Vitamin D3

Get outside and play! The newest studies show that vitamin D3 is the new wonder vitamin. The best way to get it by getting natural sunlight without sunscreen. As little as 15 minutes a day will do the trick. In 2009 we tend to live in a cave. We leave our house to go to work. Most of us drive to work rather than walk or bike. We leave work and it is typically already dark. The cycle continues.

We can get vitamin D3 from the sun and from supplemens but make sure it's D3 and not D2. They found that those lived closer to the equator had less cancers and other illnesses. Those at the equator are exposed to more sunlight. Those that lived in the very northern or southern hemisphere experienced higher rates of cancer and other illnesses. People with darker skin, mainly African Americans, have skin that block some of the vitamin D3 so they have a harder time getting it naturally.

I had mine tested last year. I was at 24 if I remember correctly and the safe low range is 30. They are now suggesting 40 to 50 is ideal. I've been on 2000 IU since then and will hopefully get it retested on Wednesday. I've been making it a point to get more sunshine. It is harder to get it during the week days but I try to walk Sammy in the mornings and during lunch.

I suggest asking your doc for a simple blood work and run 25(OH)D. Most insurance companies will cover it but your medical establishment can run the code for you to double check.

I've watched as Sammy sun bathes. It's almost innate for him to do that. We've all heard of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder.) We lather up on sunscreen and spend too much time working indoors. I personally still use sunscreen when I know I'll be out there during peak times or for a long time. Do some extra research and see what you find. I'm a believer. Knock on wood but I haven't been sick since this time last year. I think this and my green drink in the mornings are key.