Vitamin D is one of the most crucial elements for optimal health and yet 80% the population is deficient.

One of the biggest reasons so many people experience Vitamin D deficiency is because of our modern, primarily indoor lifestyle. In fact, the two most common causes of Vitamin D deficiency symptoms are lack of sun and wearing too much sunscreen.

Years ago, people spent much more time outdoors whereas today, most adults work indoors with draining artificial lighting, exercise inside gyms, and spend their free time inside their homes where they are sheltered from the sun. Even children are spending most hours inside; on the computer, watching television, and playing video games. When we do spend time outside in the sun, people often use sunscreen, even through the winter months and when sun exposure is generally limited.

When you wear sunblock SPF 8, you already reduce your body’s ability to make vitamin D by 90%, and with an SPF of 30+, you reduce your body’s ability by up to 99%.

It is estimated that sun exposure on bare skin for just 5-10 minutes a few times per week allows the body to produce sufficient vitamin D for up to two weeks. Therefore it is necessary to continuously get enough sun and/or to supplement in order to keep your vitamin D levels within a healthy range.

Why is it Beneficial?

Vitamin D3 has been found to affect the expression of almost 3,000 different genes and is critical for good overall health. It impacts not only our skeletal structure, but also our blood pressure, immunity, mood, brain and nervous system function, and regulating cell growth and for healthy cell-to-cell communication.

Here are just a FEW things it supports:

• Bones and Muscle Function
• Cardiovascular Function Brain Function
• Nervous System
• Fertility
• Mood Regulation
• Immune System Function

Conclusion

Vitamin D receptors have been found in almost every type of human cell, from your bones to your immune cells, to your brain. Therefore maintaining recommended levels through sunlight, supplements, or food is very important for optimal health.

Wild fatty fish such as salmon or herring, and pastured eggs are effective food sources of vitamin D3, and some wild mushrooms also synthesize natural vitamin D2, which is a less efficient but viable vitamin D source for vegans and vegetarians. People who are unable to get regular consistent sun exposure should strongly consider applying a topical D3 such as the Longevity Warehouse® SunDew Transdermal D3 Creme for non-vegans and/or taking a D3 supplement like Merriman Labs® Veggie D3, which is an effective source for vegans and a clean non-toxic source for everyone!