Vitamin D Deficiency and Why Sunshine Isn't Enough.

Intro

Produced by the body in response to the skin being exposed to sunlight, vitamin D is responsible for increasing the absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphate. It is also crucial to the health of our bones, brain and immune system, and is a key factor in regulating inflammation and fighting infection.  

And yet surprisingly, even if we are getting plenty of sun exposure, many of us are gravely deficient.  

This is especially the case at a time when our level of sun exposure is being impacted by hazy skies and diminished sunlight due to geo-engineering, aerial spraying and environmental pollution.

It is no wonder that the National Institute of Health reports that 42% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, with additional studies reporting that a staggering 50-70% of children have lower than optimal levels. This deficiency only increases with age, as the body’s capacity to make vitamin D is significantly reduced.  

Dr Andrew Weil, a world-renowned medical doctor and leader in the field of integrative medicine, has stated,  

‘Low levels of vitamin D in the population suggest that most people need to take a vitamin D supplement. This may be especially true for seniors, as the ability to synthesize vitamin D in the skin declines with age’.    

With high vitamin D levels strongly linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, asthma, and dementia, as well as complications associated with respiratory infections—as cited at great length by Dr Zelenko—it is essential to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. However, in order to main optimal levels, we often need to substantially increase our intake.

‘Waking Up’ and Getting Healthy

And as we become more and more aware as to how the medical and pharmaceutical industries are designed to keep us sick in order to drive profits—a notion that is sick in-and-of-itself—it is no wonder that the importance of vitamin D is often disregarded, downplayed and in some cases, regulated.  

This is all part of the ‘waking up’ that is taking place for so many of us. As a result, we now have the opportunity to become accurately informed and make new choices that will support a healing state, rather than a diseased state.  

And no matter what we may have been told in the past, our body has the ability and the resources to heal any health condition—from arthritis, to cancer, to joint and organ degeneration, to neurological conditions and injuries.  

But it requires support.  

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

As a vitamin D deficiency often goes unrecognized as the culprit for a host of conditions, here are 7 SYMPTOMS which may be indicators that levels are in need of an increase,

*General Weakness  

*Chronic Fatigue  

*Poor Sleep/Insomnia  

*Muscle Pain/Achiness  

*Joint Pain/Swelling  

*Thinning Hair  

*Frequent Colds or Flu

In addition to these seven noted symptoms, sources have also cited that a deficiency in vitamin D can also lead to ongoing challenges in mood, which includes anxiety and depression. Given the body and mind are intricately connected, this comes as no surprise.

Vitamin D’s Role in Inflammation and Infection 

Overall, a body that it is deficient in vitamin D will often struggle to fight acute infection and heal chronic inflammation—both of which are among the key causes of the majority of diseases that are prevalent today.

In a study published by The National Institute of Health, it states,

‘Vitamin D has recently been found to play an important role in the modulation of the immune/inflammation system via regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the proliferation of proinflammatory cells, both of which are crucial for the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.’

The same is true when it comes to the roll of vitamin D in fighting infection, with a specific emphasis on respiratory infections such as influenza, COVID-19 and pneumonia.

The same study also states,

‘Several studies have associated lower vitamin D status with increased risk and unfavorable outcome of acute infections. Vitamin D supplementation bolsters clinical responses to acute infection.’

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL STUDY

Common Contributors of Vitamin D Deficiency

Too Much Time Spent Indoors

At a time when so many adults spend their time working indoors—and working out indoors at fitness centres—which includes a high number of individuals working from home, never before have individuals spent more time indoors. This includes children who often spend a large amount of time in the classroom, or indoors at home, often watching TV and playing video games. The top way to increase vitamin D is to spend at least 20 minutes in the sun each day.

Frequent Use of Sunscreen

Not only does sunscreen reduce the sun from penetrating the skin, it also reduces the amount of vitamin D that can be synthesized through the skin. While there are times when sunscreen is unavoidable, find ways to increase sun exposure through spending a few minutes in the sun before applying sunscreen, or through shorter bouts of sun that is balanced with periods of shade, or by wearing light-fabric clothing that both protects the skin and allows sunlight to shine through.

Reduced Ability to Synthesize Vitamin D In The Skin

As noted above, the ability to synthesize vitamin D in the sun decreases as one ages. Therefore, other means to receive adequate amounts of vitamin D are necessary to a greater degree when we enter our senior years. Opt for a high-quality vitamin D supplement which can be found at your nearest health food store or grocery store, or, an all-in-one formulation that contains both vitamin D and supporting vitamins, such as what is found in Dr Zelenko’s best-selling Z-Stack™.

Poor Nutritional Absorption

The inability to adequately absorb vitamins and minerals through our food often takes place due to inflammation in the gut lining. A host of conditions may be present including colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Therefore, in order to improve the absorption of nutrition through both food and supplements, it is crucial to heal this underlying condition. This is done through removing inflammatory triggers which are commonly grains/gluten, sugar and dairy products.

A Diet Lacking in Vitamin D Rich Foods

Often it is the standard American diet that is the culprit for an enormous amount of vitamin and mineral deficiencies—vitamin D being only one of them. Therefore, great improvements in vitamin D levels can take place through diet alone. Overall, some of the top sources of vitamin D include oily fish, egg yolks, red meat and liver. See list below for more detail.

Top Food Sources to Increase Vitamin D

Wild-Caught Salmon

Mackerel

Sardines

Halibut

Rainbow Trout

Tuna

Egg Yolk

Eel Beef

Bison

Liver

Fortified Milk and Dairy Products

Nut Based Milks

Note: One tablespoon of cod liver oil daily is also an excellent source of vitamin D.

The Importance of Vitamin D Supplementation

Dr Zelenko’s original and best-selling Z-Stack™ contains a massive dose of 125 mcg (5000 IU) of vitamin D in every serving, which is in perfect balance with the powerhouse combo of zinc, quercetin and vitamin C found in every bottle.  

For the little ones, Kids Z-Stack™ gummies—currently available in our popular pineapple flavour—contain age-appropriate levels of vitamin D in every serving. Please refer to label on back of bottle for age and serving size.

In Summary

With the recent ‘IT outage’ that impacted hospitals, airlines, and retail operations around the world—cited by Alex Jones as a ‘dry run’ for future shut downs—may this be a reminder as to the importance of staying STOCKED UP and ONE STEP AHEAD during these uncertain times.

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