Health Benefits of Vitamin D

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Note: Not all health benefits of vitamin D are created equal. There is vitamin D2 which is a synthetic form of the precursor hormone and not as potent. Some studies using it found no benefit at all. The D2 is the kind that fortifies most foods. Then there is the man made version of D3 and fish oils that are have it as part of their natural make up.

Finally there is the sunlight which is perhaps the best source for health benefits of vitamin D.

In all instances it should be noted that vitamin D works to help boost your glutathione. So the best way to boost your vitamin D would be to get 10 to 15 minutes a day or about 2 hours a week.

There are numerous benefits of vitamin D.

  • Helps the body maintain your calcium balance
  • Helps with the functioning of the nervous system
  • Is essential for the bodies efficient utilization of calcium
  • Plays a role in cell proliferation and wound healing
  • Bone growth and maintenance of bone density
  • Stimulates the differentiation of cells
  • Aids in cell differentiation

Helps You Tan Faster

High D levels help you to sun tan faster. Low levels leave your skin white so that it can make even more vitamin D. To prevent excessive vitamin D production from the skin, it tans. This means that vitamin D can actually help prevent sunburn.

No wonder, vitamin D, is essentially a precursor hormone — the building block of a steroid hormone in our bodies called calcitriol. One of the things it does is to help boost the production of glutathione. Elevating the intercellular glutathione alone can bring relief from a sunburn. Add vitamin D to the mix and you have a one two punch.

Vitamin D and Hair Loss Prevention

Vitamin D will not help your hair grow back once it is gone. However it will help you keep what you have.

Vitamin D PsoriasisThe active form of vitamin D is associate with helping psoriasis. The synthetic version, D2 was found to have little effect. As a glutathione precursor, adding cysteine both to the diet and topically could help reduce the plaques.

Vitamin D DepressionVitamin D is associated with improving cognitive and mental function. Numerous studies show reduced sunlight leads to increasing depression. Studies have indicated that supplemental vitamin D in the active form actually improves the depression in some instances. However, it was not shown to improve mood if your not depressed.

Boosts Your Immunity

The active form of vitamin D is an immune system modulator. Vitamin D produces several positive effects on immune system function. One benefit, it helps the body produce glutathione.

Evidence suggests that it inhibits the development of autoimmunity.

Helps with insulin secretion and glucose tolerance.

May help decrease the risk of high blood pressure

May help prevent osteoporosis and maintain proper calcium absorption.

May help prevent stroke and heart disease.

May help fight depression.

May even help with weight loss.

While rickets and osteomalacia are extreme examples of vitamin D deficiency, osteopororsis is an example of a long-term effect of vitamin D insufficiency.

...in those who have difficulty walking and exercising, in post-menopausal women, and in individuals on chronic steroid therapy.

Vitamin D deficiency, which is often seen in post-menopausal women and older Americans, has been associated with greater incidence of hip fractures.

In a review of women with osteoporosis hospitalized for hip fractures, 50 percent were found to have signs of vitamin D deficiency.

When Vitamin D is supplemented with calcium, evidence suggests a reduced risk of hip fractures.

Prevents Death

Three studies in 2008 in Archives of Internal Medicine looked at vitamin D levels and cause of mortality. Basically those who have low levels were more likely to die.

The Health Benefits of Vitamin D and Cancer

Studies suggest vitamin D may be protective against some cancers.

The intake of calcium and vitamin D was found to be associated with lower cancer rates. Simply getting a daily dose of sun exposure (not over exposure) has been associated with reduced cancer deaths.

Higher the vitamin D levels were associated with lower risk for colon and colorectal cancers. It is not known if it is the vitamin D deficiency that increases cancer risk, or if increased intake of vitamin D is protective against some cancers.

Vitamin D and Alzheimer's Disease

Many Alzheimer's disease patients are homebound and frequently sunlight deprived. As we age, less vitamin D is converted to its active form from sun exposure.

Other Diseases and the Health Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D may help with several autoimmune Diseases

  • Diabetes
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Sunlight, Nutrition And Health Research Center reports that the prevalence of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis increases as latitude increases. This suggests that lower exposure to sun light and associated decreases in vitamin D synthesis may be involved in the development of these diseases.

Vitamin D and High Blood Pressure(Hypertension)

There is some evidence that decreased vitamin D levels are associated with higher blood pressure.

In one study, supplementing with both calcium and vitamin D was associated with a modest decrease in blood pressure compared to calcium alone.

Other factors that could decrease the active vitamin D include dark skin, living in latitudes that have less sunlight.

There are more health benefits of vitamin D to be posted in time. Some are awaiting studies before they get posted. Please return for updates.

March 2010 Update: Several authorities are now in the news saying that current recommendations for vitamin D intake are below what we need. These likewise point to the health benefits of vitamin D.

Boost your Glutathione

GlutathioneDiseaseCure.com: For the Health Benefits of Vitamin D


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