Vitamin D, we’ve all heard we need it. We all assume we get Vitamin D from food or supplements, right ? What do we know about this vitamin ? What does it do for our body ? Is there a limit to how much I need and can you get too much ? Is there a way to get Vitamin D naturally into my body ? All good questions.
There are so many synthetic products out there, am I getting exactly what my body needs to function at it optimal performance?
What is Vitamin D
Vitamin D has a massive impact on how our body processes and digests food. I enhances bone growth, density as well as insulin production. I effects memory, heart and lung development. And some say it alleviates or prevents some cancers !! Oh course we all have heard that vitamin C plays a major role in our immune systems. But what most of us don’t know is that it plays a much more vital role than we thought.
This vitamin helps with digestion by allowing our bodies to absorb calcium, phosphorus as well as magnesium. It is a fat-soluble secosteriod. It in other words Vitamin D enables our bodies to perform at its peak by using the broken down forms of vitamim D3 and D2.
I know this is a lot to take in. So let’s just say that Vitamin D is a major supplement that we need more of.
Vitamin D-Benefits
I have found that there are several benefits to taking this vitamin.
- Did you know that Vitamin D helps in promoting firmer bones and teeth. Since it allows our bodies to breakdown and utilize calcium, the result is stronger bones and teeth.
- I always thought that brittle bones and soft teeth were due to lack of calcium. Well, in a way I guess that is correct. But it can also be due to the fact that you don’t have enough D to help your body absorb the calcium once your body breaks it down. Therefore, you may have enough calcium but lack the foundation, Vitamin D, for absorption.
- This little known vitamin is a contributor to brain function. Who knew ? Having a clear, focused mind helps you get through your day better. As your brain functions better, so does the rest of your body. Biohacking your body is a great way to make sure it is utilizing your vitamin D input.
- This vitamin is a great contributor to the overall performance of the body included but not limited to the heart, lungs and liver. Insulin production is relatively dependent on D vitamin. Something as simple a vitamin D is a great and simple remedy to some overall health conditions.
Vitamin D Deficiency – It happens
The lack of the D in pregnant women is a cause of preeclampsia. Gestational diabetes in pregnant women is generally a vitamin D deficiency.
Nursing infants often suffer from D deficiency. If a mother is exclusively nursing their baby will most likely need to give him or her a supplement or have long exposures to the sun. some sun exposure is amazing. However a child should not be exposed to the sun for long periods of time, this option is not the best.
Vitamin D deficiency for long periods of time can cause severe health issues including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune issues, pregnancy complications as well as infections. Research has shown some sides in that a D deficiency can have severe impact on certain cancers, such as colon, prostate and breast cancer. And since most of us do not spend long periods of time regularly in the sun, it seems to make since only to add vitamin D supplements.
Where to get this Vitamin
As stated before, this vitamin is a natural product of sun exposure. But too much exposure to the sun can also cause other significant issues, where are other places where you can find this supplement ?
Dairy products that produce the D vitamin naturally are cheese, egg yolk, fortified milk and cereals. It is also naturally occurring in beef liver. I remember as a child that grandmother cooked liver and onions. Daddy and I liked it but mother wouldn’t eat it. Now I know why she would say it was good for me to eat it. Also certain fish are a great source of this vitamin. Salmon seems good for many reason including D and Omega 3 are just two. here of course pills and liquid forms of supplements on the market today.
Conclusion
Our bodies just need a little bit of a jump start or realignment to get it working properly. So, we can biohack our systems, just like a computer, to get it working at its peak performance. With the proper diet, exercise and nutrition, you can be well on your way to the best you ever!! No matter what you are looking for weight loss, better sleep, or to get rid of “brain fog” you can find it and then your body will be at its peak performance.
Then have a glass of wine and a great dinner to celebrate your new you!!!