‹ Blog Archive | Monday, Feb 7, 2011
Why is Vitamin D Important? Posted by Isaac Eliaz of Amitabha Medical Clinic & Healing Center
More and more research is showing just how important vitamin
D is to your overall health. It is vital for the immune system, regulating
inflammation, calcium absorption, and decreasing the risk for chronic diseases.
It is estimated that 70 percent of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin
D.
Vitamin D is actually a hormone that the body creates
naturally from diet and sunshine. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is available from
plants, and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is created from exposure to
ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. The kidneys are responsible for turning
these forms into calcitrol, the active form of the vitamin.
Vitamin D3, the kind synthesized from sunlight, is the most
bio-available form to the body. A recent study from Denmark showed that vitamin
D3 greatly increases immunity. When vitamin D deficiency is present, the body’s
T cells will lie dormant and not react to a harmful invader. The T cells rely
on vitamin D to become active and fight an infection, so when you are deficient,
your immune system is sluggish. “When a T cell is exposed to a foreign
pathogen, it extends a signaling device or ‘antenna’ known as a vitamin D
receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D,” said Carsten Geisler of
Copenhagen University’s department of international health, immunology and
microbiology, who led the study. “This means the T cell must have vitamin D or
activation of the cell will cease. If the T cells cannot find enough vitamin D
in the blood, they won’t even begin to mobilize.” Current research also
suggests that vitamin D is crucial for cellular health.
It seems that vitamin D deficiency makes us vulnerable to
developing serious diseases over time. Maintaining a strong and vibrant immune
system is something that should be practiced daily, not just when you are sick.
Exercise, sunshine and a varied whole-foods diet are all effective daily tools
for keeping your immune system in tip-top shape. Supplements such as medicinal
mushrooms, herbs, and probiotics also benefit the immune system. For more
health-enhancing dietary recommendations, visit www.dreliaz.org/recommends-diet.
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Other Postings by Isaac Eliaz:
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