Jeff's Thoughts

• One Of the Most Powerful Antioxidants Around….

  27 March, 2013

  

  ….The Sun

  At Studio41 we appreciate one of the powerful supplements you can take is Vitamin D. With the long days of sunshine almost behind us, understanding Vitamin D and its affect to our long term health is crucial.

  Vitamin D is made from exposure to the sun and from eating certain foods such as Salmon, Mackeral and tuna. However even during beautiful summer days, we can still be severely Vitamin D deficient due to spending long days in front of a computer under flourescent lighting, or by piling on the sunscreen in an over protective manner.

  Supplementation of Cod Liver oil, fish oil or even Vitamin D will help. Take note of the Vitamin D supplement you buy though. You should take 35000 IU (International Units) twice per week. So buying a Vitamin D supplement that is only 1000 IU will not get you very far. Buy in either 5000 IU or 10000 IU.

  Reasons why you need Vitamin D.

  Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures. Research has also shown that reduced levels Vitamin D can lead to muscle weakness and abnormalities in the muscle being able to contract and relax.

  Vitamin D deficiency can also contribute to an increased level of bodyfat. A study from 2010 has shown that those with a Vitamin D levels of less than 29 ng/ml had a 24% greater fat infiltration into the muscle than those who had Vitamin D levels higher than 29 ng/ml.

  At Studio41 we are big on improving insulin sensitivity as this helps your body to cope with all the glucose from eating sugary and/or refined foods. New zealand research has shown taking 4000 IU of Vitamin D per day increases your sensitivity to insulin and can help to keep your body fat in check.

  If you are pregnant, Vitamin D is essential. It has been concluded that pregnant women who are Vitamin D deficient during pregnancy may have fetuses who are born with development impairment. According to Charles Poliquin, research has also shown that the offspring of mothers who are Vitamin D deficient are more susceptible to schizophrenia, bone disorders and the development of diabetes.

  Make sure you follow the following tips to make sure you get your share of Vitamin D

  1. You cant absorb Vitamin D through glass. So although it feels great to lie inside you are missing out on your Vitamin D for the day.

  Sunblock, blocks Vitamin D absorption by 95%. So do not put sunblock on straight away. Allow some important Vitamin D absorption time before putting sunblock on. (Make sure you apply sunblock or cover up before burning)

  3. Diet alone is too hard. So you have to rely on a good supplement and sensible exposure to the sun.

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