It’s no secret that most people eating a typical Western diet and living a standard Western lifestyle are being plagued by ill health and disease. From aches and pains to more serious cancers and heart disease and despite our advances in healthcare, good health is elusive for many. For many the answer may be no more complicated than a simple vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is one of the most important, yet overlooked vitamins in the body. Vitamin D plays a role in almost all body functions. Sadly, a look at most Westerners vitamin D levels reveals a serious vitamin D deficiency – and it’s only getting worse.
Conditions Linked to Vitamin D Deficiencies:
- Osteoporosis
- Heart Disease
- Cancers
- Autoimmune disorders
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Diabetes
- Many more health problems
Yes, a vitamin D deficiency isn’t just about bones. Many people don’t realize that vitamin D plays a vital role in almost every function in the body. Low levels of vitamin D (or a vitamin D deficiency) can lead to a host of health problems from bothersome to fatal.
Contrary to what was believed for years, that vitamin D receptors were found only in the bones, intestines, and kidneys, we now know through recent research, that vitamin D receptors are found everywhere in the body. From fat cells to brain cells, vitamin D is found.
With that in mind, now think about the impact a vitamin D deficiency can have on the body. A vitamin D deficiency indeed impacts all of the body.
Do You Have a Vitamin D Deficiency?
By now you may be evaluating your own diet, wondering if you too have a deficiency in the all important vitamin D. It’s vital that you do address a potential vitamin D deficiency to stay healthy not just for today but tomorrow as well.
Vitamin D deficiencies used to be found years ago when the dawn of the industrial age came along. But today the statistics reveal that a vitamin D deficiency is found commonly in the wealthiest, most developed nations.
In fact, in a study by researchers at Harvard University and the University of Colorado (results published in the Archives of Internal Medicine) the following was revealed:
Vitamin D Deficiencies Impact All Americans
- 70% of whites, 90% of Hispanics, 97% of African Americans in the United States have insufficient levels of vitamin D.
The only reliable test for vitamin D deficiency is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. This is a blood test where blood is drawn and the sample is sent off to be evaluated.
Test for Vitamin D Deficiency
It’s up to you (and your doctor) to decide to test for vitamin D deficiency. If you think you have a vitamin D deficiency that’s causing you significant health issues it may be a good idea. This way you can determine just how deficient you are and with your doctor uncover the most effective ways to increase vitamin D levels in your body (hint: the best way is free!)
However, research shows that most of us are living with a vitamin D deficiency and that we can all benefit from increased levels of vitamin D in our bodies. You don’t have to take a test for vitamin D deficiency before you consider ways to increase vitamin D in your body. There are easy ways to increase your vitamin D levels and the best way of all is absolutely free. This is the sun.
Sun exposure has come under tremendous fire over the past several decades for causing skin cancers. However, there is a safe way to get the daily dose of sun you need to boost your vitamin D levels. You don’t need to fear the sun. You can safely use it to be the healthiest person you can be.
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