Top 10 Benefits of Vitamin D

In the world of vitamins, vitamin D stands alone.

For starters, vitamin D isn’t really a vitamin at all (even though it’s often categorized as such). Vitamin D is actually a hormone.

Vitamin D is produced from cholesterol when sunlight passes through your skin. It also comes from foods like cod liver oil, egg yolks, and fortified milk.

The active version of vitamin D is a hormone called calcitriol. Calcitriol is produced by your liver and kidneys such that a constant level is maintained in your blood, while excess vitamin D is stored within your fat tissue.

Surprisingly, an estimated 40% of Americans suffer from low levels of vitamin D. This is likely a result of the following:

1. People spending a large percentage of their time indoors.
2. The use of sunscreen, which blocks vitamin D production.
3. Getting insufficient vitamin D from alternate sources, like vitamin D-rich foods or vitamin D supplements.

The Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D provides a number of important health benefits. These include:

#1. Bone Density

Vitamin D helps your bones to absorb calcium and potassium, which is necessary for keeping bones strong and healthy.

#2. Muscle Strength

The mitochondria within muscle cells need vitamin D to supply energy to your muscles.

#3. Strong Immune System

Vitamin D helps your immune system to fight off the viruses and bacteria that cause disease and inflammation. Research has linked low vitamin D levels to an increased incidence of various diseases ranging from the common cold and flu to more serious conditions like cancer.

#4. Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin D promotes heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure.

#5. Reduced Cancer Risk

Studies have linked vitamin D to lowering the risk of some cancers.

#6. Anti-Depression

Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that impacts mood, is regulated by vitamin D. Studies suggest that vitamin D can reduce depression symptoms.

#7. Stronger Teeth

Just like it does for bones, vitamin D promotes healthier teeth by helping your body to absorb calcium and phosphorus.

#8. Improved Cognitive Function

Higher vitamin D levels in brain tissue have been linked to improved cognitive performance. On the flip side, low vitamin D levels may be related to an increased incidence of dementia.

#9. Reduced Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Vitamin D may improve insulin sensitivity and help to regulate blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

#10. Increased Energy

The mitochondria in your cells can’t produce energy without vitamin D. As a result, low levels of vitamin D can leave you feeling tired.

Make the Most of Vitamin D

To maximize the benefits from vitamin D, you can try the following:

1. Get 15-20 minutes of sun exposure each day before you put on sunscreen.
2. Get your time in the sun before noon to limit exposure to harmful UV rays.
3. Add foods to your diet that are rich in vitamin D.
4. Even with sun exposure and a diet rich in foods containing vitamin D, most people will still be vitamin D deficient to some degree. The good news is that vitamin D supplements can help to make up the difference. However, it’s a good idea to get your vitamin D levels tested before beginning to take vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D is stored in the body and can become toxic if levels become too high.

Would you like to know if you’re vitamin D deficient? At Renew Youth, we can test your vitamin D level, and recommend supplementation if you’re deficient. Call us at (800) 859-7511 or use our contact form to set up your free 30-minute consultation.

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