IN YOUR DAILY DOSE today you’ll discover research which has linked a vitamin D deficiency to yet another medical problem. Turns out this vitamin is really very important to our health and wellness.

IN YOUR DAILY HEALTH TIP you’ll find out why you’re likely deficient in vitamin D and why taking a supplement is the best way to raise those levels.

IN FACT OR FICTION is a tip for mosquito repellent that doesn’t use DEET and your cat knows all about it.

In The News

You’ve probably heard that vitamin D is an integral part of your immune system. Just a couple years ago, research made national news that when vitamin D levels were low your risk of getting a virus or cold was much higher.

This year, researchers from McGill University in Canada have discovered a link between vitamin D levels and risk of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects the nerves in your brain and spinal cord.  There has been some observational studies in the past which indicated vitamin D levels could be associated with a higher risk of triggering MS, but these studies could not infer a causal relationship because the individuals also shared other unknown characteristics.

In this study, researchers used a genetic technique to reduce the possibility that other characteristics were responsible and found that individuals who had a natural-log-transformed vitamin D level by one standard deviation had double the risk of MS.

SOURCE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150825143919.htm

Daily Health Tip

Levels of vitamin D deficiency are difficult to estimate in the population because testing is not often performed. Researchers do believe that levels of vitamin D are very deficient in the general population for a number of different reasons.

1. Use of sunscreen is up to reduce the potential for skin cancer.

2. The amount of time needed to get adequate amount of vitamin D from the sun is 20 minutes with exposure to about 50% of the body without sunscreen.

3. People with dark skin need more time in the sun to manufacture vitamin D.

4. Living in the northern hemisphere will mean that there are only 4-5 months of the year where the sun is strong enough for your body to manufacture vitamin D.

Making Changes

Considering incorporating a vitamin D supplement into your diet daily. Look for vitamins that are not sourced in China where additives to the vitamins can include products which are toxic.

Talk to your doctor about the amount of vitamin D you should be taking each day and consider having your blood tested for vitamin D levels.

This simple change can reduce your risk of colds and flu this winter, improve your bone density and reduce your risk of MS.

My Daily Affirmation

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How can I incorporate new ideas into my exercise routine to avoid boredom?

2. How can I involve my family and children in my exercise routine?

3. How can I encourage my friends to join me while I exercise?

Fact Or Fiction?

Mosquitoes are a challenge. They bite. The bites itch. They can get infected or carry disease. The chemical in repellant (DEET) has significant health effects. What’s the alternative? Actually, your cat has the answer!  

Researchers from Iowa State University research group has found that catnip is 10 times more effective in repelling mosquitoes than DEET. This is the same group which found that catnip was also effective in repelling cockroaches. DEET has significant side effects which range from dizziness to disorientation and even death.

Have a wonderful day!

Your Healthy Life America Team