Life-Enhancing Vitamin D

☀️Vitamin D☀️

The way our bodies make vitamin D is to convert sunshine into chemicals that are used by the body. The cholesterol in our skin converts "previtamin D" and makes it into usable vitamin D3- provitamin D. Vitamin D becomes a hormone within the body; it impacts not only our skeletal structure but also our blood pressure, immunity, mood, brain function, and ability to protect ourselves from cancer. There is also evidence from observational studies that suggest that majority of deaths due to C O V I D infections are statistically attributed to Vit. D insufficiency and could be potentially prevented by supplementation.

This is important because the majority of the US population is believed to have a vitamin D deficiency. So when you are swimming or outside, allow yourself to be in the sunshine for roughly 5-30 minutes, depending on the time of day and amount of melanin you have in your skin; you will likely absorb around 10,000 units of natural vitamin D. Then put on your sun protection of choice, be it SPF clothing or a non-toxic sunscreen like our family's tried and true favorites Raw Elements USA, or DERMA-E, made from certified all-natural ingredients, they provide UVA-UVB true broad-spectrum protection. As performance-driven physical mineral sunscreens, 16-20% zinc oxide, they are water-resistant beyond 80 minutes, yet so gentle and moisturizing it is perfect for our children. Packed with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and extracts, they continue protecting your skin long after environmental exposure.

Product highlights of mineral sunscreens:

• Broad spectrum protection🌀

• Reef safe🐟

• Biodegradable♻️

• Never runs or stings eyes👀

• Soy, gluten and Raw Elements USA is coconut free

Some key differences between chemical and physical/mineral sunscreen formulas:

• Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat, and releases them from the body. Some active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone.

• Physical sunblock sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the main active ingredients in physical blocks.

It may be essential to avoid many chemical sunscreens, as some have a chemical linked to causing cancer in them. Currently, Johnson & Johnson is recalling sunscreens due to low levels of benzene. This chemical can cause cancer with repeated exposure, damage the immune system, and prevent cells from functioning properly. It makes me wonder if the sun causes cancer or possibly the chemicals in sunscreen that get baked into our skin that does, just a thought...

If you are interested in knowing what your vitamin D level is, you can ask your doctor for a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. A 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test can reveal whether you have optimal vitamin D levels. Optimal levels should be around 50 to 100 ng/mL according to Functional Medine Doctors.

If you are looking for high-quality vitamin D supplements that range from capsules to gummies, contact me for suggestions- amanda@amandasafferwellness.com

In good health,

Amanda Saffer