Sardines- 44% RDA
- 1 egg- 11% of RDA
- Shiitake Mushrooms- 5% RDA
Note: RDA’s are far lower than what is necessary to create optimal blood levels.
It is important to prepare the body to survive the winter’s health challenges. Vitamin D (with K2) will have a hugely positive impact in warding off illness and depressed mood during the upcoming seasonal changes.
Remember to Enjoy the Journey,
Vital 100 Wellness Team