Christmas is upon us. In many parts While Cholesterol, Heart Disease, Autism and “silent” killers have been well publicized, our population is still struggling to understand Vitamin D deficiencies and soaring rates in US adults and teens.

Globally, 1 billion people have not enough vitamin D levels in their blood. More surpisingly, vitamin D deficiencies can be found in all ethnicities and age groups.

What are the leading causes of Vitamin D Deficiency?

The amount of sunlight and type of food consumed is largely credited with the increase of Vitamin D deficiency rates in the past four decades.

The following are specific areas that have changed in the past 40 years.

Sunlight Factors:

1) Increase in Air Conditioning Usage
2) Increase in Indoor-Media (TV, Ipad, Desktop, Iphone)
3) Shift of Occupation to Interior Settings (office)
4) Protective Measures against Skin Cancer

Food Factors:
1) Diet Lower in Cholesterol
2) Higher Rates of Obesity
3) Farm Raised Meat vs. Free-Range Farms
4) Increased sugar and sodium intake

What practical steps can we take to prevent Vitamin D Deficiency?

• Take a 15 minute walk each day. Take three 5 minute walks outdoors. Do you have a dog you can play with or need to catch up with a friend? By spacing out three sessions you will help your body receive the needed amount of Vitamin D.
• Shop for free-range at your local Whole Foods or grocery store.  By selecting foods with natural growth patterns you are helping your body gain a needed Vitamin D amount.
• Reduce your sodium intake. High amounts of sodium can lead to high blood pressure. When this occurs, Vitamin D deficiency is a correlating factor (http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0054625)