Seniors : Vitamin D Can Lower Your Risk of Death
March 2, 2008 by NewSunSEO
Do you love to spend time in the sun? Sun exposure is one of the best ways to increase your vitamin D level and recent studies have concluded that it can lower your risk of death from certain diseases. Some potentially fatal diseases that are being connected with a deficiency of vitamin D are multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. One study reported that participants that took a vitamin D supplement each day for 5 years were at a 7 percent lower risk of death from such diseases.
How does vitamin D prevent disease?
A vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many different forms of cancer including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. Research has found that people living in high latitudes with low exposure to sun have an increased risk of cancer. A recent study concluded that participants who took vitamin D supplements for one year had a 57 percent reduction in cancer.
It is also healthy for your heart. A vitamin D deficiency is linked to high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. After people with such conditions were exposed to UV rays, their conditions improved.
This vitamin also plays a role in the functioning of the immune system. A vitamin D deficiency is common in cases of diabetes, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Recent studies have shown that it may have a preventive effect on such diseases.
Who needs to watch their vitamin D levels in order to prevent a deficiency?
- Infants that are breastfed
- Adults age 50 and over
- People living in northern latitudes who have limited sun exposure
- People with a high skin melanin content
How can I get more Vitamin D?
Increase the amount of nutrient rich foods that you eat. Most fortified foods are rich in vitamin D. One cup of fortified milk contains one-half of the daily recommended amount for adults. Dairy products made with fortified milk also contain vitamin D, but the levels are lower than milk itself. Some breakfast cereals are also vitamin D fortified. In addition to fortified foods, it can also be found in some fish including shrimp, wild salmon, and Atlantic mackerel.
Sun exposure is another way to increase vitamin D levels. Exposure to the sun is actually how most people get the amount that their bodies require. The UV rays trigger vitamin D synthesis, allowing the body to produce its own vitamin D. Sunscreens with an SPF of 8 or higher will block the UV rays needed to produce vitamin D. However, in order for this process to work all you need is about 15 minutes of sun exposure a few days a week without sunscreen. After those 15 minutes, it is important to apply sunscreen in order to protect yourself against the negative side effects of UV rays.
Since vitamin D rich foods are limited and it is not always possible to spend time in the sun, you can also increase your levels by taking a supplement. Multivitamins contain at least the recommended daily amount. If you are already taking calcium supplements, you can switch to one that also contains vitamin D.
An increase in your vitamin D intake can greatly reduce your risk for potentially fatal diseases. So, go spend some time in the sun and lower your risk for disease!
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