The benefits of Vitamin D for Immunity.
Vitamin D is a very important nutrient especially when it comes to strengthening the immune system and bone health. Over 1 billion people worldwide are deficient in Vitamin D because they do not get enough sunshine, consume too many junk foods or have other underlying problems.
In this article, we will explain how Vitamin D strengthens your immune system, protects you from infections and it’s other benefits.
1. Respiratory Infections Studies show that Vitamin D lowers the risk of contracting infections in the lungs, both from viruses and bacterial organisms. It speeds up an immune response so that your body can destroy the infections before they spread through the cells. Studies show that taking a Vitamin D supplement daily in the winter can reduce the risk of getting infected by 70 percent.
2. Viruses Vitamin D helps your body to absorb important minerals like Calcium, Iron, Zinc and Phosphate, which all strengthen your immune system. This process helps to activate t-cells in the immune system which attack and destroy viruses before they can replicate.
3. Healing If you have an existing respiratory illness such as a cold, flu, coronavirus, asthma or bronchitis then getting more Vitamin D can help. Vitamin D helps the body to make anti-inflammatory hormones like cortisol that speed up healing throughout the body. It also helps to modulate the immune system for those suffering from autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and psoriasis.
4. Sources The human body gets most of its Vitamin D from the sunshine. When the ultraviolet B rays from the sun touch the skin, it triggers the production of Vitamin D in the body. You can also get small amounts of vitamin D from oily fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel. It is also found in cheese, egg yolks and beef liver.
5. Supplements The very best natural supplement is Vitamin D3 in the form of Mk7. This is made from lanolin, a waxy substance found on sheep’s wool. This is very easy to absorb and use compared to other types of vitamin d supplements. It is recommended to take 10,000 IU of Vitamin D3 along with 100mcg of Vitamin K2. These must always be taken together as they work together in the body to transport calcium. Taking Vitamin D3 alone could result in hypocalcaemia so make sure to take K2 alongside it.
6. Absorption Some people may struggle to absorb vitamin D because they have existing viral illnesses. Viruses attack VDR receptors in the cells which prevent vitamin D from being absorbed and doing its job. Others who have liver damage or kidney damage may also struggle to use vitamin D as it is activated by enzymes in these organs. Taking a larger dose of D3 and K2 can help to overcome this. You are also more likely to get less vitamin d during winter, as you will be exposed to less sunshine and may spend more time indoors. Those who have had their gallbladder removed may need to take purified bile salts to help them absorb fat-soluble nutrients like Vitamin D.
7. Pain Relief Many people struggle with chronic pain in their bodies as they get older, and suffer from joint pain, joint stiffness and skeletal muscle aches. Vitamin D helps to relieve these problems and reduce pain naturally as it helps to regulate calcium within the body. Vitamin D and K2 work together to take excess calcium of the blood, soft tissues and joints and put it into the bones where it belongs.
8. Brain Health Studies show that Vitamin D reduces inflammation in the structure of the brain and helps to protect neurons. Low levels of vitamin D is linked with depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and schizophrenia in adults.
9. Lung Protection Vitamin D is a precursor in the body and is used to make and regulate certain hormones like cortisol. Cortisol in the right amounts helps to reduce inflammation in the lungs, which strengthens them against infection. This can also help to reduce symptoms in those with lung disorders like asthma, bronchitis or breathing difficulties.
10. Blood Pressure Studies show that having low levels of Vitamin D can lead to increased risk of high blood pressure or hypertension. Taking a daily supplement of Vitamin D can help to protect the heart and cardiovascular system by keeping blood pressure in check. Having a healthy circulatory system ensures that nutrients, oxygen and white blood cells can do their work and keep a strong immunity. As you can see, vitamin D plays an important role in strengthening the body against diseases and infections. It is recommended to take a daily supplement of 10,000 IU Vitamin D3 (MK-7) Per day with 100mcg of Vitamin K2. It is very important to take Vitamin D3 and K2 together, as they work hand in hand in transporting calcium and other minerals around the body.