Natural Antidepressants

Low levels of vitamin D are common and there is growing evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to depression. Vitamin D modulates immune responses to infection, including reducing inflammatory markers that are associated with depression. People with vitamin D deficiency had an 85 percent increased risk of depression. Vitamin D deficiency has long been associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Adequate levels of vitamin D are also important for good mental health. A good doctor will order blood work to see if a patient is low on vitamin D before sending him off with a prescription for Prozac. Antidepressants SSRIs are anti-inflammatory, which would explain their mechanism of action if inflammation is a primary driver of depression.

Antidepressants can sometimes cause a wide range of unpleasant side effects, including:

• nausea
• increased appetite and weight gain
• fatigue and drowsiness
• insomnia
• dry mouth
• blurred vision
• constipation
• dizziness
• agitation
• irritability
• anxiety

How To Improve Immune System

Vitamin D has been used to treat infections before the advent of effective antibiotics. Treatment included exposure to sunlight which was thought to directly kill the infection. Cod liver oil, a rich source of vitamin D has also been employed as a increased protection from infections.

People who have low vitamin D levels may have a higher chance of developing influenza. Influenza epidemics occur in the winter, and vitamin D levels are lower in the winter as well. Since influenza is seasonal, it is thought that vitamin D might be a factor that can affect your chances of getting the flu.

This year 10 times the number of Influenza cases reported compared to the 2013-2014 flu season last year.

Only one in ten children, aged six to 15 years, taking the sunshine vitamin in a clinical trial came down with flu. 50 Percent Reduction In Flu Infections Using Vitamin D 

Healthy vitamin D blood levels are between 70 and 90 ng/ml, levels obtained by fewer than 5% of Americans. 

The available evidence is of poor quality and provides no guidance regarding the safety, efficacy or effectiveness of influenza vaccines for people aged 65 years or older.

5 Reasons You Should Take Vitamin D

1. People with lower levels of vitamin D are about 70 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Severely deficient are 120 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Vitamin D improves levels of serotonin, lift your spirits. In a small 1998 study, healthy people given vitamin D supplements during the winter reported greater positive feelings.

3. It is estimated that 30% to 100% of Americans suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

4. Vitamin D-deficient asthmatics 25% more likely to have an asthma attack and Asthma has increased by more than 300 percent over the last two decades

5. Vitamin D improves the immune function and provides a protective shield against cold, flu and pneumonia.