Vitamin D: Secret to High Energy
/Vitamin D is arguably the most important vitamin you could take. Vitamin D is actually a hormone; it's not even a vitamin and it affects our entire body. Whenever, you feel fatigued or little energy - it's quite possible you're Vitamin D levels are low.
Vitamin D is the secret to feeling good. It affects our entire body.
A few years, ago I notices I was constantly tired. As you know, each day I am either in the operating room or my practice at a very early hour. But I noticed that no matter what I did, eating right or exercising often, nothing helped. Finally I checked my Vitamin D level and it was low. It was about 25; the normal value should be over 30. Ideal levels for men and women should be in the 40-50 range.
I began taking 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day - which is the most active form. D3 is the best form of Vitamin D to take in terms of supplements. Obviously, we'd all love to get our Vitamin D through sun exposure but as with this winter season, we know that's not always possible.
Benefits of Vitamin D
- Vitamin D helps build up calcium in your body which strengthens bone and teeth health
- Decreased risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, dementia and some cancers including breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, esophageal and lymphatic
- Helps lower blood pressure levels and hypetension
- Regulates your immune system for optimal efficiency and fighting disease
- Studies have shown that it can decrease multiple sclerosis in women
Over the years many studies have shown low Vitamin D leading to heart disease, diabetes, dementia, aggressive prostate cancer and Alzheimers. A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism explored the importance of vitamin d related to heart health. A connection was made between children having low vitamin d levels and experiencing heart disease later in life. Learn more on this connection between heart disease and low vitamin d.
Parents: How to Give Your Child Vitamin D
It's important to understand how vitamin d intake and doses work. Talk to your child's pediatrician. The recommended amount for children are up for debate and in this case individualized care is the best. By consulting your doctor, you can adjust your intake slowly, measure your levels after 3 months and see where you're at. I would recommend at least 600 IU per day. I personally take about 2,000 IU per day. Teenagers should also be measuring their vitamin d levels. It's important for their health later on in life.
As far as sun exposure, your skin has to be exposed to the sun to acquire vitamin d. In recent years, we've seen many messages about sun protection with regards to skin cancer and risk of melanoma. The problem with this is we are over protecting ourselves and it's resulting in low vitamin d.
Health Tip: A quick 10 minutes in the sun, 3 times a week, gets you the vitamin d you need.
Vitamin D is important for children and teenagers and ensures better health and less risk of disease later on in their lives. Talk to their doctor and get a blood test to check the levels.
It's important to know that too much vitamin d can lead to an increased calcium amount in your body resulting in kidney stones and other issues. Be cautious about taking too much per day.