Ultraviolet (UV) and Vitamin D Deficiency

Ultraviolet radiation is required by the human body to synthesize vitamin D. It is believed that in the northern parts of the United States, for instance, it is dark enough during the winter season that vitamin D synthesis shuts down completely.

Research indicates that insufficient exposure to ultraviolet radiation is included natural daylight may be an important risk factor for cancer as well as many other health issues. Vitamin D does more than promote optimized bone health. In addition to the strong evidence regarding the prevention of cancer, vitamin D has also been associated with improvements in the following conditions:

Arthritis
Cancer 2
Depression 2
Diabetes 2
Fatigue
Heart Disease 2
Hypertension
Infertility
Multiple Sclerosis
PMS
SAD (Seasonal AFfective Disorder)
Obesity, and more.

Please click here to read about the further benefits of UV, taken from the book "Light, Medicine of the Future."

What can you do?

Have your vitamin D levels tested by a knowledgeable physician. Read this article to learn more about which test is best.

Recommendations of daily requirements for sunlight range from a minimum of 10 minutes 3 or 4 times per week to a minimum of 1 hour per day. Additional actions that you can take to prevent vitamin D deficiency include:

• Gradually but consistently spend more time in the sun without sunscreen. A gradual increase in exposure time will allow your skin to develop a natural protection against sunburn (a tan). It is very important to avoid sunburn.
• Relocate to a climate more suited to outdoor living.
• Read "The UV Advantage" by Michael Holick, decide if artificial tanning is right for you.
• Supplement. Vitamin D3 supplements are becoming more easily available. Follow the links below for a couple different D3 supplements we've found. Cod Liver Oil is a great form of natural vitamin D, as is Chlorella. Research these options to see if they are right for you.
• Stay informed. The Cholecalciferol Council provides an exhaustive website on the subject of vitamin D and its deficiency. They have a free newsletter that we highly recommend. Their 'treatment' link will give you a good idea of how to begin to address the vitamin D issue for yourself and your family.
• Another good website loaded with vitamin D information is Mercola.com. Just type 'vitamin D' into his search box.

The more you can learn and discover about the ways that your physical, mental, and emotional health can benefit from the different forms of light, the better prepared you will be to take good care of your health, and treat yourself effectively should you become ill. We encourage and welcome you to navigate this site for more information on the ways in which light and color can bring a positive influence to your health and your quality of life.

Links to Supplements:

Life Extension provides D3 1000 IU

Mercola.com has Bio-D-Mulsion (Emulsified Vitamin D) 400 IU per drop.

Carlson's Cod Liver Oil can be found on Mercola.com and many other places on the web.