There is a big focus these days on staying healthy. Readers of my column know that being healthy has always been the focus. So for 2021 we will learn about the top 12 strategies to stay our healthiest, no matter what comes our way.
First let’s discuss our Vitamin D status. Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin, but a “prehormone” produced in our body from a conversion that occurs when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Without adequate vitamin D circulating in our blood, our immune system is not operating as it should.
Aside from its significant impact on our immune system, low levels of Vitamin D can affect our digestion, our cardiovascular system, our bones and increase our risk for illness and many cancers. We must have adequate vitamin D to absorb calcium and it has also been shown to be a key factor in prevention of many different types of cancer, including breast cancer. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the onset of diabetes and supplementation with Vitamin D showed an improvement in glycemic control (Hgb A1C), as well as lipid profiles.
Specifically to the health issue currently facing us, severe Vitamin D deficiency is directly correlated with higher mortality from COVID-19, as well as up to 80% of hospitalized patients.
So, it is best to assess our individual Vitamin D status with a 25-hydroxy blood test. Normal levels are above 50 nmol/L, with optimum levels higher than 75. To improve our Vitamin D status, we should have smart sun exposure, NEVER allowing our skin to burn. We should also consider, in consultation with a health professional, supplementing with a good Vitamin D supplement to get our blood levels up to between 50-75 nmol/L. Take the first step toward optimizing immune function and get your Vitamin D level checked.
