Are you losing bone mass? (This can happen even to young people, especially
if they drink a lot of sodas.)
That's why I wrote this article to help you prevent osteoporosis...
Why Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and to ward off osteoporosis. This
article provides information about vitamin D and good sources of this vitamin.
Menopause can be a time of bone loss and increased risk for osteoporosis. (But
so can young adulthood if you're drinking sodas.)
Either way, Vitamin D is essential for you to absorb and use calcium, so you
can see what importance it has to healthy bones and teeth, ward off osteoporosis and bone loss.
What is vitamin D?
As you enter or leave menopause, be aware that your need for vitamin D has
increased. Vitamin D is called the "sunshine vitamin" because you can manufacture it yourself with the aid of sunlight upon
your skin.
Why is vitamin D even more important in perimenopause and postmenopause?
During menopause (and afterwards) your need for vitamin D is increased because
as estrogen production decreases, calcium is not as easily absorbed and used. If you don't obtain adequate vitamin D, you're
at risk for osteoporosis.
How to obtain protection from osteoporosis from the sun
Getting adequate daily sunshine is important to obtaining vitamin D to ward
off osteoporosis. Remember to only stay in the sunlight prior to l0 a.m. and after 2 p.m. Try 15 minutes if you're fair-skinned
and up to 40 minutes if you're dark-skinned. Sunshine can also enhance your mood, so if you're down or depressed, a little
sunshine can help, just protect your skin! Wear a wide brimmed hat so you get the sunlight on her arms or hands if skin cancer
is a worry. Also, late afternoon sun is good, too and so is very early morning sunlight when the rays are not so strong.
How to obtain vitamin D from food to protect you against osteoporosis
Sunshine aside, there are many food sources of valuable vitamin D if sunshine
is not available or you don't feel comfortable spending time in it. Egg yolks, liver and fish (especially ocean-grown salmon,
chunk white tuna, sardines) are great sources of vitamin D and can protect you from osteoporosis.
Cod liver oil is another wonderful source of vitamin D. You can buy it in a
bottle and take 1-3 teaspoons a day. It also has some vitamin A in it, so that's a bonus. Vitamin A helps fight infection,
maintains cell wall strength prevents viruses from penetrating and reproducing, and blocks production of cancerous tumors.
You can also buy fish oil capsules online or in a health food store.
Don't forget to get your daily quotient of vitamin D and you'll be healthier
and happier!
And don't forget to stop drinking sodas. The phosophorous in them takes
away important minerals needed for bone growth.
Vitamin C is also important for men. A recent study showed vitamin C may discourage
bone loss. If you're not eating grapefruit or oranges, or using fresh lemon juice on your salads and vegetables, be sure to
take 500 mg vitamin C.
Joint Pain
Some ways to reduce joint pain include herbs, amino acids, vitamins, some oils, and some
foods. Investigate using silymarin, L-cysteine + vitamin C, B-complex, primrose oil, grape seeds/grape seed oil, garlic, onions,
rice, and oats. Also make sure you are getting enough minerals. You may want to investigate taking a daily multi-mineral with
sufficient calcium (1200 mg until menopause and then 1500 mg a day + magnesium + boron. Vitamin pills just don't have sufficient
minerals in them, but multi-mineral pills do.
