Women Health and Environment

Vitamin D is found in foods such as milk and cheese, but it’s also made in the body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. It helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which are critical for healthy bones.
Vitamin D levels have been falling in Americans because they are getting less sun and consuming fewer dairy products. Dermatologists have encouraged us to stay out of the sun and wear sunblock to prevent skin cancer, while obesity experts have advised us to cut down on milk and cheese in our diets to reduce calories. Low vitamin D levels may be hurting more than our bones.

UCLA scientists found that people with low vitamin D levels were resistant to insulin. This means it takes more insulin than normal to regulate blood sugar. Insulin resistance is related to high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, abdominal obesity and blood cell clotting problems. When sunbathing, wait 15 minutes before applying sunscreen so your skin can make some vital vitamin D. try to get a little sun every day, consume non-fat dairy products and take a vitamin D supplement.