Low Vitamin D = Slow Metabolism

Low Vitamin D = Slow Metabolism

Probably the most deficient "vitamin" in the world is vitamin D.  Now the most surprising fact is vitamin D is NOT a vitamin.  It is actually a hormone.  Hormone D is a signaling hormone.  It signals winter is coming or spring is here. When our skin is exposed to sunshine our body produces hormone D.  In order to get adequate hormone D we would need to be in the sun midday for at least 20 minutes.  We would need to be exposing most all of our skin (as in wearing a bikini) and we would NOT be wearing sunscreen (since sunscreen blocks the absorption of sun). We would need to do this on a daily basis in order to maintain adequate levels of hormone D.  With that said, no wonder there is a world wide deficiency.  We just don't get enough sun exposure to signal adequate hormone D production.

For the moment, consider yourself a prehistoric man.  Although our world has changed very rapidly, our genetic make up hasn't changed much since the time we were hunters and gatherers.  When we were tied to the growing seasons of our earth, vitamin/hormone D levels signaled the change of season and the availability of food. 

When your body fails to get adequate sun exposure and your vitamin/hormone D levels are low, it signals winter is coming.  When your body knows winter is coming it begins to prepare itself for survival.  Food is likely to be scarce so the body responds by conserving energy.  It slows metabolism which makes you less energetic.  It turns down the immune system which makes you more vulnerable to colds and viruses such as the flu.  The body opts to not repair minor injuries or problems.   Depression and lethargy are also common when vitamin/hormone D levels are low.  Your body is in survival mode so the less energy you expend the better. 

When your body does get adequate sun exposure or you take a supplement of vitamin/ hormone D, the body responds to this increased hormone level by turning up it's metabolism.  You see when spring is here, the body doesn't need to conserve calories because food is plentiful.  Your metabolism is turned up and you suddenly feel more energetic.  Your body begins to repair all the minor aches and pains that it couldn't afford to do during the winter months.  Your immune system goes into full swing and are less likely to get  sick.  Your mood improves and you begin to take on more projects.

The problem with our health is we don't spend nearly enough time outside to maintain adequate levels of vitamin/hormone D.  Most people are deficient and have been for many years.  Living in a chronic state of "winter is coming"  puts the body in a very vulnerable position.   Since we have solved the whole winter food scarcity issue, that leaves us with a slow metabolism, poor immune function, low energy levels, lots of aches and pains, and excess weight! 

Probably the most important step you can take to jump start weight loss and improve your health, is by maintaining adequate vitamin/hormone D levels.  Finding out your vitamin/hormone D levels requires a blood test that your doctor can order, though very few doctors do this routinely.  You may need to insist he/she order this blood test, and unfortunately you may need to pay for it out of pocket, at least the first time.  Once you have low vitamin/hormone D levels documented, your insurance may pay for future testing.