Vitamin D3 And The Importance Of Optimal Levels For Women
We are welcoming summer here in the northern hemisphere an I figured it would be the perfect time to share this super helpful article all about the importance of Vitamin D… written by Rachelle Poitras of Metanoia to get you inspired to take advantage of our beautiful & nourishing summer rays…
What Is Vitamin D3?
Vitamin D is both a vitamin and hormone. Our body’s ability to produce the sunshine vitamin comes from the sunlight’s action on the skin. Vitamin D3 is better metabolized by the body than D2 which is less biologically active. Because it’s a fat soluble vitamin, it should be taken with some healthy fats like avocados, coconut, olive oil or nuts to help increase absorption.
The Impact On Breast Health
Vitamin D is incredibly important for breast, bone and eye health. It also relaxes the nerves, prevents tooth decay and gum problems, boosts immune function, lowers insulin levels, repairs organs, supports a healthy digestion, regulates blood pressure, promotes healthy skin, helps regulate our sleep and interacts with over 2000 genes. It’s also a disinfectant and antiseptic. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption and phosphorus in the intestinal tract, and regulates calcification and mineralization of the bones. I know, you forgot to take your vitamin D this morning.
Vitamin D is protective against the stimulating effects of estrogen. It not only has anticancer effects but it also inhibits the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors, a process called angiogenesis. I can personally attest to this. Several and very visible blood vessels have appeared over the years to nourish the tumor. Optimal levels have also been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 90%. Start optimizing ladies!
Deficiency Symptoms
Muscle weakness, muscle cramps, nearsightedness, pain in ribs, spine and legs, dental cavities, nervousness, psoriasis, depression and insomnia are just some of the symptoms. The best way to find out is to get tested. Ask your doctor about a blood test. Once you receive your results, you’ll be able to start supplementing with an appropriate dose to optimize YOUR levels. You can live in California or Spain and STILL be deficient. So even if you live in a sunny climate, get tested.
Where Do We Get it?
The Sun!! UV light converts the cholesterol on your skin into a chemical reaction that occurs in your liver and kidneys and then gets turned into vitamin D. The sun has been demonized for so long, but we’re starting to understand just how beneficial the suns rays can be. Start slow, build your tolerance and tan gradually and enjoy the use of sun harmonizing botanicals like seabuckthorn berry, coconut oil, sandalwood and frankincense.
Vitamin D can be found in cod liver oil, wild caught fatty fish like salmon, eel, grass fed butter, raw milk, goat’s milk, egg yolks, liver, mushrooms that have been exposed to sunlight and dark leafy greens. To reach adequate levels of vitamin D, it’s best to supplement with a high quality supplement. Don’t supplement blindly. As mentioned earlier, get tested. Vitamin D toxicity does exist.
Your body needs bile to digest the fat-soluble vitamins. It’s a fluid produced by the liver to help break down and digest fats. When you don’t have enough bile, you won’t be able to absorb vitamin D. Another example of how interwoven all your body functions are.
Vitamin D is stored in the liver, skin, brain, spleen and bones preventing deficiency in the winter months. D3 supplements are generally animal sourced (lanolin/sheep’s wool) but vegans can find plant based D3 from lichen.
Vitamins work synergistically together. They’re all about that team-work! Vitamin D is best utilized with vitamin F (essential fatty acids) A and especially K2.
Why are we Deficient?
Lack of sleep, high stress levels, sunscreen use, not enough sun exposure, seasons, weather, living in high latitudes and poor organ function will affect the body’s production of the sunshine vitamin. As we age our skin also loses its ability to produce D3.
Optimal levels have also been shown to reduce the risk of breast, and many other, cancers by up to 90%.
Recap
Get tested!
Supplement wisely, don’t forget the healthy fats and K2
Don’t be afraid of the sun
Resources…
Apps:
Of course there’s an app! D Minder helps track your levels of vitamin D.
Articles to explore:Get an in-depth review of vitamin D deficiency symptoms with Dr. Axe.
Dive in with Dr. Jack Kruse and learn about the benefits of the sun diseases in connection to vitamin D and how to optimize your levels.
Dr. Mercola discusses vitamin D in connection to breast cancer prevention.
Learn about optimal vitamin D levels with Dr. Christiane Northrup.
Discover how vitamin D can improve your sleep with Dave Asprey.
Videos:
Learn why vitamin D3 is better than D2 with Dr. Michael Gregor from NutritionFacts.org. This website will answer just about any health questions you might have. (4:43)
Learn how to harmonize your time in the sun without the use of toxic sunscreens with Nadine Artemis from Living Libations. Love her videos! (2:56)
Podcasts:
1. The Lifestylist Podcast #006 – The Great Sunshine Swindle with Nadine Artemis.
If you haven’t heard of The Lifestylist Podcast, let me introduce you. Luke Storey interviews Nadine Artemis (yes, her again). They discuss sun exposure, fear, cancer, vitamin D, sun spots, toxic sunscreens, breast health and so much more.
2. The Lifestylist Podcast #003 – Surviving the City with Spiritual Science with Dr. Jack Kruse.
Learn about the frequency of light & connection to nature, sunglasses, UV rays, light spectrum and the myth on sun exposure.
3. The Lifestylist Podcast # 74 – The End of Cancer. A hidden cure with Dr. Mark Sircus.
Learn about sun exposure, sungazing, vitamin D, and false risk of cancer
4. Rewild Yourself Podcast #52 – Wise Interaction with the Sun – Nadine Artemis #52
Discover why you shouldn’t suntan through glass, how sunscreen works, sunlight and bacteria, why you don’t want empty vitamin D receptors, negative press surrounding sun exposure and skin, and so much more.
