Vitamin D Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Vitamin D Deficiency Fuels Autoimmune Conditions, Dysregulating Immune Function

The AHA! Team — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:12:13 +0000

Lance D Johnson via Natural News – Autoimmune diseases have surged in lockstep with declining vitamin D levels, exposing a troubling paradox: as modern medicine advances, immune dysregulation grows more prevalent. Vitamin D transcends its common label as the “sunshine vitamin” by serving as a cornerstone of immune function and systemic health. Surprisingly, nearly one-third of Americans suffer from dangerously low levels, leaving them vulnerable to chronic illness. Recent scientific investigations highlight how this unseen deficiency exacerbates autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, while also amplifying systemic inflammation. Beyond individual health, this crisis reflects broader societal failures — corporate interests have vilified sun exposure, public health policies neglect nutritional education, and modern lifestyles deprive people of natural vitamin D synthesis. Far from accidental, this deficiency epidemic highlights a troubling disconnect between our biological needs and the systems shaping our daily lives. Key points: Vitamin D regulates immune function, distinguishing between healthy cells and pathogens while suppressing inflammatory markers linked to autoimmunity. Deficiency escalates autoimmune risks, with studies showing 55% of rheumatoid arthritis patients and 42% of lupus sufferers lack sufficient levels. Low vitamin D correlates with MS progression, as every 10 ng/ml drop increases neuronal damage by 15%. Women face heightened vulnerability, with hormonal imbalances and conditions like PCOS exacerbating deficiency. Daily supplementation (5,000 IU) is essential to counteract food scarcity and sun deprivation. Vitamin D as the immune system’s master regulator Vitamin D is not merely a passive nutrient; it actively trains the immune system to distinguish between healthy cells and foreign pathogens. It accomplishes this by modulating inflammatory responses and suppressing autoimmune reactions. For instance, vitamin D promotes the production of regulatory T-cells, which act as immune peacekeepers by preventing misguided attacks on the body’s own tissues. Without sufficient levels, these protective mechanisms falter, allowing inflammation to spiral unchecked. Studies demonstrate that low vitamin D correlates with elevated autoimmune risks — 55% of rheumatoid arthritis patients and 42% of lupus patients exhibit significant deficiencies. Similarly, multiple sclerosis progression accelerates with each 10 ng/ml drop in vitamin D levels, increasing neuronal damage by 15-32%. Given these findings, maintaining optimal vitamin D status is not optional — it is a critical defense against immune dysfunction. The autoimmune crisis and vitamin D’s protective role Autoimmune diseases have surged in lockstep with declining vitamin D levels, exposing a troubling paradox: as modern medicine advances, immune dysregulation grows more prevalent. Functional medicine experts, such as Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, emphasize that vitamin D deficiency disrupts immune tolerance — an essential process that prevents the body from attacking itself. Research published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology confirms that rheumatoid arthritis patients disproportionately suffer from insufficient vitamin D, while lupus studies reveal similar trends. Multiple sclerosis patients with low vitamin D levels face faster disease progression and more severe brain lesions. This data underscores vitamin D’s role in quelling inflammatory cytokines — molecules that fuel autoimmune destruction. To reverse this crisis, proactive intervention is essential, starting with widespread supplementation and sunlight exposure. Corporate interests, sunlight phobia and systemic sabotage Decades of corporate messaging have falsely demonized sun exposure, branding it as inherently dangerous while ignoring its role in vitamin D synthesis. The beauty and pharmaceutical industries have profited from this fear, aggressively marketing sunscreens and indoor lifestyles that disrupt natural vitamin D production. Dr. Katie Golden highlights the consequences: Over 20 million Americans now struggle with autoimmune conditions, many linked to chronic deficiency. Compounding the issue, modern dietary trends fail to fill this gap — breast milk often lacks sufficient vitamin D, and children weaned onto nutrient-poor juices risk deficiency early in life. Even vaccinations lose efficacy in individuals with low vitamin D, illustrating its broader immunological impact. Corporate profits from cosmetics and sunscreen overshadow an inconvenient truth: many beauty products contain toxins linked to autoimmune disease, while vitamin D itself helps detoxify such harmful compounds. A roadmap to recovery: Rebuilding immunity through vitamin D Restoring vitamin D to optimal levels — ideally above 50 ng/ml — requires daily supplementation, ideally 5,000 IU or more. While nutrient-dense foods like grass-fed liver and fatty fish offer support, modern lifestyles make supplementation indispensable. For women, addressing deficiency is particularly urgent; sufficient vitamin D halves breast cancer risk and mitigates conditions like PCOS. Despite these benefits, conventional medicine often overlooks deficiency’s role in disorders ranging from autism to diabetes. Functional medicine experts stress that autoimmune disease is not inevitable — rather, it results from systemic neglect of foundational health strategies. By prioritizing vitamin D replenishment, individuals can reclaim immune resilience and break the cycle of chronic illness. The solution lies not in passive acceptance but in proactive self-advocacy, demanding better public health policies and rejecting corporate-driven misinformation about sunlight and supplementation. The vitamin D crisis is a preventable epidemic rooted in misinformation and profit-driven health policies. Autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammation, and rising disease burdens need not be inevitable — they reflect measurable nutritional gaps. Achieving widespread immune resilience requires rejecting fear-based narratives about sun exposure, embracing supplementation when necessary, and demanding transparency from industries that prioritize profits over health. Sources include: MindBodyGreen.com Pubmed.gov Pubmed.gov To read the original article, click here

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Increase Magnesium to Fight Modern-Day Diseases

The AHA! Team — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:46:04 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – It troubles me deeply that conventional doctors don’t pay any attention to your magnesium levels… Especially these days when new research reveals that this miracle mineral can help you fight our modern-day infections.1,2 I’ve been advising my patients at the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine for decades about magnesium’s critical role in keeping them free of disease. This miracle mineral can help you fight our modern-day infections You see, magnesium is needed for more than 600 biochemical reactions in your body – and that’s just for starters.3 There’s not enough room in this letter to give you a complete list of magnesium’s health benefits, but here are just a few…4,5,6 Magnesium can prevent – and reverse – insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It’s vital for muscle function and increases energy metabolism. It lowers blood pressure more effectively than any drug and keeps your heart healthy. It improves sleep quality and duration. It’s essential for warding off depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It keeps your bones strong. Vitamin D cannot be activated in your body without magnesium. Magnesium extends lifespan by activating telomerase to increase telomere length. And now scientists have discovered that magnesium plays a crucial role in keeping your immune system strong by fighting infections, including Covid. The researchers found that a powerful type of immune cell called a cytotoxic or “killer” T cell can only eliminate infected cells with magnesium.7 Killer T cells are vital if your body is fighting Covid and your immune system produces an army of them to target viral proteins like those found in the coronavirus. But without magnesium, they aren’t able to function efficiently. You see, while Killer T cells don’t prevent infection, they spring into action after the virus has already infiltrated your body. They’re critical for clearing Covid once the infection has started – and crucial for stopping its spread and reducing its severity.8 It’s no coincidence that multiple studies now reveal that patients with Covid – especially those with severe cases – are woefully deficient in magnesium.9 Sadly, up to 80% of older Americans are deficient in magnesium10 – thanks to Big Agra’s industrial farming methods – and don’t have strong enough Killer T cells to fight the infection. Many vegetables have lost 80% of their magnesium content A few years ago, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition published a study comparing the nutrient content of crops in 1999 with 1950 levels. Researchers were shocked to find that many vegetables had lost 80% of their magnesium content.11 The good news is that it’s easy to boost your magnesium levels and get them back to where nature intended. You should always start with diet. You boost your magnesium levels by eating nuts, seeds, and dark green, leafy vegetables. But given the depleted state of Big Agra soil, you’ll need to find additional sources. Here’s what I recommend to my patients… Be aware of foods that deplete magnesium from your body. Processed foods and refined sugar are the worst offenders and deplete magnesium content by nearly 85%. I tell my patients to avoid these Frankenfoods completely.But excess alcohol, caffeine, and even dairy can also deplete your body’s magnesium levels. Use these items in moderation, especially if your levels are low. Eat more of the right kind of salt: Modern medicine has declared war on salt and told you to stop eating it altogether. But salt is good for almost every part of your body, and you can’t live without it. In fact, we evolved to naturally crave salty foods.Unfortunately, the salt you find in most foods is bleached, refined, and full of residual chemicals left over from processing. Look for sea salt instead. It’s unrefined and has all the minerals and co-factors nature meant salt to have, like magnesium. Include a supplement: It’s almost impossible to get what you need from your food. Supplementing can fill in the gaps. Magnesium citrate and glycinate taurate are the most absorbable forms. I recommend between 600 mg and 1,000 mg a day.Be sure to confirm the source and quality of the mineral supplement. And make sure there are no extra fillers. These can cause more harm than good. And always take your magnesium supplement with vitamin B6, which increases the amount of magnesium that accumulates in your cells. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Tan CW, et al. Cohort study to evaluate the effect of vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 in combination on progression to severe outcomes in older patients with coronavirus (COVID-19). Nutrition. 2020 Nov-Dec;79-80:111017. 2. O’Keefe JH and DiNicolantonio JJ. “Magnesium and vitamin D Deficiency as a potential cause of immune dysfunction, cytokine storm and disseminated intravascular coagulation in Covid-19 patients.” Mo Med. 2021 Jan-Feb;118(1):68-73. 3. Caspi R, et al. “The MetaCyc database of metabolic pathways and enzymes—A 2019 update.” Nucleic Acids Res. 2020;48:D445–D453. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkz862. 4. Rowe WJ. “Correcting magnesium deficiencies may prolong life.” Clin Interv Aging. 2012;7:51-4. 5. Richards J, Valdes AM, et al. “Homocysteine levels and leukocyte telomere length.” Atherosclerosis. 2008;200(2):271-7. 6. Barbagallo M, Ligia J. Dominguez. “Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes: An Update.” Int J Diabetes Clin Res .2015, 2:1 7. Lötsche J, et al. “Magnesium sensing via LFA-1 regulates CD8+ T cell effector function. Cell. 2022 8. Tarke A, et al. “Comprehensive analysis of T cell immunodominance and immunoprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 epitopes in COVID-19 cases.” Cell Rep Med. 2021 Feb 16;2(2):100204. 9. O’Keefe JH and DiNicolantonio JJ. “Magnesium and vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of immune dysfunction, cytokine storm and disseminated intravascular coagulation in Covid-19 patients.” Mo Med. 2021 Jan-Feb;118(1):68-73. 10. “Magnesium is essential to your health but many people don’t get enough of it.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/magnesium-is-essential-to-your-health-but-many-people-dont-get-enough-of-it/2017/06/09/77bc35b4-2515-11e7-bb9d-8cd6118e1409_story.html. Accessed on February 7, 2023. 11. King DE, et al. “Dietary magnesium and C-reactive protein levels.” J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Jun;24(3):166-71. To read the original article click here.

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The Best Postnatal Vitamins for Mom and Baby

The AHA! Team — Fri, 17 May 2024 08:11:58 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – You’ve likely read up on the importance of prenatal vitamins and how certain nutrients are needed in higher amounts during pregnancy, but did you know that the same is true even after you’ve given birth? Postnatal vitamins are used to ensure that new moms get the vitamins and minerals they need after giving birth. While eating a healthy, balanced diet is key or maintaining proper macronutrients and micronutrient levels, supplementing with the most important vitamins and minerals can support breastfeeding and recovery after giving birth. What Are Postnatal Vitamins? Postnatal vitamins provide the nutrients that women need during the postpartum period, after giving birth. While it’s important for women to maintain healthy levels of all macro- and micronutrients during this period, some vitamins and minerals play an important role in hormone balance, breast milk supply and healthy energy levels. Typically, a prenatal vitamin can be continued during the months after birth as well. Those nutrients are also needed during breastfeeding and the recovery phase. In essence, these vitamins are beneficial for women during their reproductive years. Best Postnatal Vitamins to Take The nutrients that are most important during pregnancy are also needed after delivery, especially for women who are breastfeeding. Here’s a breakdown of the most important vitamins and minerals for the postnatal period: 1. Iron Iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy and after birth. It helps prevent anemia, which can be exacerbated when a woman loses blood during delivery. If you have low iron levels and you’re taking a pre- or postnatal multivitamin, make sure it includes iron. If not, you can take a separate iron supplement for six to eight weeks after delivery or until your health care provider recommends stopping. The daily recommended intake of iron for women is 18–27 milligrams. 2. Calcium Calcium is needed for mom’s and baby’s bones, so getting enough while breastfeeding is important. Calcium is also needed for the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems to function properly. The recommended daily intake of calcium for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 1,000 milligrams. 3. Vitamin D Research indicates that efforts should be made to optimize vitamin D status in mothers during and after pregnancy to support healthy levels in the infant and mom. Not only do infants need vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth, but the nutrient also impacts women’s brain function, immunity, hormones and mood. Breastfeeding women should get about 600 international units (or 15 micrograms) of vitamin D per day. 4. Choline Choline is a nutrient that plays a role in nerve function, muscle movement, metabolism, energy and several other important body processes. The recommended daily intake for women who are breastfeeding is 550 milligrams of choline. 5. DHA Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential fatty acid that needs to be consumed in food or supplement form to maintain healthy levels. It supports infant development, and studies suggest that there are long-term benefits for infants with higher levels of DHA, including faster development of behavioral functions. Deficits in DHA may lead to learning impairments among infants. Babies get DHA through breast milk, so mothers need to make sure they get enough of the fat in food or supplement form. Breastfeeding women need between 300–900 milligrams of combined DHA and EPA (another omega-3 fats acid) per day. How to Take/Dosage Postnatal vitamins are taken after birth, typically for as long as you’re breastfeeding and your body is recovering from pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or midwife for usage and dosage recommendations for your body and lifestyle specifically. Postnatal multivitamins are available online and at health food stores. You can find them in capsule, gummy and powder forms. Look for a reputable brand, ideally with a USDA Certified Organic label and a full list of ingredients and dosage. If you’re going for a multivitamin, make sure to choose one that includes DHA. When you no longer need postnatal vitamins, you can switch over to a standard multivitamin to ensure that you maintain healthy levels of micronutrients, especially if your diet is lacking in certain areas. Food Sources The best way to maintain healthy levels of vitamins and minerals is by eating a diet rich in colorful, fresh foods, just like the pregnancy diet. Some of the foods that are highest in postnatal nutrients and should be incorporated into a woman’s diet after giving birth include: Yogurt Goat cheese Almonds Walnuts Broccoli Cauliflower Brussels sprouts Kale Spinach Swiss chard While beans Black beans Navy beans Chickpeas Split peas Lentils Wild-caught fish Organic poultry Grass-fed beef Cafe-free eggs Portobello mushrooms Pumpkin seeds Chia seeds Flaxseeds Women also need plenty of water during the postpartum period. Staying hydrated supports breast milk supply, energy levels and overall body function. Keep a water bottle close by throughout the day, and opt for drinking about 12–16 cups of water, depending on how often you nurse. Risks and Side Effects When it comes to getting enough micronutrients for optimal health, supplements aren’t a replacement for a healthy diet. They work best when taken as part of a balanced, healthy diet. Supplements can be used to cover any potential gaps in your diet. If you take any medications, check with your health care provider before using vitamin supplements. If you experience adverse reactions or side effects of a supplement, such as nausea, diarrhea, rash or flushing, discontinue use, and speak to your doctor. Conclusion Postnatal vitamins provide the nutrients that women need during the postpartum period, after giving birth. While it’s important for women to maintain healthy levels of all macro- and micronutrients during this period, some vitamins and minerals play an important role in hormone balance, breast milk supply, mood, brain function and healthy energy levels. Some of the most important nutrients during the post-birth period include iron, calcium, vitamin D, choline and DHA. You can get these vitamins and minerals from leafy greens, organic animal meat, dairy products, nuts and seeds, and legumes. Taking a postnatal supplement can help fill any gaps from your diet. To read the original article click here.

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Eat Mushrooms to Fight Depression

AHA Publisher — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 08:00:11 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – In a new study using data collected from more than 24,000 Americans, researchers at Penn State found that eating mushrooms every day dramatically lowers your risk of developing depression.1 This is great news, especially now… You see, the stress and uncertainty of the last couple of years has dramatically increased the number of people suffering the emotional impacts caused by Covid. In fact, the number of Americans who say they are depressed has tripled since the start of the pandemic.2 As a result, traditional doctors are prescribing medications like Prozac and Zoloft in record numbers. But these pills don’t often work. Almost half of the patients taking a Big Pharma antidepressant say they still suffer symptoms of depression. And then there are the side effects connected with these powerful pills, including insomnia and fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, feeling numb or disconnected, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction I don’t prescribe antidepressants. Instead, I use natural options to help my patients. And now I can add mushrooms to that list. Mushrooms are a great source of ergothioneine. This amino acid acts as an antioxidant in your body. Because ergothioneine can pass through the blood-brain barrier, it’s able to protect your brain against inflammation and oxidative stress.3,4,5 The latest research shows that both oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the development of depression.6 Your body can’t make ergothioneine on its own, so you have to get it from food. And no food contains more than mushrooms. One serving of mushrooms – one cup raw or one-half cup cooked – contains up to 5 mg of ergothioneine. I recommend eating porcini, King oyster, maitake, oyster or shiitake mushrooms daily. Earlier research from the Penn State researchers found that eating just five mushrooms a day is enough to prevent depression.7 But mushrooms help protect you from depression in another important way… They are a rich source of vitamin D. If you are a regular reader, you know that vitamin D helps beat depression by boosting the production of the “feel-good” neurotransmitter serotonin. In fact, vitamin D can boost serotonin up to 30 times.8 Unfortunately, more than 90% of Americans don’t get enough vitamin D. Fresh wild mushrooms like chanterelle or morels have the highest vitamin D content. But you can easily boost the amount of vitamin D in your mushrooms by drying them in the sun. I read a book a few years ago called Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World by Paul Stamets. He knows so much about the health benefits of mushrooms that he’s an advisor of integrative medicine at the University of Arizona Medical School. Stamets did a study where he picked shiitake mushrooms that had been grown indoors and placed them gills-up in the sunlight for six hours. Their vitamin D content shot up from around 110 IU of vitamin D per 100 grams to a pretty remarkable 46,000 IU. Make Sun-Dried Mushrooms Easily at Home Drying and storing the mushrooms is easy to do. Gather fresh organic mushrooms from a local produce stand. Gently remove dirt with a dry cloth. Spread your mushrooms in the sun on a piece of parchment paper during the sunniest time of the day. Bring them in at night or when the sun goes down to avoid moisture. Then repeat the drying process the next day. But don’t dry your mushrooms any more than two days. Over-exposure to UV rays can cause levels of vitamin D to drop. Store your thoroughly dried mushrooms in a dark glass container. Add a spoonful of rice to keep the mushrooms dry, and seal it up. The mushrooms should be good for at least a year. Then you can eat a few mushrooms to get a good start on the vitamin D you’ll need for the day. To get the 5,000 IU a day of vitamin D that I recommend, you’d need to eat 10 grams – about an eighth of a cup – of sun-dried mushrooms daily. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Ba DM et al. “Mushroom intake and depression: a population-based study using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2016.” J Affective Disord. 2021; 294:686-692. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.07.080. 2. Ettman CK et al. “Persistent depressive symptoms during COVID-19; a national, population-representative, longitudinal study of U.S. adults.” Lancet 2022;5:10091. 3. Nagaro M, et al. “Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake.” Biomed Res. 2010;31(4):231-237. 4. Okamura H, et al. “The effects of Hericium erinaceus (Amyloban® 3399) on sleep quality and subjective well-being among female undergraduate students: a pilot study.” Personalized Med Univ. 2015;4:76-78. 5. Feeney MJ. et al. “Mushrooms and health summit proceedings.” J Nutr. 2014; 144(7):1128S-1136S. 6. Bakunina N, et al. “Immune mechanisms linked to depression via oxidative stress and neuroprogression.” Immunology. 2015 Mar; 144(3): 365–373. 7. Ma BJ. “Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus.” Mycology. 2010;1(2):92-98. 8. Patrick P, et al. “Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis. Part 1: relevance for autism.” FASEB J. 2014 Jun;28(6):2398-413. To read the original article click here.

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Down on Vitamin D? It Could Be the Cause of Chronic Inflammation

AHA Publisher — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:00:23 +0000

University of South Australia via Newswise – Inflammation is an essential part of the body’s healing process. But when it persists, it can contribute to a wide range of complex diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. Now, world-first genetic research from the University of South Australia shows a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of inflammation, providing an important biomarker to identify people at higher risk of or severity of chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component. The study examined the genetic data of 294 ,970 participants in the UK Biobank, using Mendelian randomization to show the association between vitamin D and C-reactive protein levels, an indicator of inflammation. Lead researcher, UniSA’s Dr Ang Zhou, says the findings suggest that boosting vitamin D in people with a deficiency may reduce chronic inflammation. “Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting your tissues if you’ve been injured or have an infection,” Dr Zhou says. “High levels of C-reactive protein are generated by the liver in response to inflammation, so when your body is experiencing chronic inflammation, it also shows higher levels of C-reactive protein. “This study examined vitamin D and C-reactive proteins and found a one-way relationship between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of C-reactive protein, expressed as inflammation. “Boosting vitamin D in people with deficiencies may reduce chronic inflammation, helping them avoid a number of related diseases.” Supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council and published in the International Journal of Epidemiology the study also raises the possibility that having adequate vitamin D concentrations may mitigate complications arising from obesity and reduce the risk or severity of chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component, such as CVDs, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Senior investigator and Director of UniSA’s Australian Centre for Precision Health, Professor Elina Hyppönen, says these results are important and provide an explanation for some of the controversies in reported associations with vitamin D. “We have repeatedly seen evidence for health benefits for increasing vitamin D concentrations in individuals with very low levels, while for others, there appears to be little to no benefit.” Prof Hyppönen says. “These findings highlight the importance of avoiding clinical vitamin D deficiency, and provide further evidence for the wide-ranging effects of hormonal vitamin D.” To read the original article click here.

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Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms & Sources to Reverse It!

AHA Publisher — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:00:36 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Would you believe that the majority of the population — between 40 percent and 80 percent or more of adults in the U.S., depending on race — is believed to have a vitamin D deficiency? It’s no wonder that this vitamin is now one of the most recommended supplements by physicians, taken in order to treat and/or prevent vitamin D deficiency symptoms. People with dark skin, those who live in northern regions of the world where there’s less year-round sun exposure and those who are overweight have an even greater chance of experiencing vitamin D deficiency. Can vitamin D deficiency be cured? Yes, there are ways you can naturally increase your vitamin D levels and decrease your risk of developing related health conditions. Spending time in the sun, without sunscreen, is your surest way to get enough. Eating vitamin D-rich foods also helps improve your blood levels. Read on to understand just how much time you need in the sun and what foods help you avoid vitamin D deficiency. What Is Vitamin D? (Why We Need It) Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s stored in the liver and fatty tissues. It’s somewhat different than other vitamins because the body makes most of it on its own (with the help of sunlight), rather than solely relying on food sources to get enough. Why Do We Need Vitamin D? Here are some of the benefits associated with vitamin D: Contributes to bone health by aiding in calcium absorption into the bones, as well as other vitamins and minerals that contribute to skeletal health, including magnesium, vitamin K and phosphorus. Supports the immune system and may help prevent prolonged or excessive inflammatory responses, plus some viruses and infections. Can help support healthy cell replication and may play a role in protecting against the development of autoimmune conditions. Promotes cardiovascular health and helps regulate blood pressure, cholesterol levels and inflammation. Helps manage blood sugar levels and works with calcium to regulate insulin secretion. May help prevent depression and mood disorders, especially during the winter. Seems to play a role in preventing obesity. Studies show deficiency is tied to greater volumes of fat, serum, liver and muscle mass, although the relationship is still being researched. Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms What happens when your vitamin D is low? According to scientific studies and reviews, the most common vitamin D deficiency symptoms include: fatigue osteoporosis heart disease and high blood pressure cancer autoimmune diseases depression and mood disturbances poor skin health, including redness, inflammation and dryness insomnia arthritis and joint pain diabetes trouble concentrating asthma hair loss multiple sclerosis chronic muscle or bone pain psoriasis fibromyalgia Causes/Risk Factors/Health Risks Why do some people develop a deficiency in this vitamin? It’s believed that one of the biggest reasons that vitamin D deficiency is now a public health problem is because of our modern, primarily indoors lifestyle. Below is more about the common causes of vitamin D deficiency: 1. Lack of Sun Most children today spend unprecedented hours inside — watching television, playing video games and surfing the internet. Similarly, most adults work indoors, exercise inside gyms and spend their free time inside their homes where they are sheltered from the sun. With all this time indoors, it’s no wonder we don’t get enough of the “sunshine vitamin” and that vitamin D deficiency affects over a billion people worldwide. 2. Frequent Use of Sunscreens As the risk for developing skin cancer has also risen in recent years, doctors strongly encourage the use of sunscreen for children and adults, even through the winter months and when sun exposure is generally limited. Alarmingly, some research shows that when you wear sunblock SPF 8, you reduce your body’s ability to make vitamin D by 90 percent. If you choose a sunblock with a higher SPF of 30 (which is the number normally recommended by doctors), you reduce your body’s ability by up to 99 percent. This results in further deficiencies because even though we spend time outdoors, the sunscreen doesn’t allow our bodies to convert vitamin D from the sun. Other vitamin D deficiency causes and risk factors include: Underlying health conditions — Research shows that certain health conditions, such as abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and hypertension, also increases a person’s risk of vitamin D deficiency. Having darker skin — According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the newest statistics demonstrate that more than 90 percent of people with darker skin pigments (including African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians) living in the United States now suffer from vitamin D insufficiency, while 75 perfect of the white population is deficient. Certain occupations — A 2017 study recently revealed that occupation can also play a big role in levels of this vitamin. Researchers found that shift workers, health care workers and indoor workers are at a high risk of developing a deficiency due to reduced outdoor time. Being overweight — As the population of overweight and obese adults and children has risen steadily over the past several decades, so has the incidence of vitamin D deficiency symptoms. Sadly, research shows that vitamin D deficiency is correlated with increased risks of developing common cancers, autoimmune diseases, hypertension and various infectious diseases, too. Is vitamin D deficiency serious? Public health experts tell us that it can be, and it’s now linked with a growing number of health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and mood-related problems. Here are some of the potential health risks that may be associated with vitamin D deficiency: Weakened bones — A deficiency in vitamin D can result in the softening of your bones, which is called osteomalacia, or a bone abnormality called rickets. Additionally, a deficiency increases your risk for developing osteoporosis and experiencing fractures or broken bones. This is an especially big risk among older adults. Susceptibility to infections and viruses — Low levels have been linked with higher incidence of some serious infections, including those that affect the lungs and respiratory system. Mood disorders — Because it acts like a hormone within our bodies and affects brain function, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk for mood disorders, including depression, seasonal affective disorder and severe mood problems experienced during PMS, insomnia and anxiety. Hormone imbalances — Low levels can interfere with proper testosterone and estrogen production, leading to imbalances that can result in many unwanted symptoms. Can lack of vitamin D cause weight gain? It’s possible. Some studies show that lower levels may be linked to weight gain in older adults, but the weight gain is usually relatively small. There’s more to learn about this connection, but it’s speculated that this vitamin may affect where fat cells shrink or get bigger. Cognitive/mental health problems — Researchers indicate that deficient adults may perform poorer on standardized exams, may have poorer decision-making skills, and may have difficulty with tasks that require focus and attention. Some research has demonstrated a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and an increased risk for developing schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis. Susceptibility to some cancers — Vitamin D deficiency symptoms have been correlated with increased risks for cancer development, especially breast, colon and prostate cancers. According to research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, D vitamin plays a role in factors that influence tumor growth, cell differentiation and apoptosis. Research shows that it can affect the risk of breast, colon and ovarian cancers, possibly due to its role in the cell life cycle or its ability to block excess estrogen. Treatment/Prevention How can you increase your vitamin D level? While some foods provide vitamin D, exposure to sunlight is still the best way to get the amount you need in order to prevent vitamin D deficiency symptoms. However, research suggests that eating foods that are rich in vitamin D and calcium also helps you acquire more, so try adding high-quality, natural sources into your diet regularly. Importance of Sunlight Exposure: Most experts recommend getting about 10 to 15 minutes of direct sunlight daily, without wearing sunscreen, if you are fair- to medium-toned. If you have dark skin, you likely need more time outdoors to make enough vitamin D because you naturally have more protection against effects of UV rays. Some experts recommend that darker-toned people spend about 40 minutes to one hour in the sun daily if possible. If it’s the winter, you need to double the recommended time to allow enough vitamin D production to occur. Here is a good rule of thumb to know that your body is making vitamin D: You want to look at your shadow and see that it’s shorter than you are. This tells you that the UV index is high enough. Between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is usually when the UV index is highest. If you are worried about not wearing sunscreen and worried about skin cancer, try applying sunscreen to your face and hands but not on your limbs right away (assuming your limbs are exposed). This leaves enough unexposed skin to properly create the vitamin D you need. Overall, increase your levels naturally through the following practices and foods: Sunlight exposure: Aim to spend 10–20 minutes in the sun daily Cod liver oil (take about one tablespoon daily) Halibut Carp fish Mackerel Eel Wild-caught salmon Whitefish Swordfish Rainbow trout Sardines Tuna Pastured eggs Beef liver Raw milk Caviar Fortified milk and dairy products Fortified milk alternatives, such as nut-based milks Maitake and portobello mushrooms (when exposed to UV light) How can you raise your vitamin D level quickly? For people who have low levels, vitamin D supplements are available, which come in two forms: D2 and D3. D3 from animal products (specifically from the cholesterol within these products) is closest to the type humans produce. Vitamin D3 is therefore the more active form and believed to convert much faster than D2. How Much You Need The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is 600 to 800 international units per day for adults. However, getting significantly more, around 5,000 IU per day, may be more effective — especially since there is little risk in over-supplementing in most cases. Keep in mind that this is a general recommendation, and there is no way to know the exact amount that’s best for you without a blood test. You may need a higher or lower amount and should speak to your doctor. Here are more recommendations based on age: Dosage Recommendation for Children: 1–3 years: 600 IU (15 mcg/day) 4–8 years: 600 IU (15 mcg/day) For Older Children and Adults: 9–70 years: at least 600 IU (15 mcg/day) Older adults over 70 years: 800 IU (20 mcg/day) Pregnant and breastfeeding: 600 IU (15 mcg/day) Testing The only way to know if you are deficient is to have your doctor perform a test, called a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. This will tell you if, and how severely, you are deficient. When your doctor performs a blood test and gives you the results for your vitamin D levels, keep these numbers in mind: 50+ equals a good level. A 25(OH)D level of >50 nmol/L is now considered the “primary goal.” 30–50 means you want to supplement with vitamin D, work on spending more time in the sun and/or add vitamin D foods into your diet. Less than 30 means you are very deficient and definitely want to take immediate action to bring those levels up. When to See Your Doctor Researchers suggest that anyone with the health conditions below should be tested for vitamin D deficiency, especially if they experience a number of deficiency symptoms described above: Ongoing muscle weakness Chronic fatigue Depression, especially during the winter (which can indicate seasonal depressive disorder) Trouble sleeping Anxiety Weak or broken bones Weakened immune system Inflammation and swelling Conclusion Between 40% and 80% of adults in the U.S. may suffer from vitamin D deficiency symptoms, which can lead to major health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease and cancer. Two major causes of vitamin D...

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Study Links COVID-19 Infection to Excessive Hair Loss

AHA Publisher — Mon, 02 May 2022 07:00:46 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – As the COVID-19 virus swept the globe, people got sick, then they got better, and then … they started losing their hair. That was a delayed aftereffect that no one saw coming. Stress levels were already running high with the lockdowns, illness, crazy mandates, medications, rushed vaxxes, and unrelenting controversy surrounding the pandemic. Add to that, the stress on the body from the virus itself, and you have a recipe for serious stress-related responses. A study published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science in late August 2021 found a distinct link between acute telogen effluvium – a form of temporary hair loss – and COVID-19. Researchers wanted to examine the virus’s possible effects on the human hair growth cycle and establish a relationship between this condition and COVID. Post COVID-19 Infection Associated with Excessive Hair Loss, According to New Study The insanity of the COVID-19 pandemic has taken over our lives. Reports of overcrowded hospitals, deaths, job losses, closed businesses, and resource shortages have stressed the already fearful masses. Mainstream media did a fantastic job keeping the fear-mongering going, scaring people with news about newer variants, the ever-increasing death toll, etc. So, when reports started coming in about people losing their hair months after having COVID, it was a symptom that no one saw coming. Authors Confirm Relationship Between COVID-19 Infection and Telogen Effluvium Researchers assembled 39 patients ranging from 22 to 67 years old. All of the patients had been diagnosed with COVID. Most only had mild and moderate symptoms, and none required hospitalization during their illness. Two to three months after the illness, all patients in the trial began to experience excessive hair loss. In the study, the authors confirmed the link between COVID-19 infection and acute telogen effluvium. Furthermore, the drugs used to treat the virus were excluded as a cause of hair loss. Therefore, the researchers believe it is specifically due to the so-called virus itself. But, now, let’s shift our focus to helping those in need. Support Hair Growth with These Nutrients In addition to optimal nutrition, good hydration, and good quality sleep, several supplements can support natural hair growth. Some of the top supplements include: Vitamin D: boosts immunity and combats vitamin D deficiency which can contribute to hair loss Vitamin E: a powerful antioxidant that is found in many hair growth oral supplements Biotin: vitamin B7 is a popular vitamin for hair growth and health B12: helps heal the central nervous system and helps the body better handle stress and increases blood flow Zinc: powerful promoter of hair follicle recovery Vitamin A: an essential vitamin needed by every part of the body Some natural herbal supplements have also shown success: Saw Palmetto Curcuma aeruginosa Reishi Mushroom Pumpkin Red clover Panax ginseng Fish oil (or flaxseed oil) Gotu Kola Finding the right combination for you may take some trial and error, but it is possible to regrow your hair after COVID. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov The Atlantic NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Medical News Today NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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What Are the Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms?

AHA Publisher — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:00:09 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – The biotech world is abuzz these days over proposed drugs to help you live longer. It sounds great… except for the drug part. After circumnavigating the globe seeking ancient natural cures, I’ve developed several ways to prolong your “health span”… the amount of time you can live a long, rich life free from chronic disease. And you don’t have to become a guinea pig for Big Pharma’s experimental drugs either. Increasingly, there’s a natural “longevity superfood” in the spotlight. People call it a plant but it’s really a fungus. I’m talking about health-boosting, medicinal mushrooms. Only when you assemble all the pieces of the mushroom longevity puzzle can you see the complete picture. And it’s stunning…. Live Long and Prosper With Medicinal Mushrooms Researchers are finally waking up to something I’ve been talking about for years — the far-reaching longevity benefits of mushrooms, including: Brain health – One study of 663 subjects in Singapore compared mushroom intake with the risk of developing cognitive impairment. Participants consuming mushrooms three or more times a week were 43% less likely to develop dementia.1 That’s because mushrooms are neurotropic, promoting the health of neurons.2 Inflammation – As my regular readers know, inflammation is an express train ride to accelerated aging. Mushrooms are packed with powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, including polysaccharides, phenolic and indolic compounds, mycosteroids, fatty acids, and carotenoids.3 They help you tamp down inflammation before it can spiral out of control. Anti-Mutagenic – Their cancer-fighting properties are legendary. My regular readers know I’m quite impressed with the cordyceps sinensis variety445445 in this regard. It’s shown a powerful ability to inhibit cancer growth in lung, colon, skin, and liver cells.4 One recent study found that eating just a tablespoon and a half of mushrooms led to a 45% reduction in cancer risk.5 That’s quite significant considering 4 in every 10 Americans develop cancer at some point during their lives.6 Mitochondria – Each cell in your body relies on minuscule power plants to provide energy called mitochondria. As you age, their production declines due to oxidative damage. Mushrooms provide the No. 1 most concentrated food source of a unique amino acid that functions as an antioxidant. Called ergothioneine, it scavenges free radicals with a vengeance to boost your mitochondrial energy production.7 Mushrooms are also impressive immune boosters… the only “vegetable” that contains vitamin D. No wonder they’re on the menu of anyone serious about keeping their golden years free of chronic disease. The only question is how best to get them, and that can be a bit tricky. Here’s why… An Ounce of Mushrooms Worth a Pound of Cure The surfaces of mushrooms are quite porous. They readily absorb any pollutants they’re exposed to during processing. So if it’s an extract, capsule, or powder, you have to be careful. My recommendation: Stay safe by making your own supply. It’s surprisingly easy, and my simple drying method boosts levels of vitamin D and other nutrients: First, find a reliable, local source of fresh mushrooms – shiitake, reishi, maitake, lion’s mane, and oyster are all good varieties. I buy from my local produce stand. Just spread the mushrooms out in the sun on some parchment paper or flat pieces of wood (I don’t recommend aluminum trays). Let them sit in the sun. Before nightfall, cover them. This prevents getting dew on them. Re-expose them to sun, and repeat the drying process the next day. You can also put them in a food dehydrator to ensure they’re thoroughly dried. Once they’re a bit crispy, use a blender or food processor to make your powder. You may need a fine mesh strainer to collect leftover chunks. Just give them a second run through your processor. Store your powder in an air-tight glass container. Keep it away from heat and light. Once a day, just toss a couple tablespoons in your coffee, smoothie, soups, or yogurt. Properly dried mushrooms will last for up to a year. So enjoy the taste, the convenience… and the longevity benefits. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1 Feng, Lei, et al. “The Association between Mushroom Consumption and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Singapore.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 68, no. 1, 12 Mar. 2019, pp. 197–203, 10.3233/jad-180959. Accessed 18 Sept. 2020. 2 Sabaratnam, Vikineswary, et al. “Neuronal Health – Can Culinary and Medicinal Mushrooms Help?” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, vol. 3, no. 1, Jan. 2013, pp. 62–68. 3 Muszyńska, Bożena, et al. “Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Edible Mushrooms: A Review.” Food Chemistry, vol. 243, Mar. 2018, pp. 373–381, 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.149. 4 Van De Walle, Gavin. “6 Benefits of Cordyceps, All Backed by Science.” Healthline.com website, 9 May 2018. 5 Ba, Djibril, et al. “Higher Mushroom Consumption Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Cancer.” ScienceDaily.com website, 16 Mar. 2021, 33.htm. 6 National Cancer Institute. “Cancer Statistics.” National Cancer Institute, Cancer.gov, 2020. 7 Geng, Ping, et al. “Antifatigue Functions and Mechanisms of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms.” BioMed Research International, 14 Aug. 2017, Accessed 18 Aug. 2021 To read the original article click here.

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The Link Between Vitamin D and Autoimmune Disease

AHA Publisher — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 08:04:02 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Vitamin D is a nutrient that has many roles within the immune system and central nervous system. For example, vitamin D benefits include having anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects, in part by activating immune defenses and enhancing the function of immune cells (including T cells and macrophages). Higher intake of vitamin D — both from natural sunlight and food sources, plus supplements — is believed to offer protection against infections, viruses and also certain immune-related disorders. Can low vitamin D cause an autoimmune disease? Recent research suggests this might be a possibility. While vitamin D deficiency might not directly cause immune-related diseases, a link has been found between low vitamin D and autoimmune disease development. Study: Vitamin D and Autoimmune Disease A 2022 study published in the journal BMJ was conducted to determine whether or not vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids could reduce autoimmune disease risk. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that took place in the U.S. over the course of five-plus years and included more than 25,000 participants over the age of 50. The study concluded: Vitamin D supplementation for five years, with or without omega-3 fatty acids, helped reduce autoimmune disease by 22%. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, with or without vitamin D, helped reduce autoimmune disease rate by 15%. (This was considered “not statistically significant.”) Both treatments showed larger effects than placebos did. Supplementation with both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids helped decrease autoimmune disease by about 30% compared to taking placebos. Rheumatoid arthritis incidence was approximately 40% lower in the supplementation groups than in the placebo group. The study was designed so participants received vitamin D supplements (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) in doses of 2,000 IU/day or matched placebos and omega-3 fatty acids (derived from marine sources) in doses of 1,000 mg/day or matched placebos. Participants self-reported all autoimmune diseases throughout the study, which were then confirmed by medical reviews. Autoimmune diseases that were identified in participants included: rheumatoid arthritis polymyalgia rheumatica autoimmune thyroid disease psoriasis certain others For the vitamin D arm, 123 participants in the treatment group compared to 155 in the placebo group had a confirmed autoimmune disease. In the omega-3 fatty acids arm, 130 participants in the treatment group compared to 148 in the placebo group had a confirmed autoimmune disease. Within the group receiving only placebos, 88 were confirmed to have developed autoimmune diseases. Among participants who received vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, 63 developed autoimmune disease, while 60 who received only vitamin D and 67 who received only omega-3 fatty acids had confirmed autoimmune diseases. What It Means The BMJ study described above revealed that higher vitamin D intake had the strongest effects on helping prevent autoimmune diseases. Omega-3s also lowered risk for autoimmune problems but not quite as well as vitamin D. How does vitamin D help autoimmune diseases? Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions characterized by inflammatory autoimmune responses to self-tissues. In other words, they occur when someone’s own immune system starts attacking the body. Vitamin D is thought to protect against autoimmune diseases via mechanisms such as: Regulating an array of genes, many involved in inflammation Suppressing inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (including C-reactive protein and IL-6) Inhibiting B cell autoantibody production and promoting monocyte differentiation into macrophages (other ways to lower inflammation) Increasing the production of anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells Can vitamin D exacerbate autoimmune disease? It’s unlikely, unless someone is taking very high amounts of vitamin D. As long as you follow guidelines, vitamin D should not worsen immune-related health problems. How much vitamin D should you take if you have an autoimmune disease? Aim for about 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day. In the study described above, adults were given 2,000 IU/day. Remember to stay consistent, since the most protective effects were found after two years of supplementation. Other Ways to Combat/Prevent Autoimmune Issues Here are other tips for supporting your immune system: Eat an anti-inflammatory diet to support gut health. Pinpoint whether you may have allergies/intolerances, such as to gluten or dairy. Reduce environmental risk factors, such as exposure to toxins, infections and stress. Get enough sleep and rest. Exercise regularly. Fight oxidative damage done by free radicals by avoiding smoking and too much alcohol. What are the best vitamins for autoimmune diseases? Experts believe that people with autoimmune diseases may benefit most from: Vitamin D Omega-3s Turmeric Glutathione L-glutamine A quality multivitamin Antioxidants, such as resveratrol (the same type found in berries and red wine) Are omega-3s good for autoimmune diseases? Do omega-3s reduce inflammation? Yes, as explained above, studies suggest higher intake of omega-3s may help protect against autoimmune disease development. It’s well-known that, generally speaking, omega-3 benefits can include fighting inflammation, supporting healthy blood flow and more. That said, supplementation with omega-3s alone did not significantly lower incidence of autoimmune disease in the BMJ study. This means you should focus on making other healthy lifestyle changes too, including improving your diet and taking vitamin D as well. On a positive note, other randomized, controlled trials of people with prevalent rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and psoriasis have shown improvements in symptoms when they take omega-3s. For example, an observational study found a 49% reduction in rheumatoid arthritis risk for each 30-gram increase in daily fatty fish intake. What supplements should I avoid if I have an autoimmune disease? Be careful about using very high doses of vitamin C (too much isn’t always better), high doses of vitamin A/ beta-carotene and certain herbs on a long-term basis, such as echinacea and ginseng. These may all be helpful short term or in moderate doses, but depending on your immune system and sensitivities, you might not benefit from them when taken for long periods. Conclusion Should I take vitamin D if I have an autoimmune disease? Research suggests that yes, you should. A recent study found that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation had protective effects against autoimmune diseases (including rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune thyroid disease and psoriasis). In this large trial of older Americans, supplementation with vitamin D and omega-3s for five years were tied to a lower incidence of confirmed autoimmune disease compared to placebos. A link has especially been found between low vitamin D and autoimmune disease development because vitamin D helps fight inflammation in multiple ways. Does omega-3 suppress the immune system? No, omega-3s should help autoimmune disease symptoms in most cases, but you should still make lifestyle changes to support your immune system. To read the original article click here.

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