Can Vitamin D Cut Your Risk of a Heart Attack?

Did you know that among its many attributes, Vitamin D can contribute to:

• Immune system regulation
• Healthy body weight
• Multiple Sclerosis prevention
• Healthy brain function
• Rheumatoid arthritis prevention
• Cancer prevention

And that’s not all… Recent studies show that there may even be a connection between vitamin D and heart health.

"D" Heart of the Matter
One study showed that people extremely low in vitamin D were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke within five years, when compared to people with higher levels. Those who seemed to be at greatest risk were people with high blood pressure. So, only those lacking in vitamin D need to be concerned about their hearts? That may sound like good news, but unfortunately a huge portion of the U.S. population doesn’t get enough vitamin D. And that might include you!

Let the Sun Shine In!
Vitamin D is produced naturally through our skin when we’re out in the sun. Years ago, most of us got all the vitamin D we needed without even thinking about it since outdoors is where we worked and played. But these days, more of our daily activities take place indoors. When we do venture out, we slather on sunscreen to protect ourselves from the sun’s damaging rays, which also blocks vitamin D production. People living in northern latitudes where the sun isn’t as plentiful also have reason to be concerned, as do:

-Older adults-after age 50, the skin is less efficient at synthesizing vitamin D.
-People with dark skin-higher amounts of the pigment melanin make it harder for the skin to produce vitamin D from the sun.
-Obese individuals-vitamin D’s effectiveness is hindered by body fat.
-Breastfed infants-mother’s milk doesn’t contain the required amount of vitamin D.

Most doctors say we need at least 1,000 units of vitamin D a day, which is difficult to get from your diet alone. That’s why taking a dietary supplement is often recommended. Many scientists believe that "safe sun" – 15 minutes or so a few times a week without sunscreen – is good for your health.

If you want to soak up more health benefits of this amazing vitamin, talk to your doctor to determine your needs and how vitamin D can keep your health-and your heart-in a sunny state.

For more information, please visit http://www.enzymatictherapy.com

Robb Shaffer has been writing for Schwabe North America since 2008. In his position as bilingual staff writer, he provides copy for sell sheets, brochures, advertisements, and product labels. He also writes articles on a variety of health topics for Internet and print publications. In this creative environment, Robb participates with other writers and designers in new product concepts and development. His fluency in Spanish is another resource the company has tapped for translation of different projects.

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