Benefits for Brain
The association between vitamin
D deficiency and SADs (Seasonal
Affective Disorder) or even
chronic depression, has been well
documented. A study showed that
the levels between the serum
25(OH)D (converted vitamin D
from the liver) and symptoms of
depression were correlated and the
supplementation of vitamin D
brought on an improvement of the
symptoms. Vitamin D receptors
are located all throughout the
brain, therefore the vitamin is also
said to increase nerve growth and
act as an essential contributor to
optimal brain cell function and
mental health.
If you find your mood is down in
the winter months, something like
a simple daily supplement is an
easy solution that will come with
many benefits including treating
or preventing some forms of
depression.
How to get more Vitamin D
While vitamin D comes from
sunlight it is absorbed most easily
and quickly through bare skin
exposure. Unfortunately, that is
not an option in the cold winters
of Canada as we are quite bundled
up as soon as the temperature
drops. As I wrote above, our
bodies cannot receive the proper
amounts from food. This means
that a supplement is the best and
only way to get the proper amount
of vitamin D to avoid deficiency.
The amount recommended by the
Vitamin D Council to take for
infants is 1,000 IU/day while
adults should take 5,000 IU/day of
vitamin D3. This amount varies on
who you hear it from. While
vitamin D is fat soluble and not
easy for the body to get rid of in
excess amounts, the recommended
amounts would have to be doubled
before the overdose limit would be
reached.
While most people can take
vitamin D safely please ask your
doctor if you have any ongoing
serious health conditions or are
taking any medications.
In conclusion
Vitamin D is a super nutrient our
body needs to thrive and fight off
any damaging diseases and
illnesses in our bodies and in our
minds. By taking a supplement