The Sunshine Vitamin Vitamin D sufficiency, along with diet and exercise, has emerged as one of the most important preventive factors in human health. Some of the symptoms of low vitamin D include fatigue, poor concentration, moodiness and headaches. As well, numerous studies now link vitamin D deficiency with significantly higher rates of many forms of cancer‚ as well as heart disease‚ osteoporosis‚ multiple sclerosis and many other conditions and diseases. Sunlight is the best and only natural source of vitamin D and unfortunately we are spending less time outdoors in the sun today than at any point in history, which is why a majority of individuals are deficient in vitamin D. Humans make 90 percent of our vitamin D naturally from sunlight exposure to our skin, specifically from ultraviolet B exposure to the skin. Few foods naturally contain or are fortified with supplemental vitamin D. For example, an 8-ounce glass of whole milk fortified with 100 IU (international units) of vitamin D represents just a small percentage of what nutritionists now say we need daily. In contrast, sun exposure to the skin makes thousands of units of vitamin D naturally in a relatively short period of time. While vitamin D supplements are an alternative means of producing vitamin D when regular, nonburning sun exposure is not possible, oral supplementation of vitamin D is not nature’s intended means of producing this vitamin. The foods that contain some levels of vitamin D are shiitake and button mushrooms, mackerel, sockeye, salmon, herring, sardines catfish, tuna, cod liver (Yuk!) and eggs. So how do we determine if we are in fact deficient and how much of the vitamin should we take? Before anything can be done, ask your family physician to request a 25-hydroxy-vitamin D blood test. This is the only way to determine if your deficient and at what level. Please be aware that OHIP does not cover the cost of the blood test and depending on the lab that draws the blood the cost could range from $25.00 - $50.00. Never take vitamins beyond the recommended daily allowance unless under the advice and guidance of a trained professional. Remember, being outside not only offers the benefits of the sunshine vitamin. Being out door and active is fun for the family, strengthens the heart, the mind & the body and helps maintain a healthy weight. Ian Harris is a Registered Nutritional Therapist, Natural Nutrition - Clinical Practitioner, Certified Wellness Coach, Certified Food Psychology Coach (Hon), Certified Personal Fitness Chef, Personal Professional Chef and has a Diploma in Nutritional Counselling (Hon).
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As well, Ian holds many other certification and specialties within weight management, wellness & nutrition and specializes in both Lifestyle & Weight Management and Nutritional & Lifestyle Oncology. Ian recently put his life’s work into practice by losing 55lbs pounds. Ian writes a bi-weekly health column in the Arnprior Chronicle Guide and has written for the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners. Ian Harris has also been heard on local radio and has been featured on local television. A Healthy Tomorrow Starts Today! What Are You Weighting for? – Ian Harris
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