subject: Vitamin D is an Important Part of Immune System Health [print this page] Vitamin D is an Important Part of Immune System Health
Most people know that vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. However, the body uses vitamin D in far more roles than just supporting good bone health. The National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements tells us that vitamin D is fat-soluble and does not occur naturally in most foods. It is necessary for the human body to support the immune system and is key in helping our bodies absorb many other nutrients.The consequences of vitamin D deficiency go far beyond poor bone development and bone loss leading to falls and fractures. Vitamin D helps facilitate every tissue in the body. This includes the brain, heart, our muscles, and immune system. This means that in order for these tissues to function well, we need to be maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D. Going long term without proper levels of vitamin D have shown, through recent studies, to cause an elevated risk of developing certain cancers including colon, breast, and prostate. Studies have also seen vitamin D deficiency to contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and immune system abnormalities.It seems that vitamin D deficiency is mainly caused by living lifestyles that prevent us from acquiring proper levels of it. For instance, the sun's ultraviolet-B rays are the body's main source of vitamin D. When we are out in the sun, our bodies naturally absorb it. In modern times, and as a society as a whole, we do not get enough of those ultraviolet-B rays. Children and teenagers spend more and more time indoors watching TV or playing video games and adults spend their daytime hours working inside buildings. In addition, since vitamin D does not occur naturally in most foods, unless we are eating an extremely well-rounded diet, we are not consuming adequate levels of it either.There are many ways of obtaining vitamin D in our current lives and lifestyles. First, opt to get more sun in your daily or weekly schedules. Instead of eating lunch inside at your work desk, eat outside on a park bench. Take the family out to the pool on the weekend instead of renting a movie. These little changes will prove big improvements in your overall vitamin D intake as well as overall health. Second, take vitamin D supplements. Go to your local Grocery store, supplement outlet, or drug store and you will find vitamin D supplements. Children and teenagers will love gummy vitamin D supplements. Third, adjust your diet to include more vitamin D rich foods. These foods include milk, yogurt, salmon, shrimp, and wild-caught fish, eggs, and orange juice fortified with vitamin D.If vitamin D is absorbed naturally through the skin, the body will naturally stop absorption when sufficient levels are reached. When the source is ingested, like a supplement, there is no natural cut-off. Vitamin D toxicity includes nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and constipation. Although it is very hard to reach toxic levels of the vitamin, you should follow proper dosage instructions on supplement bottles or talk with your pharmacist about the proper amount.
