It's D day, Vitamin D Day, that is.

The weather has been simply beautiful. I say it's a Vitamin D Day. The sunshine has once again managed to raise our vitamin D levels. Today we reached highs of 27 degrees celsius and for us that's a treat! I won't mention the other things that accompany the nice weather after much rain. They are pesky and cause itchiness.

Back to sunshine and the sunshine vitamin. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that come in three different lengths: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-B rays are the ones that are capable of producing vitamin D in your body by acting on the cholesterol found in your skin. Vitamin D is produced in the body when sunlight comes in contact with the skin. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the body which is essential for the development and maintenance of teeth, bones along with kidney and liver health. It helps your body regulate blood sugar levels. Vitamin D also contributes to thyroid function as well as raise the immune system. Calcium and phosperous levels in the bloodstream are maintained by vitamin D. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of these nutrients during digestion. Vitamin D is only found in a few foods such as fortified milk, wild salmon, cod liver oil, egg yolks and sardines and other fish oils. According to Dr. Mercola and the Vitamin D council, if we have enough skin exposed for 20-30 minutes a day, our bodies can produce 20,000 units of vitamin D. Sunlight is our most effective source of vitamin D. Sunlight can actually help fight off cancer. Many studies have shown that moderate sunlight exposure has lowered cancer mortality and aided in cancer prevention. (mercola.com) Research shows that sunlight is extremely important to cancer treatment. For years we have been told to avoid sun exposure and to apply sunscreen at all times. That has contributed to vitamin D deficiencies in people and because vitamin D is needed for healthy bone formation and repairs, there is an increase in osteoporosis, as well as less healthy gums and gum tissue, along with cancers.
For those of us who don't live where the sun is always shining, we can easily get depleted of vitamin D. Using a safe tanning bed, once a week can help and taking a vitamin D3 (colicalciferol) supplement and or using full spectrum lights .The recommended daily dosage of vitamin D is 1,000 IU, it's estimated that people with low levels of vitamin D in their blood would need to take in 3,000 IU to raise their levels. This can be accomplished during the summer months with daily sun exposure but in the fall and winter a supplement can be taken. It is always safest to get your vitamin D levels checked. Please note that sunburns are not good for your skin and can cause permanent damage to the cell structures. Limited sun exposure several times a day is the best way to increase vitamin D levels.

A word of precaution: Certain medications can cause a sensitivity to the sun, resulting in rashes, burns or other skin eruptions. It is best to read the side effects of the medications you may be on and limit prolonged exposures to the sun as well as check the UV index daily.