It’s that time of year when we’re preparing for the changing seasons into a cooler fall and winter. It’s also the time to set our clocks back and change batteries in our smoke-detectors.
What most of us do not remember is to adjust the amount of vitamin D we use for supplementation. This is important because we need much higher levels as the days get shorter and significantly reduced amounts when the days get longer. An easy way to remember to change dosage is when you set your clock back or forward. If you continue to take higher doses of vitamin D during the longer days of summer, you may easily develop photosensitivity and a prickly rash or discolored skin.
Vitamin D deficiency has already been linked to a wide spectrum of diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, autoimmune disease and many others. A new study confirms that vitamin D plays an important role in activating your immune defenses against infectious diseases like the flu – prevalent beginning in the fall and winter season…click to continue reading…
Scientific Perspective
A new study reported by Dr. Joseph Mercola validates that activation of T-cells to fight infections needs definite help from vitamin D. The study conducted by Dr. John Cannell, shows that when a T cell recognizes foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses, it sends activating signals to the vitamin D receptor gene. The VDR gene then starts producing DVR protein, which binds vitamin D in the T cell that activates the DVR that produces PLC-gamma1 protein, which allows the T cell to get started fighting the infection.
Dr. John Cannell has also reported that vitamin D helps produce antibacterial peptides that help protect against the flu. That is why in winter, when there is little sunshine, people are more prone to vitamin D deficiency and getting infected with flu viruses.
This confirmation is exciting, if for no other reason than the fact that curing vitamin D deficiency is not only inexpensive – it may in some cases cost you nothing if you’re in an area where sunshine is abundant! And, optimizing your vitamin D levels can have a remarkably positive effect on your overall health and helps protect you against a vast number of diseases that are far more serious than the flu.
According to Mercola, vitamin D actually works by increasing your body’s production of as many as 300 different antimicrobial peptides that are actually far more effective than any synthetic antibiotic or antiviral. They do this at a fraction of the cost and at virtually no toxicity.
How Vitamin D Protects You from the Flu and Other Infections
Backing up Dr. Cannell’s previous theory that the flu may simply be a symptom of vitamin D deficiency, this latest study, published in the journal Nature Immunology, explains the mechanics of vitamin D’s protective nature.
According to lead researcher, Carsten Geisler, as told to Food Consumer:
“When a T cell is exposed to a foreign pathogen, it extends a signaling device or ‘antenna’ known as a vitamin D receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D. This means the T cell must have vitamin D or activation of the cell will cease. If the T cells cannot find enough vitamin D in the blood, they won’t even begin to mobilize.”
That said, no wonder flu shots don’t work! ! !
Dr. Mercola has found, as I have in my practice, that flu shots do absolutely nothing to address the underlying problem of vitamin D deficiency, which is effectively hindering your immune system from working properly. In fact, flu vaccines deteriorate your immune system even further, and their side effects can be potentially lethal.
I have frequently written about the importance of maintaining a robust immune system to ward off both minor and major disease – understanding the role vitamin D plays in allowing your immune system to activate could make a radical difference in your health.
Another published study found that school children who received supplemental vitamin D had far fewer incidents of both flu and asthma attacks.
What You Need to Know about Dosing
It’s also important to realize that even though the recommended daily allowances (RDA’s) for some age groups have recently been increased, they’re still woefully inadequate for most.
For example, at the end of 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics doubled its recommened dose of vitamin D for infants, children and adolescents – raising it from 200 to 400 units per day. However, recent research reveals that children need ten times that amount in order to receive the health benefits that optimal vitamin D levels offer.
Based on the latest research, many experts now agree you need about 35 IU’s of vitamin D per pound of body weight. This recommendation also includes children, the elderly and pregnant women.
However, keep in mind that vitamin D requirements are highly individual – your vitamin D status is dependent on numerous factors, such as the color of your skin, your geographical location, and how much sunshine you’re exposed to on a regular basis. So, although these recommendations may put you closer to the ballpark of what most people likely need, it is simply impossible to make a blanket recommendation that will cover everyone’s needs without consulting a health care professional.
According to Mercola, the only way to determine your optimal dose is to get your blood tested by your physician. Ideally, you’ll want to maintain a vitamin D level of 50-65 ng/ml year-round.
I find the best absorbed and utilized vitamin D is IsoD3, available only from health professionals. IsoD3 is unique because regular D must be converted into an active form of dihydroxyvitamin D in order to deliver the health benefits associated with vitamin D. IsoD3 is designed and formulated to support optimal metabolism of vitamin D in its active form.
Uncovering Clues to Add LIFE to Your Years…NOT Merely Years to Your Life, Naturally
Dr. Gloria Gilbère (aka Dr. G), N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D., D.S.C.,EcoErgonomist, Wholistic Rejuvenist
Dr. Gilbère is renowned worldwide for her work in identifying and finding natural solutions to chemically-induced and inflammatory disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Gulf War Syndrome, and digestive disorders that defy conventional diagnosis and treatment. She consults worldwide via telephone and at her Institute in north Idaho. Visit her website at www.gloriagilbere.com for details about consulting with her.
Creator of certificated courses to become a Wholistic Rejuvenist™ (CWR) and for post-graduate education for health and spa professionals. Go to www.gloriagilbere.com and click on Wholistic Skin & Body Rejuvenation (WSBR™) for course outline. Available on-site at worldwide locations, and via distance-learning at your convenience globally.
Published by Institute for Wholistic Rejuvenation – ©2010 Gloria E. Gilbère, LLC, all rights reserved.Information in this newsletter is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by medical professionals, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease or disorder. The FDA has not reviewed or endorsed the contents of this educational publication.Copyright is held by Gloria E. Gilbère, to which all rights are reserved. Other than personal, non-commercial use or forwarding, no material in this newsletter may be copied, distributed, or published without the expressed written permission of its author and copyright holder.
Resources
Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 May; 91 (5): 1255-60. Epub 2010 Mar 10.
Food Consumer March 7, 2010
Nature Immunology March 7, 2010 [Epub ahead of print]
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