Inflammation and the Vitamin D Connection
by Eileen Johnson, RN
Inflammation Matters (Part 4)
The Journal of the American College of Cardiology recently published a review of studies which showed that Vitamin D deficiency raises the level of parathyroid hormone that in turn dampens our cells’ response to insulin. This is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular risk and inflammation. It also puts us right in the path of type II diabetes, a serious inflammatory disease with many associated health concerns.
Dr. Jeffrey Bland, CEO of the Functional Medicine Institute states that Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to such disorders as breast, lung prostate and colon cancers, type 1 diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and MS. He recommends seeing a practitioner who will monitor blood levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and supplementing according to that result. It is also seen as a safe practice to take 1000 mg daily without monitoring blood level.
Where else do we get Vitamin D from our diet? Fish is the greatest source for Vitamin D, the highest obtained from sardines, mackerel, herring, tuna and salmon. You can also get a good amount from halibut and cod liver oil. Morel, shitake and chanterelle mushrooms supply a moderate amount of Vitamin D. Milk is a source of Vitamin D, but many of our alternative milks are also fortified with Vitamin D.
Sunshine, when it is available in Minnesota, can supply a good amount of Vitamin D. It is estimated that 20 minutes with the face and arms exposed, will create about 200 IUs of Vitamin D. Unfortunately, the angle of the sun and the length of winter makes this difficult! Who is ready for sunshine and warm weather?!
Eileen Johnson, RN on staff at Valley Natural Foods can be reached directly at ejohnson@valleynaturalfoods.com. She offers free 20-minute consultations. Ask her about the FirstLine Therapy program. Check her availability or schedule a visit by calling customer service at 952-891-1212, #221.
