Vitamin D is sometimes known as the “sunshine vitamin” and is actually a hormone. Our bodies do not make Vitamin D so it is imperative we supplement our diet with Vitamin D3 and K2 – why?
Vitamin D3 + K2 (sold as a single capsule supplement) ensures our cells and thyroid are functioning properly. It also ensures Calcium makes its way out of the blood vessels and into the bones. An antioxidant, this vitamin has been shown to protect against cancers (of the breast, prostate and colon), reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and improve memory, particularly for Menopausal and Postmenopausal women. In her book, The New Hormone Solution, Erika Schwartz advises taking 5,000 IU (International Units) a day. I take 4000 IU/day but in the winter months I up the dosage to 8000 IU/day as I find it also helps lift my mood in those months when exposure to sunlight is minimal. Although vitamin D can be stored in fat cells, stocks are usually running low by mid-winter. In the summer months, spend time in the sunshine when the UVB rays are strong enough to support vitamin D production in the body.
Vitamin D can also provide protection from diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety. Low vitamin D levels can affect cognitive function, leading to brain fog – another reason why I make sure I supplement.
How can you increase Vitamin D in your diet? The best diet is an alkaline one which means eating lots of vegetables, thereby increasing levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is only found in small amounts in dairy products, oily fish and organ meats. If you suffer from joint pain and stiffness, research strongly suggests that low levels of vitamin D are to blame. We need vitamin D to absorb the calcium we get from our diet to build strong bones and teeth.
For further advice on how supplements may benefit you, please email me: katie@embraceover40.com
Please note, excessive levels of vitamin D supplementation over a long period may lead to toxicity. Please consult your physician if you are thinking of supplementation as some nutritional supplements may interfere with medication.