Can Vitamin D Reduce Infections in Your Respiratory Tract?

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin/hormone that the body gets from sunlight, diet and certain supplements. Over half of Americans do not receive enough vitamin D because they do not spend enough time in the sun, and eat a lot of processed foods, which lack the proper nutrients.

The fear of skin cancer and other problems from the sun has caused many to cover up when they are exposed to the sun, which deprives your body of the best way to get this vitamin into your body. The confusion lies in the belief that all direct sun exposure puts you at risk for skin disease, when research has shown that approximately 30 minutes of direct sunlight per-day can provide excellent health benefits, including the ability to help fight off many different types of cancer.

Vitamin D is known for reducing depression, boosting the immune system and creating neuromuscular function. It promotes the absorption of calcium and helps your bone health. New studies are showing that vitamin D can also reduce infections in your respiratory tract. Researchers are finding that various repertory illnesses, including the risk of developing tuberculosis, are linked to low levels of vitamin D. When low levels of vitamin D are found in the body, the respiratory tract is more susceptible to infections. In recent studies it was found that getting the proper amount of vitamin D each day will change the bodies’ modulation of anti-micro peptides and increase the removal of invading organisms in the respiratory tract, which will eliminate infections.

The studies also suggested that the proper levels of vitamin D cannot be gained through a vitamin D supplement alone. In order to achieve optimal levels, regular exposure to the sun and a vitamin D rich diet needs to be incorporated into your lifestyle. Foods that are high in vitamin D include; tuna, salmon and fish liver oils. Cheese and egg yolks also contain smaller levels of vitamin D. A simple blood test administered at your doctor’s office can check your levels of vitamin D and give you insight to how much you need daily to reach beneficial levels.

Do you get enough Vitamin D? Do you try and get some time in the sun each day?

– The Alternative Daily