Vitamin D and COVID
Everyone wants a leg up on keeping themselves healthy. Information overload doesn’t help, but doing what you can to keep your immune system in shape will help.
You may have heard some talk in the media about the potential protective effect that vitamin D has on COVID. There is not enough evidence to unequivocally state that Vitamin D prevents or treats COVID, but vitamin D does support the immune system. Dr. Anthony Fauci has this to say, “If you are deficient in vitamin D, that does have an impact on your susceptibility to infection. So I would not mind recommending — and I do it myself — taking vitamin D supplements.”
Other research found high rates of vitamin D deficiency in people with COVID-19. These patients also experienced acute respiratory failure and had a much higher risk of dying.
Vitamin D deficiency is a significant problem. Over 50% of men and women over the age of 65 in North America are vitamin D deficient. Other benefits of vitamin D, aside from possible protection from COVID, are:
- A decrease in your chance of developing heart disease
- A reduction in your chance of getting the flu
- An improvement in mood for people with depression
- An appetite-suppressing effect resulting in weight loss
- Improvement in bone density
If you live in the northern hemisphere, it is tough to get enough vitamin D due to limited sun exposure. Some foods can increase your vitamin D, but supplementation might be necessary to get you up to adequate levels. A simple blood test will give you and your health provider an idea of where you are and how much of a supplement you need. Recent research has increased the minimum D levels considered normal for most people.
COVID and Your Health
Most everyone has concerns about COVID, the flu, and other viruses. Achieving optimal health is a combination of personal efforts that include exercise, a plant-based diet, and stress management. A strong immune system, along with following recommended safety protocols, is your best chance at fighting infection. And you will get healthier in the process!
Find a variety of vitamin D supplements here. Click on the image to compare products and purchase.
