In this current climate, keeping our immune system strong and healthy has never been more important. In the previous article, we looked at the role of inflammation in Covid-19, and potential ways to keep the body healthy. As it turns out, another key factor in maintaining a healthy immune system is Vitamin D (especially D3). Renown for its role in maintaing healthy bones, recent clinical research has shed new light on the important roles of the “sunshine” vitamin.
This past May, a research team from Northwestern University analyzed data on the Covid-19 pandemic from 10 different countries around the world and discovered “a correlation between low vitamin D levels and hyperactive immune systems. Vitamin D strengthens innate immunity and prevents overactive immune responses. The finding could explain several mysteries, including why children are unlikely to die from COVID-19.” According to the Mayo Clinic, Vitamin D (especially when taken with calcium) also helped cancer treatments, cognitive health, multiple sclerosis, and many bone disorders such as osteoporosis & osteomalacia.
So how much Vitamin D should we be getting? The Mayo Clinic’s recommendation is 600 International Units (IU) per day for adults (400 for children, and 700 for seniors over 70). However, there is some debate in this arena, as other health care professionals recommend more. In a 2008 article, Dr. Norm Shealy M.D. PhD. shared the work of an endocrinologist, Dr. Joe Prendergast, who uses up to 50,000 IU per day to treat diabetes, lung disease, coronary disease among many others!
Since a major source of Vitamin D is from the Sun, it is estimated that 15-20 mins in sunlight is enough to produce about 400 IU. Could you imagine how much our ancestors received spending most of the day outdoors around the tropics?! We also get Vitamin D from the foods we eat. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackeral, and tuna are abundant in Vitamin D, but other good sources include egg yolks, portobella mushrooms, yogurt, cheese, milks (including almond, soy, rice, oat) & citrus fruits. No wonder then why many of Edgar Cayce’s readings recommended plenty of exercise outside, and including those foods in the diet! In reading 920-2, when asked “How can one renew the body?” The answer was “This depends upon the manner in which there has been care of the body, for there must kept a balance in the activity of the glands…this may be done better, as we find, by foods and activity in the bodily exercises out in the open…” When asked about general dietary guidelines, Cayce recommended to “balance the diet…have a great deal of stimulation from whole wheat, citrus fruits, & vegetables that are green and raw. Not too much of the meats.” (820-2) When meat was advised, typically, Cayce would recommend fish, fowl or lamb. It is quite fascinating that years ago, Cayce would emphasize eating egg yolks (coddled) without the whites as this is a good source of vitamin d. Furthermore, the typical Cayce diet also emphasizes dark, leafy greens (an excellent source of K2) that helps activate D3 functions in the body! As Hippocrates said: “Let thy food be thy medicine!”
However, if a person cannot get enough sunlight or proper foods, supplements can be used. Make sure to find good, reputable brands. Baar products, the official supplier of Edgar Cayce’s ARE, has high-potency, softgels in 1,000 or 5,000 IU. There are other excellent brands too, just be sure they have good research and manufacturing standards. Overall, we want to be getting as much of our vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as possible from the foods in our diet, especially from around the area in which we live. There is much to be said for living in harmony with Nature and having a deep connection with Mother Earth by spending time outdoors everyday and growing our own food. This reconnection would do wonders for the health of our bodies and our society. Even Cayce himself loved to garden and would often go fishing! So be sure to give your immune system a boost by getting outside, eating good foods, and use supplements when you need them. Be well and heal thy self!
Northwestern University: Vitamin D levels appear to play a role in Covid-19 deaths. Science News: 5/7/20
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200507121353.htm
Mayo Clinic: Vitamin D Overview. 10/18/17
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-d/art-20363792
Shealy, Norm MD PhD. Vitamin D: The Cure for many diseases? Shealy-Sorin Wellness. 5/7/08
https://normshealy.com/vitamin-d/