Did you know that vitamin D deficiency is rampant in America?

And it’s making us sick…

Last week we wrote about non-toxic sunscreens.  But what we didn’t talk about was how a little bit of sun exposure is actually necessary to make vitamin D in the skin.  So even though it’s really important to use that sunscreen, it’s also important to get your vitamin D.

Just 10 minutes a day of sun exposure, on average, will do it.  Not out in the sun baking.  Just 10 minutes of being outside.  So shut off the computer and get outside for a bit.  But, if you’ve had skin cancer, check with your doctor.  And use your sunscreen after you’ve have your fill of unprotected sun.

Actually, vitamin D isn’t a vitamin, but really a hormone.  It’s active in all sorts of body systems.  It helps bones stay strong and seems to have something to do with multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue and even depression.

It is even turning out to be important in breast cancer.  Studies have been showing that women with low vitamin D levels have higher incidence of breast cancer and poorer overall prognosis.  It may even be important to boost vitamin D levels in the case of prostate, lung, colon and even skin cancer such as melanoma.

The good news is that between a little dab of sun and vitamin D supplementation, you can correct that vitamin D level.  It’s only found in foods like oily fish (Salmon - but watch for pollutants - and the much maligned but magnificent, and generally low toxin, sardine) and even eggs, but you can take some vitamin D3 supplements as well.  The official recommended dose is only 400 IU, but newer science is recommending 800 to 1000 IU or sometimes, even more.  We think it’s best to find a doctor who will work with you on this.  Because you deserve it.

Ask you doctor to check your vitamin D level.  The test is called 25-OH vitamin D.  You can download some study resources and take them to your doctor if they have any questions.

Last but not least, we promised a video.  Ahhh…sunscreen (non-toxic, of course) and the meaning of life, ala Baz Luhrmann’s “Everyone’s Free to Wear Sunscreen”. Because we don’t think life should suffer while we’re doing the right thing.

Enjoy!  And pass it on!

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