Vitamin D-What's the deal?

So the buzz word is vitamin D. Let's talk about this amazing vitamin, what it does for our bodies, why it's so important, and the best way to get it. Vitamin D is really more of a hormone that a vitamin in the fact that it tells certain parts and systems of our bodies what to do, like 3000 of our genes.

Vitamin D is attained best by proper sun exposure on the skin. There are 5 types of vitamin D. Animals need vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)the one we as humans need is Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). That is the one created by the sun. Many mainstream doctors out there are still recommending D2. Vitamin D2 can sometimes block D3, and D2 isn't absorbed properly because it's not the D our bodies al need. Next time you are at your doctor's office ask for D3 only if you are so low that you need a temporary prescription.

Lack of vitamin D3 inhibits minerals by being absorbed like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. If you are short on D3 it lead to fatigue, depression, and mental fog. Research is still being conducted on D3 deficiencies and conditions like ADD and ADHD. Vitamin D3 does control certain enzymes that provide extended attention spans. The best way to attain vitamin D3 through sun exposure is to be out in the sun 15-20 minutes about 3-4 days per week without any sunscreen. Sunscreen prevents vitamin D3 absorption as well as puts toxic chemicals into the bloodstream through the pores on your skin.

According to Joseph Mercola D.O., it takes a little bit more planning than just getting some sun. He talks about the complexity of absorption levels, and the time it takes for adequate amounts of vitamin D to be used properly by our miraculous systems. Check out his link below to see what he has to say.

When we aren't receiving proper sun exposure the best way to take it in daily is by an all natural supplement from lanolin, which is from the oil on the skin of sheep. Remember it will be called cholecalciferol. Dosage is taken in IUs, that stands for international unit.Dosage amount from studies varies. Some say 2000IUs a day is enough and some say up to 10,000IUs. I personally take a minimum of two plus sun exposure in the summer and I take 4000IUs in the cooler months. If you can get blood tests regularly, at least twice a year.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/12/16/my-one-hour-vitamin-d-lecture-to-clear-up-all-your-confusion-on-this-vital-nutrient.aspx