Why is this important you may ask? There are a number of health benefits to adequate vitamin D levels but one direct link is the absorption of calcium. According to Dr Kristin Bobik, in the November issue of Dynamic Chiropractic, it can help take your calcium absorption from 10-15% to 30-40%. It can also increase phosphorous absorption from 50-60% to 80%.
I said “health benefits it gives” in the 1st paragraph, but really I should’ve said health problems you can get with low vitamin D. These range from muscle issues, to skeletal issues, to even auto-immune disease.
So how can we get more Vitamin D?
The best overall source is sunlight. Now I’m not saying: “Go outside til you burn”, but I am saying to get some sun! Maybe sit out in the sun for ten minutes on a nice day, or play a round of golf, or do some yard work. Without, of course, cataract like glasses and a bee suit on…
It’s amazing to me the people who don’t go outside. When I go to Florida, many people have a great tan, but an awful lot of people are as white as a ghost! That isn’t just there genetics, but they are scared of the sun. Some blame should be put on their doctor if he recommend them this, but part is the media. We all know if you believe everything you hear, you’ll never want to leave the house?
Other ways to get some vitamin D is food, and supplements. Animals store it in their fat so you’ll get some from the meat you eat. Things like fortified milk and fiber has some too, as well as fish and fish oils. Taking a Vitamin D supplement will also help; Vitamin D3 is what you want to buy. Remember that I mentioned the best source is sunlight. Depending where you live however you may not get it for parts of the year…
Additional Reading:
2) Neck Pillows to Help Your Spine
3) Vitamin D Sources from Harvard
