Around 1 billion people are deficient in Vitamin D. This essential nutrient has many important functions within the body. This article will explore the importance of vitamin D for your immunity, other bodily systems and how you can ensure that you get enough.
Most people can’t get enough vitamin D through diet alone.
Vitamin D Benefits
Vitamin D, despite its name, is actually a hormonal substance, as the body can produce it by itself in response to sunlight. This hormone is essential for the immune system, as it activates immune cells to increase their ability to fight infections.
Vitamin D can also reduce inflammation, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and increase intestinal absorption. Vitamin D is therefore essential for brain health, heart and bone health as well as overall longevity.
What happens if you don’t get enough vitamin D?
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to heart disease and diabetes, according to research. Deficient levels of vitamin D in people with high blood-pressure are linked to nearly double the risk of heart attacks compared to those who have adequate levels. However, the exact cause is not known.
Vitamin D is important for the brain. Recent studies confirm a link between cognitive impairment and dementia and vitamin D deficiency. Some studies suggest that vitamin D could protect us against multiple sclerosis. However, more research is required.
Researchers are still learning about the role of vitamin D in upper respiratory infection, but it is clear that a vitamin D shortage can increase your chances of getting sick. A recent study found that people who suffered severe COVID complications had low levels of vitamin D. The normal vitamin D level is around 50 nmol/L (around 20 ng/mL). In this study, the subjects had levels that were below 30 nmol/L. The symptoms of the test subjects improved quickly when they supplemented their diet with vitamin D.
Vitamin D: How to Benefit from it
Vitamin D can be obtained in many ways: by spending time outdoors, through diet and supplementation. When your skin is directly exposed to the sun, it produces vitamin D. This may be the best way to get vitamin in certain climates and seasons, but it is not always possible. If you spend most of your time inside, your body is unlikely to produce much vitamin.
Kristin GUSTASHAW, MS, RDN, LDN CSG, Clinical Dietitian, Rush University Medical Center, says that it is difficult to maintain vitamin D levels because of the limited variety of foods containing Vitamin D. It’s a good idea, however, to include foods that contain vitamin D in your diet.
Vitamin D Food Sources:
- Egg yolks
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt
- Mushrooms
- Fatty fish especially wild-caught mackerel and salmon
- Canned Tuna in Water
- Sardines
- Beef or Calf Liver
- Products fortified with D, including almond, soy and oatmilks, cereals, bread and orange juice
Gustashaw suggests that you spend at least 15-30 mins in the sun every day, when the sun is out. Gustashaw says that you should consider the extra protection provided by the sun. “Ensure that you get enough vitamin D from your diet, and supplements throughout the year.”
Vitamin D supplements are also a good source. Children should receive 600 IU per day. Infants 0-12 months should get 400 IU/day.
Vitamin D3 vs. Vitamin D
Vitamin D comes in many forms. Vitamin D3 is a natural form that our bodies produce when exposed to sunlight.
There are two types of vitamin D supplements: D3 or D2. D2 is derived from plants and D3 from animals. Each one has a unique molecular composition. Some studies show that vitamin D3 is easier to absorb by your body. Your doctor may suggest 600 IU (international Units) of vitamin D3 per day if you are 65 or younger. You may need up to 800 IU if you are older than 65.
For a severe deficiency, your doctor may suggest a higher dosage. Too much vitamin D may cause health problems such as nausea, vomiting, or kidney stones.
Why is Vitamin D important for immunity?
Vitamin D is essential for immunity. Researchers are still investigating the link between vitamin deficiency, and respiratory infections such as COVID-19. Vitamin D is responsible for this because it inhibits some white blood cell’s damaging inflammatory response, while increasing the production of immune cells’ microbe-fighting protein. It enhances the production of antimicrobial agents and controls the specific immune response.
If you want to be healthy during this season and all year round, make sure to consume enough of this essential nutrient.
What to do if you’re Vitamin D deficient?
Gustashaw explains that many people have suboptimal vitamin D levels. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, tiredness and hair loss. It may also cause a decreased immune system, muscle pain, and delayed wound healing.
Gustashaw says that you can test your levels by taking a blood sample. A low level of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D is less than 30ng/mL. A severe deficiency, however, is less than 5ng/mL.
Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you find that your vitamin intake is lower than you would like. Be aware of medications that could affect your vitamin absorption. These include steroids (e.g. prednisone), the cholesterol-lowering drug cholestyramine, and seizure medication phenobarbital and phenytoin.
Some people have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Americans with darker skin produce less vitamin D.
What happens if I take too much vitamin D?
Hypercalcemia is the main symptom of vitamin D toxicity. Hypercalcemia can cause nausea, vomiting diarrhea, constipation and weakness. Other symptoms include excessive thirst, altered consciousness, high blood-pressure, calcification of the kidney tubes, renal failure, or hearing loss.
Hypercalcemia, caused by taking large amounts of vitamin supplements regularly, may take several months to clear up. Vitamin D is stored in the body’s fat and released slowly into the blood.
It is important to ensure that you get enough vitamin K and magnesium if you supplement with vitamin D. This may help reduce the risk of negative effects associated with a higher intake of vitamin D. It is important to combine vitamin D with magnesium because magnesium is essential for the bioavailability.
Sometimes, a high dose of vitamin d is taken to treat a deficiency. However, you should always consult your doctor or dietitian prior to taking large doses. Like many things in nutrition: more is not always better.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15050-vitamin-d-vitamin-d-deficiency#:~:text=Vitamin%20D%20deficiency%20is%20a%20common%20global%20issue.,States%20have%20vitamin%20D%20deficiency.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56070/
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmra070553
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.311585#:~:text=Technically%2C%20vitamin%20D%20is%20a,sequential%20metabolites%20produced%20by%20hydroxylases.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/#:~:text=Levels%20of%2050%20nmol%2FL,and%20might%20cause%20health%20problems.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851242/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4630385/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6132681/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5990512/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7305922/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8074587/
Vitamin D
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3349454/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5980613/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2912737/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16549493/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557876/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5045493/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613455/
https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/108/6/1249/5239886
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/#:~:text=Vitamin%20D%20can%20modulate%20the,an%20increased%20susceptibility%20to%20infection.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305614/#:~:text=Vitamin%20D%20plays%20a%20pivotal,modulate%20the%20specific%20immune%20response.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29671532/
Vitamin D Benefits – Why is Vitamin D important for Immunity? Alternative Medicine Magazine first published the post Vitamin D Benefits: Why is Vitamin D Important for Immunity?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of alternative and complementary medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. One example is acupuncture that uses needles. Others use heat or acupressure.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. These CAM therapies can also increase your overall well-being and decrease fatigue. Some CAM therapies are used to treat specific conditions, including fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:
- A holistic perspective which considers both body and mind, as well the environment.
- The belief, that mind and body influence and interact
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- A treatment that focuses on the whole person instead of just the symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- The best treatment methods integrate mind, spirit, and body
- Use natural products over synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Other therapies have potential side effects which must be considered against the perceived benefits. Before you make a decision about whether to try any CAM, it is important that you discuss the issues with your doctor.
What are 5 domains within integrative medicine, and how do they relate to each other?
Mind-body, nutrition and social determinants are the five domains of integrative medical. Lifestyle, prevention, and lifestyle are all included. These five areas include all aspects health care including mental, spiritual, as well as environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine offers a comprehensive approach for addressing your overall health, well-being, and treatment of diseases. It covers both traditional medical treatments and alternative therapies like acupuncture, yoga and meditation, as well nutritional counseling and biofeedback.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based
The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. Alternative and complementary medicine may be an option. This is part of a holistic approach. Always check with your doctor to ensure that any complementary and/or alternative medicines you take are supported scientifically. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- What’s in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health? NCCIH
cam.cancer.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
doi.org
How To
How to Get a Job in Holistic Medicine
The field is experiencing unprecedented growth in holistic medicine. There are many paths you can take to this career. However, returning to school is probably the best way to do it if you want to commit to this profession.
A number of schools offer holistic medicine programs. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. You can also find programs specifically tailored for medical professionals looking to enter the field.
There are many online universities that offer holistic health courses. One such program is called the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). This college provides students with many holistic health education tools.
Another option is to go to a traditional four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic healthcare courses. For example, the University of California has a Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Health Sciences.
If you plan on pursuing a career in holistic medicine, you should consider taking a course in nutrition. The NCCM recommends that students study nutrition before embarking on any professional training. Integrative medicine requires a thorough understanding of nutrition science.
Holistic medicine treats the whole person, not just symptoms. This requires more knowledge and skills than conventional medicine. Because of this, those interested in holistic medicine need to understand how to evaluate different types of illness from a nutritional perspective.
The NCCM says that nutritionists often work with doctors to provide dietary advice to their patients. Some even go so far as to suggest specific diets or supplements based on their assessment of the patient’s condition.
As a result, holistic practitioners must have a firm grasp of basic nutrition principles. This includes knowing which foods are healthy, and which are not. It includes diagnosing nutritional deficiencies and other problems.
It is important to remember that holistic practitioners do not specialize in nutrition. Some are primarily focused on herbal treatments while others rely solely upon acupuncture. Some combine the two methods into one.
But holistic practitioners suggest a diet rich and varied in fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. They also recommend that you eat plenty of seafood and fish. They discourage the consumption of processed food products and fast-food restaurants. Instead, they urge people to eat organic whenever possible.
One thing that holistic practitioners agree upon is that a balanced diet will help prevent disease. There are some things that they disagree on. They disagree with the belief that gluten causes celiac. Instead, they believe that a shortage of nutrients is the cause.
However, they all agree that certain foods can cause allergic reactions. They say peanuts and shellfish can cause anaphylaxis. They also warn against consuming too much caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners will use herbs to treat different illnesses. However, they do not recommend using drugs. This is because they feel that such substances only mask the problem instead of solving it. As a result, they prefer to rely on natural remedies when possible.
In addition to offering a variety of alternative therapies, holistic practitioners tend to employ a number of complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture – In Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves strategically inserting needles into the skin. This stimulates your body’s healing system.
- Herbal therapy – Holistic practitioners often use herbs to treat a variety of disorders. One common herb used for this purpose is ginseng.
- Homeopathy – Another form of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy is based on the principle of like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. In such cases, it’s important to find a remedy with the same ingredients that the original medication.
- Massage Therapy – Many holistic professionals offer massage therapy to help you relax and reduce stress. They claim it improves blood circulation, increases energy levels, and relieves muscle tension.
It is important to find a practitioner who meets your needs when choosing one. If you want someone specializing in nutritional counseling, look for a practitioner with a degree in nutrition. You can also learn more about acupuncture by contacting a practitioner who is certified by the American Association of Oriental Medicine.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about holistic care. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for certain services.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Vitamin D Benefits: Why is Vitamin D Important for Immunity?
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/immunity/vitamin-d-an-important-factor-for-overall-health/
Published Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2023 03:14:36 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of alternative and complementary medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. One example is acupuncture that uses needles. Others use heat or acupressure.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. These CAM therapies can also increase your overall well-being and decrease fatigue. Some CAM therapies are used to treat specific conditions, including fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:
- A holistic perspective which considers both body and mind, as well the environment.
- The belief, that mind and body influence and interact
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- A treatment that focuses on the whole person instead of just the symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- The best treatment methods integrate mind, spirit, and body
- Use natural products over synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Other therapies have potential side effects which must be considered against the perceived benefits. Before you make a decision about whether to try any CAM, it is important that you discuss the issues with your doctor.
What are 5 domains within integrative medicine, and how do they relate to each other?
Mind-body, nutrition and social determinants are the five domains of integrative medical. Lifestyle, prevention, and lifestyle are all included. These five areas include all aspects health care including mental, spiritual, as well as environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine offers a comprehensive approach for addressing your overall health, well-being, and treatment of diseases. It covers both traditional medical treatments and alternative therapies like acupuncture, yoga and meditation, as well nutritional counseling and biofeedback.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based
The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. Alternative and complementary medicine may be an option. This is part of a holistic approach. Always check with your doctor to ensure that any complementary and/or alternative medicines you take are supported scientifically. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- What’s in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health? NCCIH
cam.cancer.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
doi.org
How To
How to Get a Job in Holistic Medicine
The field is experiencing unprecedented growth in holistic medicine. There are many paths you can take to this career. However, returning to school is probably the best way to do it if you want to commit to this profession.
A number of schools offer holistic medicine programs. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. You can also find programs specifically tailored for medical professionals looking to enter the field.
There are many online universities that offer holistic health courses. One such program is called the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). This college provides students with many holistic health education tools.
Another option is to go to a traditional four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic healthcare courses. For example, the University of California has a Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Health Sciences.
If you plan on pursuing a career in holistic medicine, you should consider taking a course in nutrition. The NCCM recommends that students study nutrition before embarking on any professional training. Integrative medicine requires a thorough understanding of nutrition science.
Holistic medicine treats the whole person, not just symptoms. This requires more knowledge and skills than conventional medicine. Because of this, those interested in holistic medicine need to understand how to evaluate different types of illness from a nutritional perspective.
The NCCM says that nutritionists often work with doctors to provide dietary advice to their patients. Some even go so far as to suggest specific diets or supplements based on their assessment of the patient’s condition.
As a result, holistic practitioners must have a firm grasp of basic nutrition principles. This includes knowing which foods are healthy, and which are not. It includes diagnosing nutritional deficiencies and other problems.
It is important to remember that holistic practitioners do not specialize in nutrition. Some are primarily focused on herbal treatments while others rely solely upon acupuncture. Some combine the two methods into one.
But holistic practitioners suggest a diet rich and varied in fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. They also recommend that you eat plenty of seafood and fish. They discourage the consumption of processed food products and fast-food restaurants. Instead, they urge people to eat organic whenever possible.
One thing that holistic practitioners agree upon is that a balanced diet will help prevent disease. There are some things that they disagree on. They disagree with the belief that gluten causes celiac. Instead, they believe that a shortage of nutrients is the cause.
However, they all agree that certain foods can cause allergic reactions. They say peanuts and shellfish can cause anaphylaxis. They also warn against consuming too much caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners will use herbs to treat different illnesses. However, they do not recommend using drugs. This is because they feel that such substances only mask the problem instead of solving it. As a result, they prefer to rely on natural remedies when possible.
In addition to offering a variety of alternative therapies, holistic practitioners tend to employ a number of complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture – In Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves strategically inserting needles into the skin. This stimulates your body’s healing system.
- Herbal therapy – Holistic practitioners often use herbs to treat a variety of disorders. One common herb used for this purpose is ginseng.
- Homeopathy – Another form of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy is based on the principle of like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. In such cases, it’s important to find a remedy with the same ingredients that the original medication.
- Massage Therapy – Many holistic professionals offer massage therapy to help you relax and reduce stress. They claim it improves blood circulation, increases energy levels, and relieves muscle tension.
It is important to find a practitioner who meets your needs when choosing one. If you want someone specializing in nutritional counseling, look for a practitioner with a degree in nutrition. You can also learn more about acupuncture by contacting a practitioner who is certified by the American Association of Oriental Medicine.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about holistic care. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for certain services.
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