The Vitamin that’s Crucial for Good Health
Protect your health with Vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin.
Danish scientists have discovered that the body relies on Vitamin D to keep the body’s killer T cells active. These T cells are part of the body’s immune system and when a T cell is exposed to a foreign cell or pathogen, it sends a signalling device to search for Vitamin D.
Scientists say if the T cells can’t find enough Vitamin D in the blood, they won’t even begin to mobilize. That can spell ill health for the individual who is lacking in Vitamin D.
The body normally converts sunshine to Vitamin D, however in climates where there is not enough sun, especially during the winter, people will be lacking in Vitamin D. Even in sunny climates, people are staying indoors or putting on sunscreen which blocks the absorption of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is also found in fish liver oil, eggs and fatty fish like salmon, herring and mackerel, or it can be taken as a supplement.
Despite the options, many people aren’t getting enough Vitamin D. Almost half of the world’s population is not getting enough levels of Vitamin D, and scientists say the problem is getting worse as people spend more time indoors.
That can cause many health problems, as Vitamin D is important for absorbing calcium, and lack of it is also linked to cancer, high blood pressure, Multiple Sclerosis and obesity. Vitamin D is also linked to decreasing bowel cancer by 40 percent and by helping to prevent diabetes.
Vitamin D is crucial for activating the body’s immune system, and since a lack of it is linked to many other health problems, it makes sense to ensure the body gets enough of this crucial vitamin.
Experts recommend 25-50 micrograms a day of Vitamin D. Getting exposure to sunshine, along with fresh air and exercise, wouldn’t hurt either.
Learn more about herbs and vitamins by joining the Free newsletter at www.herbalcollective.ca/mail.html. Marilyn Zink is the publisher of the Herbal Collective magazine. Or visit www.herbguide.ca to learn how to use herbs for health, cooking, gardening, aromatherapy, crafts and cosmetics or education.
