Monday, May 18, 2009

Boost Your Immunity with Vitamin D

Need to boost immunity to avoid colds and flu? Try adding Vitamin D to your daily diet. Around 80% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D, and recent studies on the benefits of Vitamin D include protection from certain types of cancer and bone loss due to osteoporosis.

A recent study found that those with the lowest levels of Vitamin D in their blood were 36% more likely to catch a cold or the flu. With swine flu fears on the rise, it makes sense to try this natural immune booster.

The study also found that those with asthma were even more likely to need Vitamin D to avoid colds.

Current recommendations for Vitamin D are only about 400mg to 600mg per day but many experts, including natural health guru Dr. Andrew Weil, recommend between 1,000mg and 2,000mg of Vitamin D daily to help build the immune system and gain the full benefits for preventing cancer and building strong bones.

Although you can get Vitamin D from exposure to the sun, many people are now wearing sunscreen, which prevents its absorption into the skin. Your best bet may be a Vitamin D supplement to boost the immune system. Vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and can easily be added to your daily vitamin regimen.

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