For several years, there has been a theory that vitamin D helps to prevent the flu. Just a few months ago, this theory was confirmed. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that found that school children taking just 1200IU of vitamin D3 had a 42% lower risk of contracting the flu than children taking a placebo.

This theory began many decades ago with the observation that illness prevailed on both sides of the hemisphere at the darkest times of the year. Our bodies naturally create vitamin D when we come into contact with sunlight. At the darkest times of the year when we have less exposure to sunlight, we have our lowest levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency leaves us more susceptible to contracting infectious diseases such as the flu.

Interestingly, vitamin D deficiency also has been linked to asthma, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, prostate and other cancers, increased pregnancy risks, stroke, MS, seasonal affective disorder, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases and disorders that plague our society.

The problem, even here in sunny Colorado when much time is spent outside hiking, biking, skiing, etc., is that we do not expose enough of our skin to sunlight to get adequate amounts of this essential vitamin. Sunscreen, unfortunately, blocks the absorption of vitamin D, and we need an average of 20 minutes a day of unprotected (no sunscreen) sun exposure to the greatest surface area possible (if you can’t think nude, think bare arms and legs!) A nice, glowing tan is ideal, and working your way up to that, slowly and without burning, is the ideal way to maintain adequate vitamin D levels in the summer.

At all other times of the year, or if you wear sunscreen, we really don’t have ample enough exposure to the sun to maintain our Vitamin D levels. Many doctors now are recommending supplemental Vitamin D3 in order to prevent deficiency and to replete those who are already deficient.

While the official swine flu pandemic has ended, swine and other strains of flu will continue to circulate this year. With this new knowledge of the protective benefits of vitamin D against flu, I suggest testing your vitamin D3 levels (25 OH-Vitamin D3 tests are done via saliva or blood spot in my office or by blood draw from your PCP) and supplementing to adequate levels. Dr. Eliza Klearman is a Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist practicing in Eagle. She is a provider for Cofinity Insurance. For more information call 328-5678 or email liza@drklearman.com. Please visit her at www.drklearman.com.

Dr. Bruce’s Awesome Grilled Salmon from Feeding the Whole Family by Cynthia Lair
2 lbs wild salmon filet
Marinade: Mix together in a shallow baking dish: 1/3 tamari or soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp grated ginger, juice of 1 lime, and 4 cloves minced garlic. Marinate salmon for at least one hour.
Light grill to medium heat and place salmon skin side down on grill for about 5 minutes. For fish, you should cook about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. After 5 minutes are up, turn the salmon over, the skin should come off easily at this point. Brush the top with marinade and grill for another 4-7 minutes depending on the thickness of fish.
This is a family favorite served with veggie kabobs: chop veggies of choice (mushrooms, peppers, cherry tomatoes, onions, etc) and put on a kabob stick. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put on grill and cook to desired consistency.