Brains need Vitamin D

There is a particular ritual, not peculiar to the British, (but one that
tends to be associated with the great British public) that once
witnessed can leave an indelible impression. This ritual is
unpredictable, often very short lived but climatic conditions this year
offered an unprecedented opportunity to witness it at it’s finest.
involves the general population stripping off their clothing in public.
In males this will often include the entire upper body, thought the
shyer female might only reveal long translucent white, recently
depilated legs. Once disrobed, they adopt a horizontal posture and lie
prostrate, eyes closed, typically on any available piece of grass, wall
or garden bench, particularly around midday. Warning: It’s not always a
pretty sight.
This ritual can have some rather unfortunate side effects, that we rather unkindly as children would refer to as the “Pink Beasties”.
Locals were observed sporting various stripes of skin colour, ranging
from white to pale pink through to iridescent red. A rather gruesome
spectacle that revealed just who had taken the longest over their lunch
break or spent too much time in the Pub Garden over the weekend.
course it’s not just the Brits that love to sunbathe. Australians too,
despite the warnings about skin cancer, can often be seen sunning
themselves in similar fashion, though more commonly at the beach.
do we do it? Is it that we just like the sensations of the warm sun’s
rays on bare skin, or the desire to tan to look “healthy”? Or is it an
unconscious cue for us to obtain the vitamin D we need for optimal
neuro-muscular and brain health?
It has been estimated that
around one third of the world’s population has either a low level of
vitamin D or an actual deficiency. Over 30% of all Australians are suspected of having insufficient vitamin D levels despite living in a sunny country.
D deficiency used to manifest itself primarily as rickets, which is now
seen far less commonly, but never-the-less still occurs.
obtain our vitamin D primarily through a chemical reaction in the skin
involving UVB light. We also obtain a small amount from dietary sources –
remember cod liver oil?
We may see fewer people with rickets today, but did you know that low levels of vitamin D are associated with problems of:

  • Poor balance
  • Decreased muscle strength
  • Low mood and depression
  • Cognitive dysfunction

Research has found that having a lower level of Vitamin D is associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

There is a simple blood test available that can determine your level of vitamin D.

how to maintain your brain health and function is vital in today’s busy
and hectic world.  So next time you pay a visit to your GP why not chat
to them about getting your vitamin D level measured. We get our BP, our
weight, cholesterol and wellness checks done, so why not ask your GP to
include a “check up from the neck up” as well?

I’m delighted to advise that the 2nd Edition of Brain Fit is now available and includes a new chapter
that looks at how much sun exposure we really need for our vitamin D
levels, which are the best dietary sources of the vitamin and the
research examining the association of low levels of Vitamin D and risk
of depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 
How are you ensuring you are getting sufficient vitamin D?

You can leave your comments below.

Credit: <a
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