Have you heard the latest buzz about vitamin D?    The more I learn, the more astounded I am at all this ordinary supplement can do when it comes to your health!     Groundbreaking new research shows this so-called “super vitamin” is critically important in the prevention of cancer, diabetes, depression and heart disease.   Some studies indicate vitamin D can actually help prolong life!

In the interest of full disclosure, I’m a little late jumping aboard the vitamin D bandwagon.   We’ve heard it all before when other nutrients…such as vitamin E…proved a disappointment after years of studies.  Why should “D” be any different?   Most of know vitamin D’s number one job is regulating calcium and storing it in our bones.    But the benefits go beyond our bones.   It also triggers the genes in our bodies that inhibit cell growth….which may prevent cancer cells from forming.     According to “Fitness” Magazine, women who spend more time outdoors in the sun and drink 10 or more glasses of milk a week when they’re in their teens and twenties have lower rates of breast cancer than women who don’t.   Other research suggests too little “D” can increase the risk of colon, ovarian and breast cancers.   And there’s more!   The vitamin also regulates the activity of the immune system’s cells…helping ward off infections and protect against such autoimmune disorders as lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.   And if that’s not enough….perhaps the fact that vitamin D helps prevent inflammation in the body will convince you.  Why is that important?   Inflammation has been linked to heart disease and it regulates blood pressure.

Now the bad news.   According to the Office of Dietary Supplements in Washington D.C…. nearly 80 percent of Americans don’t have the amount of vitamin D necessary for good health.  One third of the population…mostly women….fails to meet even the current minimum.   As many as half of young adults are low in “D,” putting them at risk for developing a rare bone disorder called osteomalacia.

The good news?   It’s easy to bump those vitamin D levels right where they need to be.   Many health experts believe supplements  are the best way to boost those vitamin stores….but several food sources can also do it for you.     Add a little salmon,…canned tuna in oil…fortified milk….fortified cereal and eggs (with the yolks, please!) to your diet and you’ll be well on your way.     And finally….harness the power of the sun!    Go outside 5 to 30 minutes at least twice a week….when the sun’s shining!   In fact, (and don’t tell my dermatologist!) you need to skip the sunscreen and go out when the sun is at it’s highest…between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.    (Of course, if you plan to be outside longer than 30 minutes…get the SPF 30 and cover up!)   But the sun is key to the production of vitamin D.   For those of us who live in the southland…this should be no effort at all.

So, if you’re suffering from any combination of symptoms…ranging from headaches, backaches and stomach pain…to fatigue and bouts of colds or pneumonia…..load up on “D.”   And you may want to “mega-dose.  Studies show your multivitamin may not be enough.    Most multis supply 200-400 IU of “D” a day.   If you’re low…you may need to bump it to 1,700 IU a day.   

How do you know if you’re low on “D?”   Ask your doctor for a simple  vitmain D blood test.    An extra dose of “D” and a little time under the sun…may be just what you need to feel your best!!

Nearly half of all adults  made new year’s resolutions to lose weight, start exercising or break unhealthy habits.     Unfortunately, 90 percent of all health and fitness-related resolutions are broken by January 15.   Since today is only the 12th….there’s still time to succeed!   I wanted to pass along some information on a local program that might just help you stay on track.

We’ve all heard about detox diets that can miraculously shed five to ten pounds in seven days.   It’s hard to resist the urge to give them a try.  Detoxing… in fact…. has become one of the hottest and fastest-growing health trends due, in part, to the celebrity endorsements of stars such as Gwenyth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Beyonce.   They’ve all been on some form of detox diet to prepare for movie roles.

That said…many nutritionists advise against these rapid weight loss plans because they can be harmful.   Many of the diet plans are….in effect…”starvation diets.”  One popular plan says dieters may drink only one shake a day.  The concoction is made of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and laxative tea.  One shake a day for 10 days straight!  Of course you lose weight!   Duh! The laxative tea alone would do the job!  But it won’t last.

The good folks at Henry’s Farmers Market have come up with a healthy twist on the detox idea.   Henry’s nutritionist Janet Little has devised a six-week  “Whole Body Rehab” plan that focuses on slowly incorporating good ffods and eating habits into your diet to help your boday naturally cleanse.  It’s a safe way to jump-start the life style makeover process that can help you lose 5-10 pounds while also teaching you to re-think how you treat your body on a daily basis.   The goal is to help you turn your resolution into a long-lasting lifestyle change.  Plus, according to Janet…after the 6-week New Year’s plan…you’ll be sure to look good just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Henry’s officially kicked off the program January 5….but you can begin any time with Janet’s eating schedule, shopping list and recipes written out for you.   (http://www.henrysmarkets.com/h/Whole_Body_Rehab/.   Henry’s has also created a social media network for Whole Body Rehabers on SparkPeople.com.  Free of charge, anyone can join Henry’s team at their convenience where members can find extra tips on the program….while getting support from other Whole Body Rehabers.  Members blog about their individual experiences whith the program and ask questions directly to each other or to Janet.

Week One started last week with a three-day organic apple detox drink to cleanse toxins from the body.  After the first three days, healthy foods are brought back into your diet.    Each week has healthy tips on everything from drinking coffee….to exercise ….to vegetable and fruit flexibility!  

If your goal is to detox and lose some weight in a healthy way….I encourage to explore programs such as the Body Rehab plan at Henry’s.   Get your advice from an expert like Janet.  Try a gimmicky plan and you’ll lose weight initially….but you risk damaging your health and setting yourself up for failure when you return to your old health habits.     Make 2009 your healthiest year ever…by doing it right!