"D" Power of the Sun - Now we know what early man knew
THROUGHOUT HISTORy MUCH IS DESCRIBED OF THE VITAL role the sun plays in our existence and ongoing survival. From spiritual, psychological and physical perspectives, the sun is portrayed as a life source without which the world as we know it would cease to exist. In Plato’s,
The Republic, the sun is believed to serve as a metaphor for God and all that is good – a sentiment echoed in art and literature from early day to present.And its healing role in many of today’s biggest health problems, from high cholesterol and heart disease to osteoporosis and cancer, is revealed in one scientific study after another. The sun is the best source for active Vitamin D in the human body, which is proving to both prevent and treat these dangerous diseases.
So why then While there are few symptoms is the number ofthose falling victim associated with this type of to these diseases deficiency, those that are – such on the rise? as bone pain and fatigue – are often According to Dr.Wael Aboughali, mistaken for other conditions. a board certified Family Physician who specializes in preventative health care, cardiovascular health education and women’s health, despite the growing body of data revealing many more benefits than even previously believed, lifestyle habits, fear of sun damage and current diet are the main culprits
in creating a Vitamin D deficiency of epidemic proportions. “Science and technology have finally caught up with one another – refining Vitamin D tests for patients and correlating data between deficiencies and problems with the nervous system, many degenerative diseases, heart disease, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, cancer and more,” says Dr. Aboughali. “Physicians now not only have the tools to properly test patients but also the data supporting the reasons why. The number of deficiencies we’re seeing in both adults and children is just staggering and very concerning,”
he adds.
The active form of Vitamin D (Vitamin D3) has three important functions.Combined with calcium, it is an essential component in the bone matrix – important in preventing osteoporosis, osteomalacia (known as rickets in children) and bone fractures, as well as other diseases. Secondly,
Vitamin D aids in cell differentiation and prevention of cell overgrowth – often a precursor to cancer as cell overgrowth leads to mutation. And thirdly, it is an important immune system modulator, enhancing immune system health. While there are sometimes physical reasons for a Vitamin D deficiency, an underlying kidney or liver problem inhibiting conversion that must first be identified and addressed, most deficiency cases are environmentally related and can be corrected with lifestyle and diet change. The primary source of the active form of Vitamin D is sunlight. As little as 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure a day is enough for most lighter skinned, otherwise healthy individuals to maintain sufficient levels. Darker skinned individuals require a bit more. Certain foods also contain Vitamin D. These include such things as fish and fish liver oils (cod liver, salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines), egg yolk, liver, and Vitamin D enriched milk and orange juice. And Vitamin D3 supplements can also help those deficient reach healthier levels. The appropriate amount depends on age and degree of deficiency. According to Dr. Aboughali, the rise in deficiencies is believed to be the direct result of current conditioning to fear the sun and the damage it can do without properly balancing the healing effects it also has.
He added that the restricted outdoor activity of children, adults and the elderly as a result of more academic-focused school curriculums, indoor-centered activities, long work days in office settings and indoor confinement further contribute to the deficiency by reducing the opportunity
for sun exposure and Vitamin D absorption. Additionally, the “fat free” diet adopted by many in society is void of the Vitamin D rich oils and nutrients the body requires, while doing little to change the obesity problem. And the growing obesity problem is a contributor
as well, as an overweight person has a more difficult time achieving healthy blood levels of Vitamin D. The amount of subcutaneous fat sequesters more of the vitamin and alters its release into the circulation. According to Dr. Aboughali, many patients are treated for conditions from which they are not suffering, because a Vitamin D deficiency is not identified. While there are few symptoms associated with this type of deficiency, those that are – such as bone pain and fatigue – are often mistaken for other conditions. The deficiency is then further exacerbated as medications given to treat the wrong condition may further hinder Vitamin D absorption, and the patient’s health continues to deteriorate. “It’s going to take a new way of thinking in society and within the medical community. We need to reassess what we have been taught in recent years,” says Dr. Aboughali.
Dr. Aboughali assumes a Vitamin D deficiency in patients until proven otherwise, as the vast majority of his patients are deficient when tested. He advises a balanced lifestyle with adequate outdoor activity and exercise, with a moderate amount of full sun exposure as well as a well-rounded diet – which will ultimately result in a healthy weight, improved Vitamin D level…and overall better health.
Dr. Wael Aboughali is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association. He practices at Oak-Bend Medical Center in Texas.