Vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies I see in my clinic. Deficiency of Vitamin D is concerning because it plays an important role in many areas of our health.
Why do we need Vitamin D?
Vitamin D contributes to bone strength, heart health, and cancer prevention. Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with an increased susceptibility to infection. This is why it is vital that our levels are optimal.
Vitamin D modulates the innate and adaptive immune responses. The immune system defends the body from foreign, invading organisms, promoting protective immunity.
In terms of Vitamin D specific mechanism of action against viruses, it favourably modulates cellular defence and repair mechanisms and favourably modulates viral-induced pathological cellular processes. So as you can see, it is crucial we get levels optimal. However being a fat soluble vitamin, you must ensure you work with a practitioner to ensure you don’t take too much as that can be detrimental.
When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, my Vitamin D levels were rock bottom. Now I know to remain in remission, as I have been for the past several years, part of what I have to do is to ensure my levels are optimal all year round. I recommend a simple finger prick test to my clients to determine their vitamin D levels.
So how do you increase your Vitamin D levels?
Try to ensure you get 20 minutes exposure to sunlight a day with glasses off and eyes closed. This will also help with the production of melatonin which aids sleep. During the winter months, I recommend supplementation of D3 (combined with K2) but NOT D2.
Vitamin D contributes to bone strength, heart health, and cancer prevention. Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with an increased susceptibility to infection. This is why it is vital that our levels are optimal.
So go out and enjoy the sunshine and top up your Vitamin D at the same time.