Vitamin D

ITAMIN D: HEALTHY LEVELS OF THE “SUNSHINE VITAMIN” IS CRUCIAL TO AVOIDING CANCER

Vitamin D, a vitamin-like hormone created in the skin in response to sunlight, plays an important role in immune system health, with deficiencies linked to higher risk of respiratory diseases. Now, there is evidence that the “sunshine vitamin” can protect against cancer as well.

According to noted cancer researcher Dr. Cedric F. Garland, healthy levels of vitamin D have been associated with lower risk of cancers of the breast,lung and bladder. Research published in PLOS One showed that having vitamin D levels of 40 ng/mL or higher resulted in a 67 percent lower risk of cancer - compared with vitamin D levels of 20 ng/mL or less.

Ironically, 20 ng/mL is the recommended level advised by conventional medical doctors. But, as many integrative physicians have long asserted, it takes at least double that amount for cancer-protective benefits to occur – with even higher levels affording even greater benefit.

Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States and the world causing many to have insufficient protection against cancer. You can boost your vitamin D intake with oily fish, raw dairy products, pasture raised eggs, mushrooms and non-GMO soy.

But, while prolonged sun overexposure can lead to skin cancer, the fact is: getting appropriate amounts of sunlight is considered the best way to create vitamin D in the body. Natural health experts advise getting 20 minutes of direct sun a few times a week. For longer periods of time in the sun, you should consider putting on protective clothing or use a non-toxic sunscreen which is usually Zinc.

Keep in mind, if you’re deficient in vitamin D, supplementation is often the only way to increase your levels of vitamin D – especially if you live in a northern climate. Natural health experts usually recommend between 5,000 IU to 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 (the most active form of the nutrient) per day - but individual needs vary according to age, sex, health, weight and even climate.

References:

https://lnkd.in/gaUjySQu

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