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Health Benefits of Vitamin D and Sunshine

Physicians and scientists are starting to realize the numerous health benefits of sunshine exposure and vitamin D supplementation. Most doctors know severe vitamin D deficiency causes rickets. Since rickets is rarely seen today, it is incorrectly assumed that vitamin D deficiency is nonexistent.

Our medical practice in Southern California has diagnosed hundreds of patients with vitamin D deficiency, or about 90 percent of all patients tested. Nine out of 10 people reading this story likely suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D Deficiency is a serious problem and millions of Americans and other worldwide suffer from it.

When Vitamin D levels are really low, people are at risk for rickets, a disease which affects the bone. However, since our food is fortified, this is rarely seen today. However, research has shown that those with blood levels of vitamin D will have numerous other health benefits, including cancer prevention.

Why should you have your vitamin D level checked? Studies have shown that those with lower levels of vitamin D in their blood have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and heart disease. One study showed greater than a 60-percent reduction in breast cancer in those with the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood. In addition, studies have shown that colon cancer can also be prevented simply by getting vitamin D levels about 32 ng/ml (80 nmol)

In addition, senior citizens who have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood are at higher risk of falls, osteoporosis and bone fractures. On study in JAMA, a major medical journal showed that seniors could reduce falls by greater than 50% simply by increasing their vitamin D blood levels. Those who suffer from chronic pain and fibromyalgia also have lower levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D levels are checked by a simple blood test. Treatment usually requires supplementation with vitamin D3 as opposed to the more commonly sold over the counter vitamin D. It is important to have your blood levels checked by your doctor as simply taking supplement with Vitamin D is not sufficient.

Vitamin D is also made from moderate daily sun exposure to the arms and legs. Caution must be taken to prevent sun burning. Many sunscreens will block out UVB, which is the type of sunlight needed for skin to make vitamin D. Those with darker pigment are higher risk of deficiency, which may explain the higher incidence of diseases in certain ethnic populations.

To check your vitamin D level, contact your physician or if you are in Southern California, call 951-676-4193 for an appointment at Rancho Family Medical Group (www.ranchofamilymed.com) or Rancho Wellness Center (www.myranchowellness.com)

Learn more about this author, Eric Madrid.
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