Why you need this nutrient in your life.
Are you getting enough Vitamin D? There’s a good chance you’re not! The Centers for Disease Control reports that the precentage of adults who get a “sufficient” amount of vitamin D is about 30% in white and about 5 – 10% in African Americans. And many experts believe that the optimal level of vitamin D is much higher than what the CDC puts forth.
What is Vitamin D? Why does it matter?
Despite the name, vitamin D is actual not a vitamin. It’s a secesteroid which is a hormonal precursor.
There is a lot hype over vitamin D these days, and with good reason. Vitamin D is necessary for proper mineral absorption and metabolism. The list of “issues” linked to vitamin D deficiency is pretty hefty:
- Osteoporosis
- Cavities and tooth decay
- Bone loss and bone fractures
- Heart disease
- Autoimmune diseases
- Multiple Sclerosis
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- And more
My Experience with Vitamin D
As I’ve mentioned before on the blog, I’ve struggled with seasons of insomnia for quite some time. About two years ago when I was at an all time BAD for my sleepless nights (we’re talking I couldn’t fall asleep until 4 in the morning, even when I went to bed before 10), I finally made a trip to my doctor/homeopathic practitioner (um, don’t wait that long, okay?). They did all sorts of blood work, and I thought I was dealing with adrenal or thyroid issues. But when my work came back everything looked good except my vitamin D levels. They were LOW. Really low.
This was actually surprising for me as I was diligent about taking my cod liver oil. But then again, I know I don’t get a lot of sunshine (at least the right kind of sunshine). So, according to my healthcare practitioner’s advise I upped my vitamin D levels through supplementation a lot. (I’m not going to say numbers here as you should talk to your own healthcare practitioner.) Low and behold I was finally able to get some sleep! And this was after months and months of trying EVERYTHING.
So yeah, I’m a fan of vitamin D.
Top 10 Best Sources of Vitamin D
1. Sunlight
Sunlight is the cheapest and easiest way to get vitamin D. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to get during the winter months. Did you know that low vitamin D levels is one of the main reasons people get sick in wintertime? Think about it. Why do we get sick more often in the fall and winter? It’s because we’re not getting as much vitamin D from the sunshine.
As summer ends and the weather begins to be less sunny, getting Vitamin D from the sun becomes more difficult. And yes, the body stores vitamin D in summer. So it’s important to get enough sun in the summertime, in order to prevent colds and flu in the winter.
2. Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is the number one food source of vitamin D. Once popular in America to take as a daily supplement, it remains one of the best ways to build up immunity and get your daily Vitamin D dose.
Our family takes cod liver oil every day, all year long (1 tsp per day for the adults, and 1/2 tsp for the child).
I recommend fermented cod liver oil, as it is the only cod liver oil on the market that is not heated and refined. It is also the only one on the market that does not have added synthetic vitamin D.
3. Lard
If you don’t know about the health benefits of lard, now’s the time. Lard was once the mainstay of the American family, but got a lot of bad press when Crisco started an aggressive ad campaign in the 1950s. Lard is rendered from good pig fat and contains high amounts of Vitamin D — some estimates ranging as high as 1000 IU per tablespoon!
Cooking with lard rather than vegetable oil or synthetic products makes for delicious entrees (yummy pie crusts) and healthy comfort food, too.
Vitamin D from lard can aid in calcium absorption as well as toxin removal from your body. Along with cholesterol (also found in lard), Vitamin D also assists in the production and regulation of hormones, which is important to maintain healthy hormone function.
4. Bacon
Yes, I’m giving you permission to eat bacon. Forget the flu shot — eat more bacon! Not only does good quality bacon from free range pigs taste delicious, and serves as a wonderful comfort food, but contrary to popular opinion it’s actually good for you, too (and much more effective and less painful than an unnecessary flu shot!)
Bacon is good for you for the same reasons as lard. It’s easy to make and use in a variety of ways. Plus, it tastes delicious.
5. Salmon, Wild
Wild Salmon is a major source of Vitamin D. You really want to seek out wild salmon. Farmed salmon has only about 25% of the vitamin D as wild salmon. Not only does it taste great no matter how it is prepared, but it’s healthy, too.
In fact, the American heart association recommends eating fatty, oily fish (like salmon) twice a week.
6. Oysters
Oysters, like other seafood, has a lot of Vitamin D and is fun and tasty on the palate. Oysters can boost immunity, increase energy and reduce the risk of disease. What’s more, there is some evidence based on a study conducted by the American Chemical Society that amino acids that are present in oysters raise testosterone and estrogen levels. If these hormones really have anything to do with libido, there is a possibility that oysters really are a natural aphrodisiac as well.
7. Sardines
Sardines are easy to make for lunch, dinner or a snack and they contain plenty of Vitamin D to assist in meeting deficiencies. Sardines are delicious and can be used in a variety of ways. They also contain omega 3 fatty acids, B vitmains and amino acids as well.
8. Caviar and Fish Roe
Again, look for caviar (or fish eggs) from wild-caught fish. A great source of Vitamin D, caviar also provides Vitamin A, which helps with eyesight and vision, skin and has been shown to help reduce the risk of cancer as well. Other benefits include potassium for lower blood pressure and fatty acids. Caviar if also often recommended by doctors to patients recovering from chemotherapy or surgery because it assists in increasing hemoblogin content in the body.
9. Egg Yolks from Pastured Chickens
Pastured egg yolks have 4-6 times more vitamin D than conventional eggs. And the vitamin D is primarily in the yolk, not the white.
Instead of eating egg white omelettes, add extra yolks to your morning scramble or smoothie.
10. Shrimp
Shrimp is rich in Vitamins D and B3, as well as zinc, and is often recommended for people who are trying to lose weight. Shrimp has contains good cholesterol and selenium, which can help to reduce the risk for cancer.
Some of the other contents of shrimp in smaller amounts include vitamins A, E and B6, as well as magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium (salt), copper. There are even trace amounts of Vitamin C.
More to the point, shrimp is delicious, and a great source for Vitamin D in the fall and winter months when its cold out and the sun isn’t shining as much.