Sources of Vitamin D

The media keeps saying that we need vitamin D.  So where is the best source for getting this seemingly magical vitamin?  Well, the fact is that we can get it from natural sources for free.  Most people can get enough vitamin D by just getting going outside in the sun for about 10-20 minutes.  Of course, avoid the sun's most intense rays by avoiding the times of about 10 AM to 3 PM.  We can get our vitamin D while doing other beneficial things like taking a walk, bike ride, or doing some outdoor reading.  For years we were told that we should avoid the sunlight as it ages us and increases our chance of getting cancer.  Well, now the research is going the other way.  It all comes down to that old subject of moderation.  Now the other sources of vitamin D are foods and now, supplements.

Here is a small list of good food sources for Vitamin D:

Interesting benefit of Vitamin D

Proper levels of Vitamin D help your arteries to constrict and relax and help with blood clotting.  It also helps to control the proper fluid levels in our blood.  What this all means is that having proper levels of Vitamin D helps with blood pressure  The end result is healthier you with less chance of heart disease.

To read more about this click the links below.

Effect of vitamin D deficiency and replacement on endothelial function in asymptomatic subjects. Tarcin, O. et al., The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 2009 Oct;94(10):4023-30.

Vitamin D and cardiovascular prevention. Nadir, M. A., et al., Cardiovascular Therapeutics 2010 Aug;28(4):e5-12.

Vitamin D status is associated with arterial stiffness and vascular dysfunction in healthy humans. Mheid, I. A. et al., Journal of the American College of Cardiology April 5, 2011; 57: E2049

Till next time,  Your Asheville-Fairview Chiropractor Dr. Mathew K. Stockstad.

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The Benefits of Vitamin D for Children (everydayhealth.com)