Vitamin D is essential to your health for many reasons, including enhanced immunity. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found children who took Vitamin D had a 50% or greater reduction in risk of flu infection when exposed compared to anti-viral drugs which only reduced risk by 8%. It is also an amazingly effective antimicrobial agent, which helps kill bacteria, viruses and fungi in your body.
The truest natural source of Vitamin D is from sunlight. Twenty minutes per day of sunlight is enough to get the recommended dose of Vitamin D. However in Iowa during the months of October- April, sunshine is not ideal. 80-90% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D so the best way to make sure your body has enough is to take Vitamin D is a liquid or capsule form. Have your number checked and take a high quality Vitamin D supplement to reach and maintain an adequate level.
Vitamin C is also essential to overall health, including promoting immunity and self-healing. In one study, flu and cold symptoms decreased by 85% when dosing with vitamin C. Another study showed people deficient in vitamin C could cut their incidence of colds by 50% by simply taking a daily dose of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is not stored in the body and must be replaced every day. It is found naturally in many foods, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, spinach, and broccoli. It can also be taken as a supplement. While obtaining vitamins from natural food sources is encouraged, when using to promote healing, supplements may be required to reach an adequate dosage. Make sure you are choosing a high-quality supplement so your body can absorb the vitamin.
Filed Under: diet, immune system, immunity, Vitamin C, Vitamin D