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Vitamin D | Uptown Medical Wellness Center in McAllen

Why Vitamin D is so Important to Our Health

Posted On May 25, 2016
Written By Uptown Medical Wellness

Nothing screams summer like the arrival of June, and nothing scares our skin more than sun damage. While many foods offer Vitamin D, such as orange juice and salmon, the sun’s rays still remain the main source of Vitamin D. At Uptown Medical Wellness & Anti-Aging Center, we offer the Metagenics groundbreaking nutrient product – the D3 Vitamin 5000 supplement.

If you suffer from Vitamin D deficiencies, ask us about Metagenics’ D3 5000!

About Vitamin D

Fish and eggs are popular sources for Vitamin D, yet the sun is still the largest contributor in the supply chain. While 10 minutes in the sun (without sunscreen protection) will normally be enough to avoid a Vitamin D deficiency, you can still run the risk associated with extreme sun exposure. Thus, many people are still not getting the amount needed.

In order to maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorus, Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and calcium supplementation to strengthen bones. This is aimed to help those with low bone mineral density or who suffer frequent bone fractures. Vitamin D also promotes healthy teeth.

The Sun Exposure Conundrum

As the summer spearheads its way across the Rio Grande Valley, the importance of taking care of and protecting skin against the sun’s UV rays is a common conversation. Everyone knows that too much sun exposure can lead to and increase the chances of skin cancer. This is why most South Texans avoid the sunniest hours of the day.

Thus, the conundrum of too much sun exposure and cancer, or not enough sun exposure and being Vitamin D deficient, is something that causes dissonance. Diet and skin color are other factors that play a huge role in how our bodies deal with sunlight. Yet, most of us are left scratching our heads. What’s the solution?

The Solution

The best solution is to find a balance between reducing the risk of skin cancer while getting the same benefits of Vitamin D without exposing ourselves to too much sunlight. Some options include limiting your sun exposure to 15 to 20 minutes a day, proper dieting and healthy supplements. At Uptown Medical Wellness & Anti-Aging Center, we have a variety of supplements to compensate for a lack of nutrients, including Vitamin D.

Metagenics D3 5000 has 5000 IU of Vitamin D3, which is a high dose that will quickly help replenish those with deficiencies. These easy-to-swallow gel capsules are oil-solubilized for optimal absorption in the digestive tract.

Causes

We know what you're thinking, “With this much sun in South Texas, I doubt I’ll be lacking Vitamin D.” While that might be true for most, there are others who lack the vitamin in their diet or live in areas with lower sunlight. Below are some of the most common factors that contribute to a Vitamin D deficiency:

  • The most probable reason most people are deficient is not consuming recommended levels.
  • Low sun exposure is common in the north and isn’t a prevalent issue in South Texas. Nonetheless, low sunlight can result in low Vitamin D levels.
  • The skin pigment melanin reduces the chances of Vitamin D production.

Symptoms

There are quite a few signs and symptoms to be aware of if you think you are Vitamin D deficient. However, the only way to know for sure is through blood testing. Below are some symptoms to be aware of if you think you’re lacking Vitamin D:

  • Those with darker skin may require more sun exposure to produce healthy levels of Vitamin D. African Americans are also at a greater risk of being Vitamin D deficient.
  • Depression is also a sign of a Vitamin D deficiency. Serotonin (associated with mood elevation) is the brain hormone that rises with sun exposure and falls in its absence. According to the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, researchers found that patients who had low levels of Vitamin D were more prone to depression.
  • People over 50 have skin that doesn’t produce as much Vitamin D in response to sun exposure.
  • Overweight people need more Vitamin D. Since it is fat-soluble, the extra body weight requires more nutrients than normal.

The Sunshine Vitamin

Calcium is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of strong bones as it plays a big role in increasing bone mineral density and bone health. However, Vitamin D should not be overlooked. A good dose helps maintain healthy bones, optimize bone mass, muscle health and helps reduce inflammation.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, research has shown that Vitamin D is a stimulator of calcium deposits in bones, which makes them healthier and stronger. If your body isn’t getting enough Vitamin D, it begins to either stop or slow these deposits. Your calcium deficient-body will then start drawing calcium from your bones back into your bloodstream. This causes bones to become weak.

Boost Your Vitamin D Levels Today!

At Uptown Medical Wellness & Anti-Aging Center, we are committed to improving the overall health and well-being of our patients. We provide leading pharmaceutical grade nutritional formulas that help patients restore and maintain healthy functions. We carry a variety of Metagenics nutritional supplements, including Vitamin D3 5000. Visit our location in McAllen so we can bring you up to speed on all of the benefits our products can provide.

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