…in these necessary nutrients

Nutrient deficiency is a widespread problem amongst Americans with estimates that over 90% of us are deficient in one or more vital nutrients.

Nutrients like B-vitamins, Zinc, Vitamin D, Selenium, etc. are necessary for our bodies to perform daily and life sustaining functions every second of the day. In the absence of even just one of these nutrients, our bodies begin to lose function leading to symptoms and disease states. In the previous two articles we discussed the importance of Magnesium and Iodine. This article we will cover another important nutrient that you are most likely deficient in.

Vitamin D

I have written about the importance of this nutrient in past articles, however due to its influence on gene expression and recent research showing that adequate (functional) levels of this vitamin (actually recognized as a hormone) can reduce breast cancer risk by as much as 50%, it is worth revisiting vitamin D.

Virtually every cell in the human body has a receptor for vitamin D making this vitamin critical for health. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the intestine and along with parathyroid hormone, maintains calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Additionally, vitamin D regulates immune function, neuromuscular function and cell growth. It is also responsible for protecting against osteoporosis, rickets, and bone fractures and is even heart protective.

Inadequate levels of vitamin D has been found to increase risk of heart attack, asthma, cancer, diabetes, depression and autoimmune diseases. According to health experts and researchers alike, it is estimated that at least 70% of the population is deficient in vitamin D. One of the primary causes for deficiency is lack of sunlight exposure.

Due to the scare tactics of physicians and the media, skin cancer is a hot buzz word, especially this time of year. You cannot go a day without someone advising you to slather on toxic amounts of sunscreen or to cover up and avoid the sun. Pastor Brandon of New Life Church will tell you that it is written that God created light and saw that it was good. Everyone should make it a priority to get at least 20-30 minutes of sun exposure daily on as much skin as you feel comfortable exposing without any sunscreen. Between the hours of 10AM and 3PM are best for UVB exposure and vitamin D synthesis.

Other sources of vitamin D include Cod Liver oil, duck eggs, chicken eggs, Bluefin tuna, sardines, salmon, raw cheeses, beef, liver and pork. You can also supplement with vitamin D however you want to be certain to use a supplement that also contains cofactors like vitamin K and A.

Lastly, if you are uncertain of your vitamin D status, get tested. It has strongly been my opinion that optimal levels of vitamin D are between 70 and 100 ng/mL. However, more recent research is now coming to the conclusion that between 35 and 60 ng/mL is probably the best number to shoot for as too high a level of vitamin D can deplete other important nutrients in the body.

At Stanly Wellness Center, we are eager and ready to help you and your families achieve your best health possible. If you are looking for help with your health or you know of someone who is suffering with poor health, call the office of Stanly Wellness Center at 980-355-7600 and schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation with Dr. Patrick Ess to see how he can help. Dr. Ess will not waste your time or money. He will let you know if he can help you, and if he can’t, who in the community can.​

Our office specializes in nutrition, detoxification and neurological correction. You can also refer to our website at www.AskDrPatrick.com for more information. We accept most major health insurances including BCBS, Aetna, Humana, UHC, Medicaid and Medicare.