Saturday, May 9, 2009

Unintended Consequences

Journal Watch is reporting that current studies are finding Vitamin D deficiencies in 25% of older adults. It's widely known that insufficient vitamin D levels are associated with osteoporosis, you need it along with magnesium to metabolize calcium which strengthens bones. But you may be surprised to know that vitamin D deficiency also contributes to heart disease, strokes, muscle weakness and even depression among a whole lot other conditions. One of the primary causes for this situation is the extreme paranoia we have developed about sunshine. Fear of skin cancer has folks covering up with hats and clothes and slathering ourselves with SPF-50 sunscreen so we're not getting our D in the most efficient way we were designed to get it. Our bodies are designed to run pretty efficiently but a lot of the time we don't let them work according to the design. So let that sunshine in! Supplements help but 10-15 minutes in the sun early in the morning or late in the afternoon 2-3 times a week is the natural and most efficient way to ensure that your body is getting the amount of Vitamin D you need. Besides, it just feels good.

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