Multiple Sclerosis, Vitamin D and veins

I have previously written about Vitamin D in my June newsletter. This article explores the vital role of vitamin D in more detail and looks specifically at people afflicted with MS and the effect vitamin D has on their veins and their condition.

VITAMIN D AND HEALTH

Vitamin D is made by our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight but with the current trend to cover up, wear sunscreen at all times and spend less time outdoors, many of us are not getting enough sun exposure to make adequate amounts.
Vitamin D cannot be stored by the body, is vital for all cell functions and plays an important part in immunity.
People with MS and rheumatoid arthritis are usually found to be deficient in vitamin D. The same goes for many of the auto-immune diseases and cancers. It seems that when our vitamin D levels are low, we are far more susceptible to all types of disease. Another fact is that as we age, our vitamin D requirements increase. Maybe Granny had the right idea with the tablespoon of cod liver oil each day (Cod liver oil is an excellent natural source of vitamin D).
It makes sense to make sure your vitamin D levels are kept up. It is worthwhile checking your vitamin D levels if you are concerned. Dr Mercola believes the current required levels are way too low and to avoid illness, we should all be supplementing our diet.

A SHORT HISTORY OF MS, EBV AND VITAMIN D

1.In 1922 a lack of sunlight was identified as a risk factor in MS. The further a person lives away from the equator, the greater their risk of getting MS.
2. A US study showed that women who took a multivitamin which contained vitamin D were 40% less likely to develop MS than women who took no form of vitamin D.
This was based on women who only took a low dose of vitamin D but it showed that vitamin D may offer some sort of protective effect.
3. In 2001 a German study found that 100% of MS patients had antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which causes glandular fever.
4. A UK study showed that 61% of MS cases can be linked to low levels of sunlight (ie: a lack of vitamin D) but this rises to 72% of MS cases when the combined effect of having had glandular fever as well as low levels of sunlight are considered.
5. During pregnancy, a mother's blood vessels expand to allow more blood to flow to the placenta. When this doesn't happen, pre-eclampsia can occur which causes the mother's blood pressure to rise alarmingly and the baby's health can be effected.
It is also known that women with MS often experience a remission in their MS symptoms during their pregnancy.
6. A study in Science daily shows that a lack of vitamin D causes stiffer blood vessels and an inability of blood vessels to relax - even in healthy people.
As pwMS are usually deficient in vitamin D, this could start to explain why they have chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).
7. Recent studies have confirmed a connection between EBV, chlamydia pneumonia and MS. The pneumonia could be treated with antibiotics but the EBV is best treated by boosting the immune system and more evidence is showing that vitamin D is the key vitamin for immune support.

SOME MORE FACTS ABOUT VITAMIN D

1. Healthy people should register levels of vitamin D between 50-70 ng/ml.
People who have cancer, heart disease or autoimmune diseases should have levels of between 70-100 ng/ml.
2. The best source of vitamin D is the sun and we need to expose at least 40% of our skin to the midday sun for about 10 minutes per day in the summer and up to half an hour in the winter to get the optimal dose of vitamin D.
It is also important not to wash your skin for up to 48 hours after sun exposure to ensure the vitamin D is properly absorbed and of course, sunscreens stop the body absorbing vitamin D.
Animals lick their fur to get vitamin D and sheep lick their wool.
Eskimos eat the skin of beluga whales to get vitamin C. Perhaps they also get some vitamin D from this source as well as from the fats in their mainly fish diet.
3. As it is almost impossible for most of us to get adequate vitamin D during winter and for many of us in summer too, we may need to take supplements and vitamin D3 is recommended - to be taken with fat - preferably Omega 3 fish oil.
4. People who have adequate levels of vitamin D get fewer colds and flu's and recover quicker - might explain why we all tend to get sicker in winter when our levels are lower. Vitamin D also acts like a natural antibiotic in our bodies.
5. Vitamin D is fat-soluble but as it is needed for many vital body functions every day, we need to restock daily if possible.

DR MERCOLA'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PWMS

1. Optimize your vitamin D levels.
2. Optimize your essential fat intake (eg Omega 3) and avoid omega 6 fats such as soy, canola and corn oil.
3. Eliminate sugar - particularly fructose. Keep to below 25grams/day.
- 1 pear = 12grams, 1 banana = 7 grams, 1 cup of dried figs = 23grams.
4. Eliminate pasteurized milk and dairy.
5. Avoid aspartame (a neurotoxin) and commercial fruit juices.
6. Eat plenty of raw food - even meat and eggs.
7. Tailor your diet to your nutritional type.
8. Check your iron levels and donate blood if they are too high.
9. Take low dose Naltrexone and alpha lipoic acid.
10. Mercury detox - get rid of amalgam fillings.
11. Address early childhood emotional traumas.

HOW MUCH VITAMIN D SHOULD YOU TAKE?

The best answer is to get your levels checked first to find out if you are deficient and by how much.
But most people - particularly in the winter could take 4,000 - 10,000 IU's/day and not overdose.
If you suffer from candida infections, you may not be able to absorb the vitamin D adequately which exacerbates the problem.
PWMS should probably take far more vitamin D than normal people as their requirements are higher and their levels are lower.

Check out Dr Mercola's website at "Mercola.com" for more information about vitamin D and many other health issues.