A More Natural Flu Prevention: Consider the "Sunshine Vitamin"

Aimee Herd : Aug 25, 2009
Gailon Totheroh ? CBN News

"?2,000 units a day [of Vitamin D] nearly eliminated flu as well as colds from the group."

As the summer nears an end in the northern hemisphere, the warnings of a possibly severe flu season, and worries about H1N1 flu virus seem to increase. But as I was reading an article about avoiding sickness (including the flu), an obvious, yet interesting fact jumped out at me that I'd never really thought about before.

Why is it that sicknesses and flu seem to decrease in the spring and summer months? People are getting more sun. What does the sun do for us? Its ultraviolet rays cause our bodies to produce Vitamin D.

The encroaching cooler and wetter weather keeps the sun hidden, and people indoors. According to a CBN report; the "decreasing and less intense exposure [to the sun] means Vitamin D levels drop."

The article states that Vitamin D has been found to be an exceptional immune system booster. It cites a study of African-American women which found that 2,000 units a day nearly eliminated flu as well as colds from the group. ?An amazing statement! (Photo: Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)

That's not all, though. According to Dr. Michael J. Thune, chief epidemiologist for the American Cancer Society, "There is now intriguing evidence that vitamin D may have a role in the prevention as well as treatment of certain cancers."

The CBC News reports on a study done in 2007, of 18 randomized controlled trials involving people over the age of 50 [which] found that people who took at least 500 international units (IU) of Vitamin D daily had a seven per cent lower risk of death compared with those given a placebo. Lead researcher Dr. Philippe Autier said it was not clear how the supplements lowered risks of mortality, but he suggested that vitamin D may block cancer cell proliferation or improve blood vessel and immune system functions. The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, reviewed research involving 57,311 participants.

The same report notes that another study, done in February 2009, found that Vitamin D also seemed to aid in the control of a gene known to increase the risk of multiple sclerosis. Co-author of the research, Dr. Sreeram Ramagopalan, said, "Our study implies that taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and the early years may reduce the risk of a child developing MS in later life."

Unfortunately, many researchers claim that the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for Vitamin D in the US is much too low; 200 international units a day up to age 50, 400 IUs for ages 50 to 70, and 600 IUs for people over 70. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the recommended intake is 1,000 IU of vitamin D every day. During the spring and summer, that can be accomplished through normal daily exposure to the sun. In the fall and winter months, a vitamin D supplement may be necessary.

The sun is the best and quickest source for our bodies to gain this vital nutrient (another study suggests just 15 minutes, without sunscreen, several times a week can greatly improve a person's health), but Vitamin D is also available in milk, certain foods and supplements.

This is good news for people like me, who are not likely to run out to get the latest flu shot. Bolstering your immune system with more natural means such as Vitamin D and yogurt?which contains healthy bacteria or "probiotics" that also boost the immune system and aid digestion?and other preventive measures like covering a cough and sneeze, and washing your hands often, just might be all a person needs to remain healthy through the flu season.