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May 15
2009
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If you're like me, you've been following the swine flu outbreak with cautious interest, you're aware of it, know how to keep yourself safe, but you certainly aren't in a panic. Basically, I know it's out there, I'm practicing good hygiene (frequent hand washing, avoiding shaking hands or touching people, avoiding groups and public gatherings), but I'm not letting it run my life.
That doesn't mean my ears don't perk up when I hear a swine flu story on the news or see a mention of it in my news reader. This week, I stumbled across this great Seattle article on the link between vitamin D deficiencies and weakened immune systems .
The author, Kathleen Jade, says, "Studies have shown that children with vitamin D deficiency are predisposed to respiratory infections, especially viral infections rather than bacterial (Walker, 2009). In adults, studies show that higher vitamin D levels in the blood are associated with lower levels of upper respiratory infections (Ginde, 2009)." And guess what? Swine flu is a respiratory infection.
If you're concerned about your immune system because of potential swine flu cases in your area, consider boosting your vitamin D intake. Just 5-10 minutes of UV-B ray exposure a few days a week is all you need. This is why it's especially important in the winter — prime cold and flu season — for you to look to indoor tanning as a possible source of vitamin D.
That doesn't mean my ears don't perk up when I hear a swine flu story on the news or see a mention of it in my news reader. This week, I stumbled across this great Seattle article on the link between vitamin D deficiencies and weakened immune systems .
The author, Kathleen Jade, says, "Studies have shown that children with vitamin D deficiency are predisposed to respiratory infections, especially viral infections rather than bacterial (Walker, 2009). In adults, studies show that higher vitamin D levels in the blood are associated with lower levels of upper respiratory infections (Ginde, 2009)." And guess what? Swine flu is a respiratory infection.
If you're concerned about your immune system because of potential swine flu cases in your area, consider boosting your vitamin D intake. Just 5-10 minutes of UV-B ray exposure a few days a week is all you need. This is why it's especially important in the winter — prime cold and flu season — for you to look to indoor tanning as a possible source of vitamin D.
