Strength and Health Through Synergy

No studies have been specifically done on what Vitamin D does for menopause as of yet.  It was only in the last decade that doctors and scientists began to pay attention to Vitamin D. Since then, many medical studies have been done on this incredible vitamin and many positive discoveries have been found.  Those medical reports lead us conclude that Vitamin D is an essential element to the body no matter your age or physical conditions.

What does Vitamin D do for perimenopausal and menopausal women? If they take this nutrient and maintain sufficient levels of it in their bodies, it will help them to prevent the following age-related medical conditions:

• Osteoporosis
  As Vitamin D is critical for calcium absorption and proper bone building, women who are starting to lose estrogen are at risk to develop osteoporosis if they don’t get adequate amounts of Vitamin D. The combination of calcium and Vitamin D are imperative for both prevention and maintenance of bone strength.
• Certain Cancers
  Vitamin D has been associated with the prevention of colon, prostate and breast cancers. It is most effective in helping to prevent colon cancer, but nevertheless as it helps slow down malignant cell growth; it will probably work in any part of the body. Unfortunately, as we have been using a lot of sun block to prevent skin cancers, we have also been blocking out the much needed Vitamin D.
• Depression
  It has been shown that Vitamin D has a positive effect on low mood and cognitive performance. Since mood swings are common in the menopause years, anything that minimizes it, is worth trying.
• Diabetes
  Adequate levels of Vitamin D seem to have a strong association with your body’s ability to use insulin. Many studies have shown that this nutrient not only makes your body use the insulin, but it also makes the insulin more effective.  It also seems to prevent and/or minimize types 1 and 2 diabetes. A certain study showed that women who took 1,200 mg per day of calcium along with 800 IU of Vitamin D had a 33% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Cardiovascular Diseases As women start to lose estrogen, they begin to have the same risks for this disease as men do. There is some connection between low estrogen and D deficiency.  And D deficiency may affect your blood vessels leading to high blood pressure and consequently to other heart problems.Vitamin D is the best and the cheapest way to protect your life pump, your heart. If you are considering taking vitamin D to reduce your risk of heart disease, the best thing is to talk to your doctor about it and weigh it against your other risk factors and health concerns.  Studies have shown that supplementing with Vitamin D and calcium can lower blood pressure readings for hypertensive people.
• Obesity
  Women who are overwheight usually have low levels of Vitamin D. We don’t know whether the low levels contribute to obesity or whether obesity lowers the Vitamin D levels. But we do know that there is a link between the two. As research connects calcium and Vitamin D supplements with preventing weight gain for women, I believe that’s an excellent reason for you to start considering the intake of both Vitamin D and calcium as you get into this stage of life.

What does Vitamin D do for menopausal women? Can it really prevent so many diseases?  Absolutely!  It may seem unbelievable, but studies show that this is true. It’s really kind of miraculous.  So, let’s take advantage of it. As you get into your midlife, prevention becomes your best defense against those age-related health conditions. You may want to check the appropriate Vitamin D dosages.

If you would like to hear a 10-minute free inverview with Dr. Holick, who an expert on Vitamin D please click here.

What Does Vitamin D Do

What does Vitamin D do? For many years it’s been known that Vitamin D plays a critical role in the health of our bones and teeth. Since the completion of the Human Genome Project (mapping of the human genetic code) Scientists are beginning to unlock the secrets of the much wider role Vitamin D actually plays in our overall health.

“Scientists beginning to unlock the Secrets of Vitamin D”

So what does vitamin D do exactly for men you may be asking yourself? Years of research have shown that vitamin D affects every tissue and cell in the body. When our bodies have optimal levels of vitamin D they can literally turn off certain cancer cells by influencing our DNA. The way this works is the vitamin D receptor functions as a lock and the vitamin D molecule acts like a key, which allows genes to be turned on and off. The body generates a message and sends to the cancer cell to generate proteins and the self-destruct message is given. Studies (Michos 2007 and Trivedi 2003) have shown that people with more vitamin D in their blood were 12% – 22% less likely to die from any cause. I don’t know about you but I like those percentages.

Vitamin D Receptors

The vitamin D receptor is an important part of the cell. It affects cell behavior and influences cellular pathways. The following tissues and organs of the body have vitamin D receptors, which means they need adequate levels of vitamin D to function properly.

• Adrenal glands

• Bones

• Bone marrow

• Brain tissue

• Breast tissue

• Cartilage surfaces

• Colon (larger intestine)

• Fat cells

• Kidneys

• Liver

• Lung tissue

• Lymphocytes

• Muscle tissues

• Ovaries

• Pancreas cells (which make insulin)

• Parathyroid gland

• Parotid gland

• Pituitary glands

• Prostrate gland

• Skin

• Small intestine

• Stomach tissue

• Testicles

• Thyroid gland

• Uterus

What does vitamin D do in the body?

Vitamin D works in unison with other nutrients and hormones in your body to support healthy bone renewal, maintain hormonal balance (yes guys we have them too!), maintain a healthy immune system, and regulate the processes that keep us well. Benefits of vitamin D:

• Plays a critical role in the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous, Calcium and phosphorus have various functions in the human body, especially in maintaining healthy bones.

• Is an immune system regulator, which aids in preventing excessive or prolonged inflammatory responses like the common cold, high blood pressure, heart failure, and type 1 diabetes to mention a few.

• Significantly lowers the risk of developing cancer. These cancers include colon, prostrate, and breast cancer,

• May also play a role in regulating cellular growth and function in our brain cells, which would help keep our brain working well as we age into the latter years of our life.

• Linked to maintaining a healthy body weight. Studies have shown men with a healthy body weight have higher levels of vitamin D than those who are overweight.

• Reduce the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms.

• Reduce the risk of developing arthritis.

• Effective in treating symptoms of depression by regulating melatonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain.

Dr. Michael Holick is a leading researcher at the Boston University Medical Center and is a high-profile member of the vitamin D research community. To get a FREE copy of an EXCLUSIVE interview with Dr. Holick click on the link below.

Click here for FREE Interview

Recommended reading: Vitamin D supplements

What does Vitamin D do for moods? Gosh, what doesn’t it do would be a better question!

When you’re “in the mood” you’re ready for anything! Really, when you think about it, if you’re not in the mood you’re not productive.

If you “up” your intake of Vitamin D3 we know it affects multiple factors over time.

But why is it that the first thing noticed is the great way you feel? It’s awful, isn’t it, to feel bad…I’m talking about the nose dive in emotions that comes at the least provocation.

It begs a question…what does Vitamin D do for moods?

What a novel idea: that a little chalky tablet, that just about dissolves in the mouth, could make so much difference, with no side effects. And I’m talking adequate supplementation, not the RDA, which is so outdated as to be laughable

The answer to the question “What does Vitamin D do for moods?”  in a nutshell: it makes you feel good, as if your patience had been restored.

It is, in fact, that lovely and warm “all is right in my life” underlying feeling that goes with us throughout the day. And if you can’t quite remember it recently, you can mentally enact it by recalling a hot sunny day where you felt just right.

You know that sensation of basking and soaking in the sun’s rays where you were free of care? That one; except it’s winter and your co-workers have been grumpy for months.

Somehow you don’t feel to spiral out of control just because others are feeling down!

The balance is just the ticket to smooth out relationships, especially in close quarters. That’s when people start to take notice.

Others may think their moods are sunny but compared to yours on Vitamin D something is out of sync with the typical sarcastic office environment!

It’s not that you’re in control of your dark emotions exactly; it’s as if a light is shining on the shadows and ordinary daily acts have no mysterious negative charge. That’s what I’m talking about.

So, what does Vitamin D do for moods? Plenty, if you consider the chronic damage that a low mood can have on family, friends and people we work with. It takes away the “cringe factor”…people are glad to see you!

Others become used to the even keel in your emotions—no more huge ups and downs and avoidance (who wants to hang around with a grouch?).

It’s as if the breach had been repaired and the trust restored! And what could be better than that? Not only can you enjoy your regular life but your holidays are enjoyable as well!

Basically those asking “What does Vitamin D do for moods?” haven’t started taking it yet, either in a single high dose (30,000 IUs per month), or in a daily dose at 1000+ IUs.

Really, what are you waiting for? For your emotional world to cave in, or a personal invitation? Wait no more, and enjoy your new-found satisfaction, friendships, and maybe a rise in your credibility ranking! After all, who can resist you now?

By the way, here is a vitamin (finally) that will not leave your tummy feeling funny. You can also take it in a powdery everything-you-need form mixed into as many different kinds of shakes as you can imagine. Click here for recipes and enjoy!

Just finished viewing a teleseminar by Canadian Vitamin D expert Dr. Reinhold Vieth: an astonishing presentation on Vitamin D (although I don’t recommend viewing it because it opens 69 slides!) and I’m in awe of his dedication to bring this information to the public.

Consider light therapy or tanning beds (the new kind: electronic ballast, UVB), give the sun the value it deserves, and continue to take good Vitamin D supplements. Prove the benefit yourself by blood testing before and after.

Children, men and women at various stages of life may take D supplements without worry.  The previous generation’s static information on the recommended daily allowance won’t change until committees get together to make changes to the RDA which may take time.

Generally, there is no funding for such a cheap supplement (or the sun!) which is probably why there is such passion in studies by visionary leaders.

Gradual sun exposure, please!

One last point is that Dr. Vieth (Vitamin D Society) conveys that Vitamin D3 is not a hormone but actually raw material to make the hormone calcitriol, so forgive our quick ways of getting the facts across. He is technically correct.

What does Vitamin D do for moods in modern man? It allows him to call the whole world his own, to live anywhere and not be limited to high-sun latitudes, which is freedom to the movement of people.

Happy answer!

To hear what world renowned researcher Dr. Michael Holick has to say download his interview here

Cathy Fletcher

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D Related Illnesses

Benefits of Vitamin D Lens

Have you ever asked  “What does Vitamin D do to prevent heart disease?”

It is a very important question because Vitamin D is involved in many important functions that help prevent heart disease and other related illnesses such as hardening of the arteries, cancer, diabetes and hyper tension.

OK – so here are the specifics of what Vitamin D does for heart disease:

Vitamin D:

• regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and helps absorb these minerals from food in the intestines (1).
• is essential of efficient utilisation of calcium by the body (1).
  • Vitamin D regulates the secretion of the hormone parathyroid from the parathyroid gland when calcium levels get too low. Increases in parathyroid production increase Vitamin D production in the kidney. This in turn increases the intestinal absorption of calcium from the diet and calcium re-absorption by the kidneys, as well as mobilising calcium from bone when normal calcium levels cannot be provided by the diet (2).
• manages the re-absorption of calcium in the kidneys, which in turn facilitates the normal mineralization of the bones (1).
• is vital for bone growth and is essential in the development of a complete, well-formed and strong skeleton. Insufficient Vitamin D can lead to thin, brittle or misshapen bones (rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults). In association with calcium Vitamin D helps protect the middle age and the elderly from osteoporosis (3, 4).
• invigorates the immune system (5,6).
  • Vitamin D is important for the immune system by promoting immunosuppression, anti-tumour activity and phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is involved in the acquisition of nutrients for some cells, and in the immune system is a major mechanism used to remove pathogens and cell debris. Bacteria, dead tissue cells, and small mineral particles are all examples of objects that may be phagocytosed.
• is essential to normal cell growth and function, making it a key factor in maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy immune system.
• is involved in insulin secretion (7). Vitamin D deficiency decreases biosynthesis and release of insulin. Glucose intolerance has been inversely associated with the concentration of vitamin D in the blood. Thus, Vitamin D may protect against both Type I and Type II diabetes (8).
• helps regulate stress (9).
• helps maintain healthy blood vessels and heart muscle cells to prevent heart disease, hardening of the arteries and hypertension (10-12).
• helps prevent obesity. Vitamin D which normalises food intake and blood sugar levels. Vitamin D helps calcium absorption. Higher levels of calcium with adequate Vitamin D inhibit fatty acid synthase which is an enzyme that converts calories into fat. Diets low in calcium and Vitamin D increase fatty acid synthase by as much as five-fold.
• regulates Vitamin-D-binding proteins and some calcium-binding proteins, which are responsible for carrying calcium to the “right location” and protecting cells from damage by free calcium (13). Thus, high dietary levels of calcium, when Vitamin D is insufficient, may contribute to calcification of the arteries, joints, kidney and possibly even the brain (14-16).
• helps prevent calcium deposition in the arteries. It has been suggested that Vitamin D deficiency promotes calcium deposition in the arteries and hence atherosclerosis (17,18).

Interestingly, high latitude countries tend to have higher levels of cardiovascular disease and also a higher proportion of heart attacks in winter month. Vitamin D  levels  are lower at high latitudes and also over winter months.

So… now you can see that the answer to “What does vitamin D do to prevent heart disease?” is not simple. Vitamin D is an essential component for so many different body functions AND is essential for long-term health.

Make sure your regular intake of Vitamin D is high. Vitamin D is the ‘sunshine’ vitamin breathing life into so many different parts of our bodies. Here’s to your long-term health!

Long-term health is all about being fit, healthy and disease free. We invite you to download our free report on how to become fit and healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease.

You’ll also be interested in more detailed information on:

• the causes of Vitamin D deficiency for heart disease
• Vitamin D deficiency symptoms and heart disease
• the benefits of Vitamin D for heart disease

Be sure to check out our articles on the Benefits of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Related Illnesses.

Click here for detailed information on Vitamin D Sources.

Here’s to your long-term health!

Claire Newell

Articles cited:

1. Holick MF. Vitamin D: importance in the prevention of cancers, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;79(3):362-371.

2.  DeLuca HF. Overview of general physiologic features and functions of vitamin D. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;80(6 Suppl):1689S-1696S.

3.  Wharton B, Bishop N. Rickets. Lancet. 2003;362(9393):1389-1400.

4. http://www.vitamindhealth.org Dr M Holick website

5.  Hayes CE, Nashold FE, Spach KM, Pedersen LB. The immunological functions of the vitamin D endocrine system. Cell Mol Biol. 2003;49(2):277-300.

6.  Griffin MD, Xing N, Kumar R. Vitamin D and its analogs as regulators of immune activation and antigen presentation. Annu Rev Nutr. 2003;23:117-145.

7.  Borissova AM, Tankova T, Kirilov G, Dakovska L, Kovacheva R. The effect of vitamin D3 on insulin secretion and peripheral insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Clin Pract. 2003;57(4):258-261.

8. Bourlon PM, Billaudel B, Faure-Dussert A. Influence of vitamin D3 deficiency and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 on de novo insulin biosynthesis in the islets of the rat endocrine pancreas. J.Endocrinol. 1999;160:87-95.

9. Fujita T, Ohgitani S, Nomura M. Fall of blood ionized calcium on watching a provocative TV program and its prevention by active absorbable algal calcium (AAA Ca). J.Bone Miner.Metab 1999;17:131-6.

10.  Zittermann A. Vitamin D in preventive medicine: are we ignoring the evidence? Br J Nutr. 2003;89(5):552-572.

11. Massachusetts General Hospital (2009, September 22). Insufficient Levels Of Vitamin D Puts Elderly At Increased Risk Of Dying From Heart Disease. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 1, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2009/09/090921134654.htm

12. American Heart Association (2008, January 8). Lack Of Vitamin D May Increase Heart Disease Risk. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 1, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/01/080107181600.htm

13. Schilli MB, Paus R, Czarnetzki BM, Reichrath J. [Vitamin D3 and its analogs as multifunctional steroid hormones. Molecular and clinical aspects from the dermatologic viewpoint]. Hautarzt 1994;45:445-52.

13. Fujita T, Okamoto Y, Sakagami Y, Ota K, Ohata M. Bone changes and aortic calcification in aging inhabitants of mountain versus seacoast communities in the Kii Peninsula. J.Am.Geriatr.Soc. 1984;32:124-8.

15. Watson KE, Abrolat ML, Malone LL et al. Active serum vitamin D levels are inversely correlated with coronary calcification. Circulation 1997;96:1755-60.

16. Sugihara N, Matsuzaki M, Kato Y. [Assessment of the relation between bone mineral metabolism and mitral annular calcification or aortic valve sclerosis-the relation between mitral annular calcification and post menopausal osteoporosis in elderly patients]. Nippon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi 1990;27:605-15.

17. Segall JJ. Latitude and ischaemic heart disease [letter]. Lancet 1989;1:1146.

18. Williams FL, Lloyd OL. Latitude and heart disease [letter]. Lancet 1989;1:1072-3.

What does Vitamin D do in the Human Body?  It’s like oil in an automobile engine, it keeps all the parts running smoothly and efficiently.   What Does Vitamin D do for Women over 50; keeps  our joints lubricated,  keeps our muscles from being painful, gives us strong bones and a multitude  of other benefits.

Low levels of Vitamin D may contribute to chronic pain in women,  suggests a study that looked at 7,000 women and men in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Women with Vitamin D levels between 75 and 99 mmol/liter–a range believed necessary for good  bone health–had the lowest rates of chronic pain (8 percent), while women with Vitamin D levels less than 25 mmol/liter had the highest rates of chronic pain (14.4 percent), and helps to confirm “what does Vitamin D do.”

What does Vitamin D do?  Vitamin D helps all of us to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.  By promoting calcium absorption, Vitamin D helps form and maintain strong bones. When we take enough Vitamin D we prevent skeletal diseases that weaken bones,  rickets in children and it’s adult equivalent, osteomalacia.  Women seem to be at greater risk of skeletal diseases than men.  Vitamin D probably also helps to maintain a healthy immune system.  It also helps to regulate cell growth and differentiation.  The US Government credits Vitamin D with these uses and more.

What does Vitamin D do for women over 50?  Recent research also suggests Vitamin D might help protect us from osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer and several autoimmune diseases according to another US Government report.

According to the February 2006 issue of the John Hopkins Medical Letter, not enough Vitamin D also affects our mood and how well we think.

So what does Vitamin D do?  Early research in young women suggests that Vitamin D protects against High Blood Pressure.   Women who do not have enough Vitamin D before menopause may have elevated risk of developing High Blood Pressure years later.  Vitamin D Deficiency before age 45 was associated with a threefold increased risk for hypertension in midlife.  Research was presented in Chicago at the American Heart Assn’s 63rd High Blood Pressure Research Conference.  Researchers analyzed data from a Michigan Bone Health and Metabolism study that followed 559 women in their 20′s, 30′s, and early 40′s for 15 years.  Vitamin D levels were measured soon after the women entered the study and blood pressure readings were taken each year.  By the end of the trial, the average age of the women was 53, about 1 in 4 had developed high blood pressure. For up to date recommended levels of Vitamin D click on this article. Vitamin D Recommended Dosage

Vitamin D Deficiency earlier in life appeared to be a predictor of hypertension more than a decade later,  lead researcher Flojuane C. Griffin, MPH says.

Still in research stage are heart disease, cancer and Diabetes and are considered Vitamin D Related Illnesses.

There are many benefits of Vitamin D click here to read more:  Benefits of Vitamin D