Swine flu, colds, Influenza and Vit D

by Queenie1

Word count: 392

Colds and most flu viruses infect more people in the winter season then at any other season of the year. Many people are advised by their doctors and pharmacies to take the flu vaccines.
Studies show that Dr. John Cannell who was a Vit D expert and psychiatrist at Atascadero State Hospital in California published a paper that showed that lower levels of Vit D in the blood at winter time increased your ability to get the influenza virus.
In 2006 Dr. Cannell noticed that patients in his psychiatric ward didn't get the influenza that year while other patients in different wards of the same hospital did get the flu. Dr. Cannell's patients were receiving a low dose of 2,000 units of Vit D per day that he prescribed. It is interesting to note that the patients under his care receiving Vit D doses did not get the influenza while the other patients in the other wards of the same hospital did get the influenza. There is much information available about this to read online.
Studies show that Vit D stimulates the bodies immune system and the bodies disease fighting cells. If you were to maintain your Vit D levels at the optimal range you may not be affected by colds or the flu viruses during the flu season. The Vit D levels in your blood can be checked and should be above 50 nglml. If you're an adult with low Vit D levels you can take 2,000 – 5,000 IU's of Vit D per day or get 20 min of direct sunlight on as much skin as possible daily. Direct sunlight maybe harder to get in the winter season when your living in the northern climates so supplementing your body with inexpensive Vit D supplements should help.
If the swine flu should come will Vit D help you to have a sufficient immunity. For most people taking an optimal amount of Vit D should help. Dr. Cannell says people taking 5,000 IU of Vit D usually don`t get colds and flu any more. We still need to practice health safety practices and avoid contact with others who are sick and avoid our exposure to areas where they are sick. We need to do all we can to protect ourselves and our families.