 |
FREE Natural Health Newsletter
Receive natural health product reviews, recommendations and alerts.
Instant download of 20+ free health reports and exclusive interviews.
Join over 1.2 million monthly readers.
|
 |
Products Related to This Article*• Healing Cancer From the Inside Out (DVD) Amazing, eye-opening cancer documentary for anyone wanting to know the truth on cancer
• Spirulina Pacifica Pure, pristine spirulina superfood for cancer prevention, alkalizing, immune func
• Blood Support Halts growth of cancer tumors for breast cancer and all cancers
* Recommended by the Health Ranger.
|
|
(NaturalNews) This once obscure vitamin has been thought to only fortify skeletal structure through the minerals calcium and phosphorous; however, new emerging research shows this vitamin performs many more tasks than just strengthening bones.
Vitamin D and Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a devastating systemic disorder that is characterized by proteinuria (protein in urine), high blood pressure, and edema. This disorder can cause grave health problems for the mother and fetus: pre-eclampsia can cause premature delivery and is the leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death around the globe (causing some 76,000 deaths per year). Pre-eclampsia is, no doubt, a problem that greatly affects mothers and infants. The cause still remains unknown; however, a study carried out by the University of Pittsburgh found that vitamin D deficiency early in gestation is associated with a five-fold increase risk of developing pre-eclampsia.
Vitamin D and Diabetes
Most people in Western societies are familiar with diabetes, particularly that of type II diabetes. Type II diabetes is highly publicized since most diabetes sufferers are afflicted with this particular form of the affliction. However, the smaller subset, those suffering with type I diabetes, have a small advantage over their counter parts. Recent research has demonstrated that those who receive high amounts of vitamin D during childhood have a lower risk of developing type I diabetes later on in life, the greater the amount of vitamin D, the greater the benefit.
Type I diabetes is different than type II in the fact that, it does not arise out of insulin resistance; rather, it comes about because the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed by one’s own immune system, starting early in childhood. Though more commonly found amongst Europeans and North Americans, it can affect people from all walks of life.
Vitamin D and Cancer
Vitamin D has also been linked to better outcomes in cancer. In breast, colon and prostate cancer, the sun-shine vitamin has been shown to suppress cancer growth and the formation of blood vessels that feed cancer cells. Furthermore, in a breast cancer study, 24 percent in the breast cancer study had adequate levels of the vitamin at the time of diagnosis. Those who were deficient were more likely to have the cancer metastasize or recur ten years later. Moreover, 73 percent of the deficient were more likely to die.
A study in the International Journal of Cancer found that vitamin D protects cells from oxidative stress. This study used the most biologically active form of the vitamin, vitamin D3 along with nonmalignant human prostate epithelial cells. Metabolism of cells produces free radicals that can damage DNA and contribute to cancer formation and accelerated aging. Vitamin D links with a gene that increases its activity and produces an enzyme that combats free radical damage by clearing the cell of those DNA-damaging substances. This relieves cell stress and retains healthy cells.
Vitamin D and Brain Function
Because of the many vitamin D receptors in the brain, it has been discovered that vitamin D plays a very important role in maintaining and achieving a healthy mind. Though more research in this particular area of vitamin D functions is needed, it is worth mentioning since vitamin D has been indicated in children with brain dysfunction (its exact mechanisms are still unclear at present).
Though behavioral and cognitive difficulties and their association to low vitamin D levels is still a little sketchy, what is known is how low vitamin D levels affect depression in the elderly. Accompanied by an overactive parathyroid, low vitamin D levels have been implicated to increase depression in older adults, and in other mental disorders. This information is particularly important because, instead of treating patients with dangerous psychotropic medications that have hazardous side effects, depression could in the future be treated with a higher intake of vitamin D or more calcium and exposure to sunlight.
Supplementation
Now that many of the health benefits of vitamin D have been shown, it is time to describe where to find this vitamin and who needs it the most. The largest source of this vitamin is the sun. Contrary to popular belief, spending time in the sun daily is not deadly. Though there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, never spending any time in the sun is certainly not the better alternative. Lighter individuals need less time than darker individuals, about 15 minutes in the sun daily. For darker individuals, more time is need than 15 minutes (approximately 30 minutes).
Another source is through diet. Raw milk naturally contains vitamin D, but the largest dietary source would have to be cod liver oil. The best source is the sun, however.
As for who needs vitamin D the most, everybody needs it! However, it has been recently shown that young children and infants tend to be deficient, even though they appear healthy otherwise. Currently, the new info on vitamin D and all its varying abilities has prompted many to deem the recommended daily allowance (RDA) to be far too low -- the highest amount suggested being 600 IU. The Vitamin D Council recommends at least 1,000 IU (or 25 ug/day).
To sum up all this info on supplementing this vitamin: if people get plenty of sunshine, raw milk, and cod liver oil, many would surely reap the benefits of this vitamin.
Overall, vitamin D has been for years underestimated in its abilities and its health benefits. The future only holds more data on how important this vitamin is; therefore, supplementation needs to be more emphasized.
Sources:
1.(http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...)
2.(http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...)
3.(http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...)
4.(http://www.sci-tech-today.com/news/Vita...)
5. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...)
6.(http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...)
7.(http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/98208...)
8.(http://vitamindcouncil.org/treatment.shtml)
9.(http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...)
About the authorElla Andersen is a college student who intensely researchs topics on health and nutrition. In college, she is furthering her love of nutrition by pursuing a degree in clinical dietetics. She also runs her own blog: http://www.snhbw.blogspot.com
Get articles like this delivered to you FREE in our popular email newsletter
|
 |
Why green-lipped mussel oil makes krill oil obsoleteThe Health Ranger has replaced fish oils, krill oil and flaxseed oil with THIS. What is THIS?
Click here to find out more
This is the 'new' marine omega-3 oil everyone is talking about. Click above to find out why.
|
How to protect yourself from financial loss when the dollar collapsesThe Health Ranger reveals the most powerful financial protection strategies that have ever been made public in this 8-CD audio seminar.
Click here to protect yourself now
"Guaranteed to deliver the most powerful financial protection advice you've ever seen or your money back!" - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
|
Recommended Products Related to This Article*:Healing Cancer From the Inside Out (DVD) Amazing, eye-opening cancer documentary for anyone wanting to know the truth on cancer
Spirulina Pacifica Pure, pristine spirulina superfood for cancer prevention, alkalizing, immune func
Blood Support Halts growth of cancer tumors for breast cancer and all cancers
Boku Superfood High-potency superfood powder for preventing numerous diseases
Revealed: Natural Health Solutions (free) Free summary of book by Mike Adams for learning censored natural health remedies
How to Halt Diabetes in 25 Days☯ Health Ranger guide to reversing diabetes for reversing type-2 diabetes
Free download: Selling Sickness (summary) Read the best book on disease mongering for learning the truth about Big Pharma
Additional Products of Interest to AllBreville Juice Fountain Elite 800JEXL☯ Simply the best juicer in the world for fast, easy juicing
Paraliminal Audio Courses☯ Powerful mind-enhancing audio therapy for reprogramming your mind for a new future
Preparedness Tools Natural News Bundle☯ For preparedness and safety: 60% off for preparing for natural disasters
Katadyn Exstream XR Water Purifier☯ #1 personal water purifier for clean, pristine water in seconds
Zeitgeist: Addendum - Must-See Movie A shocking documentary about money for people who wan to know the real truth
The Genie In Your Genes by Dawson Church A free, downloadable summary of this book for learning about the biology of intention
The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton A free download of Biology of Belief for learning about the mind-biology connection
Living Fuel SuperBerry Ultimate Delicious superfood meal powder for disease prevention, antioxidant boost
The Weiss Method for Heart Disease☯ How to reverse heart disease naturally for heart disease, high cholesterol
Appetite for Profit (free download) Free download summary of this top book for discovering the truth about food companies
Hair Soap A pure, simple and chemical-free shampoo for washing hair without chemicals
Exposed! The Toxic Chemistry of Products Free summary of this shocking book for learning the truth about toxic products
Aloe Vera 100 Pure, dried 100% aloe vera gel flakes for sludge blood, IBS, Crohn's disease
Katadyn MicroPur Water Purifier Tablets☯ The best water purification tablets for purifying almost any water source
Vitamineral Green from Healthforce Nutrient-dense superfood powder for disease prevention, body alkalizing & more
Fucoxanthin with PinnoThin Natural appetite suppressant for obesity, overweight, overeating
Zyflamend Powerful anti-inflammatory herbal formula for arthritis, joint pain, inflammation
Nascent Iodine Miraculous nascent iodine solution for thyroid function, Alzheimer's, brain func.
Amaz-a-Power Amazing wild berry tincture from Peru for eye & brain protection, cancer prevention
P-73 Oreganol Potent source of wildcrafted oregano oil for parasites, heart disease, immune func.
Ocean Minerals Pure Magnesium Oil #1 product for magnesium therapy for back pain, heart health, muscle health
MGC-5 Mushroom Extracts Potent extracts of medicinal mushrooms for reversing cancer, boosting immune function
Better Than Roasted - Macadamia Nuts☯ The most delicious raw nut spread ever for heart health, circulatory health
* Products do NOT pay to be listed here. These are genuine, independent recommendations by the Health Ranger
☯ Products with this symbol are sold by NaturalNews or its affiliates and earn revenues for NaturalNews
|
|