Lack of vitamin D linked to heart disease and other health problems
A body takes certain nutrients to function at the highest level possible. To help take care of your body, perhaps you are looking into different supplements you should take in addition to your diet and exercise routine. Recent studies have unveiled the importance of vitamin D in keeping you healthy. Before these studies, it was never known how closely related a lack of vitamin D and the risks of deadly heart disease are. These previously unrecognized relationships are being uncovered now. The time has never been so apparently important to consume vitamin D supplements.
Fifty percent or more of people may have vitamin D levels that are too low
Linked with heart disease are other risk factors including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Several comprehensive studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D led a person to be two times more likely to suffer from a heart attack, stroke or other condition connected with heart health than a person with higher levels of vitamin D. Deficiency of this important nutrient is at a staggering level—50 percent of adults and children who are otherwise completely healthy have low levels of vitamin D. There could be several reasons for this, one of which is a decreased amount of un-sunscreened time spent in the sun. This is a difficult one to argue, however, because spending too much time in the sun can lead to sun burning and skin cancer. There are other methods you can take to get your vitamin D, including taking vitamin D supplements.
Lack of correct sun exposure levels can lead to dangerously low vitamin D levels
While the most natural source of vitamin D is from the sun during the more intense hours of the day, like 10 a.m. to 2 pm, there are other, safer ways to get the nutrient. Vitamin D supplements can deliver the precise amount of vitamin D you need without danger of overexposure to the sun. The recommended dosage for those younger than 50 years old is 200 international units (IU) and more as you get older, up to 600 IUs if you are over 70 years old.
Foods rich in vitamin D
As you try to continue to care for your body, consider the importance of vitamin D supplements in your diet. Focus on eating particular vitamin D rich foods as well, like salmon, sardines, dairy foods and fortified breakfast cereals. If you suspect you have a vitamin D deficiency, there are blood tests that can be done to screen whether you have any risks at your level. It is easy to restore high levels of this vital nutrient in your body by careful sun exposure, eating the right foods and taking daily vitamin D supplements.
Iodine is another little known nutrient that is vital to your health.
