Chapter
1
Why Is Vitamin D Important?
In the last 20 years, there has been tremendous research in the field of vitamin D. The findings are astounding! We now know that vitamin D affects almost every organ system in the body.
We now know that
:
- Vitamin D plays a vital role in the health of muscles and bones
. It not only helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines, but it also exerts a direct effect on the muscles and bones. Therefore, vitamin D can prevent as well as treat muscle aches, bone pains, chronic fatigue and osteoporosis.
- Vitamin D plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the immune system.
Therefore, vitamin D can prevent as well as treat immune disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, Crohn’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). By boosting the immune system, Vitamin D can prevent as well as treat common colds, flu and other infections.
- Vitamin D controls the growth of normal as well as cancerous cells
. Hence, vitamin D can play an important role in the prevention as well as treatment of various cancers especially cancer of the colon, prostate, pancreas and breast.
- Vitamin D stimulates the production of insulin
from insulin - producing cells in the pancreas. It also reduces insulin resistance
. Therefore, vitamin D can help in the prevention as well as treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
- Vitamin D inhibits the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS). Renin is a chemical normally produced in the body. It leads to the production of another chemical, called Angiotensin which is responsible for maintaining your blood pressure. Angiotensin also causes release of another chemical called Aldosterone, which is also involved in maintaining your blood pressure. Together, this system of inter-related chemicals is called Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS). If RAAS becomes overactive, it causes high blood pressure (hypertension), kidney disease and heart failure. Now consider this: Vitamin D inhibits RAAS
, and therefore, it can prevent hypertension, kidney disease and heart failure
.
- Vitamin D can prevent coronary heart disease
through a number of mechanisms which include inhibition of RAAS, reduction in insulin resistance and reduction of inflammation in the blood vessel wall.
- Vitamin D affects the normal function of the skin and therefore, can be helpful in the treatment of skin disorders such as Psoriasis.
- Vitamin D affects the health of the teeth and therefore, can play an important role in preventing many dental problems.
- Vitamin D affects one’s mood and therefore, can play an important role in the prevention and treatment of mood disorders such as depression.
- Vitamin D is important for the normal development and functioning of the brain. Therefore, vitamin D may play a role in the prevention as well as treatment of neurologic disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Autism.
Isn’t it obvious that vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining our health?
It’s a breakthrough discovery! Now we can truly prevent and treat a number of diseases through proper vitamin D supplementation.
In the following chapters, you’ll find detailed information on:
A. The remarkable benefits of vitamin D
B. The symptoms and diseases you may have if you are low in vitamin D
C. How to accurately diagnose vitamin D deficiency
D. How to properly treat vitamin D deficiency without the risk of its toxicity.