Vitamin D Plays a Key Role in Overall Health

This month's general health article is titled, "Vitamin D is Essential to Good Health."

I know you are probably wondering why another article on vitamin D? And normally I would agree—vitamin D is old news. But I found some interesting tidbits about this amazing substance that might raise a few eyebrows.

For example, did you know that vitamin D is not really a vitamin at all? Nope, it is a hormone. Or that deficiencies in vitamin D have been linked to poor pain management? That's right, if you have a low serum blood level of vitamin D and you are currently taking pain medication, the medication may not work as efficiently as those with normal serum blood levels of vitamin D.

More newsworthy information:

• Vitamin D has been found to help reduce inflammation making it a good supplement for individuals with cardiovascular disease.

• Deficiencies in vitamin D has been linked to increases in serum blood levels of alkaline Phosphatase, a group of liver enzymes.

• Vitamin D has been known to bind with many medicines (certain diuretics, cardiac glycosides, and others) preventing proper absorption.

So not only is vitamin D necessary for proper growth and development of bone but it seems to play an equally important role in pain management, and inflammatory-related conditions.

BIO: Dr. Mundorff is the author of several books, including Memories of My Sister: Dealing With Sudden Death and Medical Terminology: A Student Workbook, and her latest, Take Control: A Guide to Holistic Living, is an innovative health guide which helps the reader learn how to regain control of their health by discovering the practical effectiveness of combining alternative and modern medicine. You can reach her at bridges2hlth@aol.com.

Disclaimer: Dr. Mundorff is a Registered Nurse and Board Certified Naturopath, and not a medical doctor. The information in this column is for educational purposes only and should not be used to self-diagnose and treat diseases. Naturopathy is a complementary practice to health care and should be used in conjunction with a competent health care practitioner. Many herbal and homeopathic remedies can actually be contraindicated in many health conditions, with certain prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications. Please consult your physician before starting any alternative modalities.