Low vitamin D levels linked with compromised immune function

(NaturalHealth365) Vaccines and pharmaceuticals are touted as the solution to illness and chronic conditions. However, the truth is that a healthy immune system is foundational to all aspects of health. Of all the vitamins and nutrients for improved immune system health, vitamin D is one of the most crucial. Adequate vitamin D blood levels are key to ongoing immune system health.

Vitamin D is essential in preventing cancer, healing from infections, supporting heart and bone health, and fighting against autoimmune disease. The scientific community has been aware of the importance of vitamin D for immune functioning for decades, and more data keeps coming to light to support this.

Are you getting enough vitamin D? (keep reading … )

A lack of vitamin D is linked with a wide number of health issues, including higher levels of inflammation, impaired cognitive functioning, cardiovascular problems, memory issues, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Low vitamin D is also linked with T cell ineffectiveness, which leads to impairment of the immune system’s ability to fight infection, cancer and other illnesses.

Just to be clear, this essential vitamin can help to reduce inflammation – which is a precursor to autoimmune diseases and cancer. Inflammation is often a factor in chronic pain, which means getting enough vitamin D can assist with pain relief, as well.  Studies have shown low vitamin D status is linked with ongoing issues with severe and moderate pain.

Vitamin D prevents inflammation at the DNA level

Vitamin D seems to work at the DNA level to reduce inflammation within cells and support immune system functioning. Without adequate vitamin D, receptors within the DNA related to the immune system cannot be activated. Increased inflammation and a suppressed immune system are the result.

The best source for vitamin D production within the human body is the sun, and we should all strive to get some sun exposure on bare skin at least several days per week. Foods that contain and help to synthesize vitamin D include oily fish and foods rich in omega 3s.

It should be noted: Those that live north of 30 degree latitude will have a hard time getting adequate vitamin D production from sun exposure – simply because the angle of the sun is less direct to be effective for that purpose.

Supplementation offers convenient way to ensure optimal vitamin D levels

Taking a daily vitamin D supplement is a convenient way to guarantee a sufficient amount of this invaluable nutrient is being ingested. While 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day may be adequate for most people, higher amounts may be required for people living in the north or in overcast – rainy climates.

In addition, those dealing with major health issues or illnesses could also benefit from taking higher amounts of vitamin D. Amounts as high as 10,000 mg per day have been taken safely for several weeks at a time to raise blood levels of vitamin D.  Bottom line, don’t guess about this – get a vitamin D blood test and, then, decide what’s best for you.

Ideal amounts of vitamin D are crucial to improving health and healing from diseases that result from a compromised immune system, including cancer. If you are not getting enough sun to support vitamin D levels (at least 20 minutes several times per week), be sure to supplement with vitamin D for optimal immune system health and talk to an experienced medical doctor about your needs.

Editor’s note: The NaturalHealth365 Store offers the finest quality, liquid vitamin D/K2 supplement on the market.  Click here to order today.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21067953

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18594491

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4153851

http://www.lifeextension.com/WhatsHot/2014/2/Vitamin-A-may-benefit-TB-patients/Page-01

http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/vitamin_d_is_a_powerful_anti-inflammatory