Vitamin D research is shining a light on how to prevent serious health conditions.
Vitamin D-also known as the sunshine vitamin- has numerous health benefits. However, approximately 70 percent of the North American population is deficient in this essential and quintessential nutrient.
Vitamin D earned its reputation as the sunshine vitamin because our bodies are able to produce it under our skin in the presence of ultraviolet light.
Dr. Zoltan Rona, a physician and specialist in preventative medicine for more than 30 years, has written an exemplary and timely book entitled, “Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin”.
The fact of the matter is, “your bare skin needs to be exposed to direct sunlight for at least fifteen minutes each day to produce enough vitamin D to meet your needs," explains Dr. Rona, so the question is, are you are getting enough Vitamin D?
Dr. Rona’s easy-to-read book on Vitamin D delves into important information, including a complete explanation of the role this vitamin plays in our body and our health.
Confused about how much to take? Worried about toxicity effects? Dr. Rona answers the tough questions people have surrounding vitamin D supplementation as he discusses what type of Vitamin D to take and how much of it to consume.
Backed by science and recent studies, Dr. Rona discusses the many health benefits Vitamin D has to offer.
Here are just some of the topics Dr. Zoltan Rona discusses in relation to Vitamin D:
• Inflammation (Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties)
• High Blood Pressure (sunlight exposure is linked to lowering blood pressure)
• Common Cold & Flu (low blood levels of Vitamin D seems to increase your risk)
• Diabetes (prevention may be possible by increasing blood levels of Vitamin D)
• Insomnia (Dr. Rona recommends anyone with sleep problems to get their blood levels for Vitamin D checked)
• Migraines (a Vitamin D deficiency is common in migraine sufferers)
This book is easy to read and understand; it makes for a perfect reference guide or great gift for any friend. Once you read this book, you’ll be more aware and more informed about Vitamin D and what you need to maintain optimal health.
I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Rona and asked him some questions on this important vitamin:
Naturally Savvy Question (Andrea): You mention in the book that we should avoid toxic sunscreens*. I agree as many of the conventional sunscreens available on the market contain harsh chemicals. Can you tell me what your ideal 'sun protocol' would be for those of us who want to protect our skin from the damage of the sun?
Dr. Zoltan Rona: I would recommend using safer, natural sunscreen containing either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide at the beginning of your sun exposure and build yourself up gradually in the time you spend out in the sunshine. You can start with maybe 5 – 10 minutes a day and gradually increase by 5 minutes a day. As your skin becomes accustomed to the sun's rays you can use less sunscreen as time goes on. You don't want to get burned so SFP protective clothing is another great alternative.
*Editor's Note: During the interview I introduced Dr. Rona to some Naturally Savvy Approved sunscreen brands he wasn't aware of. If you have any suggestions for non-toxic, safe sunscreens, please email me at andrea (at) naturallysavvy (dot) com.
Naturally Savvy Question (Andrea): What would recommend for people who get burned by accident?
Dr. Zoltan Rona: Aloe Vera – both internally and externally – and antioxidants such as vitamin E, selenium, vitamin C and zinc (no more than 50mg/day).
Naturally Savvy Question (Andrea): Can mega dosing help to reverse already damaged skin cells?
Dr. Zoltan Rona: Yes. I would recommend doing it with a professional health care provider as they will take your blood test every three months and make sure your levels are optimal. Also, do not take calcium when you are mega dosing (more than 40,000 IU's a day).
Naturally Savvy Question (Andrea): Some of my colleagues have a few questions for you. They are:
Andrea R: If sun exposure doesn't cause skin cancer, then how come in Australia, there the ozone is thin, the incidents of skin cancer is high?
Dr. Zoltan Rona: What kind of skin cancer? Not Melanoma. UVA radiation from sun exposure can cause other types of skin cancers, but Melanoma is not one of them.
EmilyP: Is there a connection between acne and vitamin D? I started supplementing with vitamin D and found my skin cleared up.
Dr. Zoltan Rona: Yes there is. Research found that those who suffered from acne, have lower levels of vitamin D than those who didn't. Supplementing with vitamin D can help to eliminate acne because vitamin D causes the body to manufacture a protein that acts like an antibiotic that can kill off the bugs on the skin causing acne.
Lfahay: Dr. Rona, do you feel sunscreen is overrated?
Dr. Zoltan Rona: Yes and no. Certain people need to wear sunscreen such as an Albino or someone with fair/pale skin. People with darker complexions will get natural protection from the harmful UVA rays that burn the skin. If you approach sun exposure on a gradual basis, it's unlikely your skin will ever burn and sunscreen may just be a waste of money for you.
Naturally Savvy Question (Andrea): Thank you Dr. Rona. The book is very informative and I was able to get through it in two days. I have already recommendedyour book to many of my friends and I will definitely keep this book on my night table as a reference guide.
Dr. Zoltan Rona: My thanks to you too for all the great work you do in enlightening people on health.
Naturally Savvy Question (Andrea): To read more or to purchase the book, Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
