More people have been staying inside for much of the last 3 years, to avoid Covid19. As a consequence, people may now be suffering more from vitamin D3 deficiency (metabolism & bone issues), seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (depression), drug & alcohol overuse and overdoses, and many other issues relative to sitting far more than previously. These issues were already at record high levels before the pandemic, and now have continued to rise and will continue to contribute to the US’s losing rank of being a healthy nation, trailing many other industrialized nations.
Vitamin D Deficiency at Epidemic Levels
The US, and many of the world, have been facing an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency for many years, especially in areas lacking consistent daily sunlight such as the northern states of US. This trend is also seen in areas with much sunlight where people cover up their whole bodies from sun exposure. Now exacerbated by pandemic lock-downs and less outside physical activity over the last few years. Most people are unaware or care to ignore how vital vitamin D is to the immune system and overall health.
What can you do to prevent vitamin D deficiency – become educated, be more aware of your own health, get outside during the morning or late afternoon when sunlight is less intense, and get your body moving to engage your muscles and bones to tell your nervous system that you are still alive and need your body to maintain homeostasis through good health and lifestyle practices.
Get started with these three simple steps:
- Consult with your doctor to manage your vitamin D levels twice a year — at the end of winter and again at the end of summer. Ask for a simple blood test called the 25(OH)D (25-hydroxy vitamin D) test. (Optimal blood levels are between 50 and 75 nanomoles/Liter.)
- Commit to being in the sun 15 minutes a day without sunscreen. When planning on being outside longer, add some protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Consume foods high in vitamin D and/or supplement with 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. This dose in a convenient, highly-absorbable liquid form together with the potent marine carotenoid, astaxanthin, for added benefits (Micozzi, 2018).
References:
Lin, S. (2018b, September 22). Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms. Dr Steven Lin. https://www.drstevenlin.com/vitamin-d-deficiency-symptoms/
Lopez, M. A. (2018, August 23). UV RADIATION: The Importance of the Forecast That We Ignore. https://www.2020mag.com/article/uv-radiation-the-importance-of-the-forecast-that-we-ignore
Micozzi. (2018a, June 21). Six reasons why you’re still vitamin D deficient. Dr. Marc Micozzi. https://drmicozzi.com/six-reasons-why-youre-still-vitamin-d-deficient
He, C. S., Aw Yong, X. H., Walsh, N. P., & Gleeson, M. (2016). Is there an optimal vitamin D status for immunity in athletes and military personnel?. Exercise immunology review, 22, 42–64.
Sun Safety Monthly Average UV Index. (2022, February 23). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/sun-safety-monthly-average-uv-index
____________
Type your email…
Be more active, eat healthier, sleep better, stress less these are the key components to maintaining a strong immune system.
I am currently offering lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo
I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises
Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo
Jim Moltzan
407-234-0119
United Martial Arts Association 