By: Svetlana Pasarić |
Vitamin D deficiency is one of the causes of multiple sclerosis |
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Could it be true that people who suffer from multiple sclerosis need just a little bit of sun? Researchers at the University of Oxford believe so.
In 2006 a study by American Medical Association was published on this topic claiming that large doses of vitamin D may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis.
Now, researchers at Oxford University have confirmed the previous study with new evidence. Moreover, they assume that vitamin D deficiency affects how our body fights infection.
This study confirms that multiple sclerosis is caused by a number of factors, but it is obvious that there is a link between this disease and vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency in developed countries
Today, the phenomenon of vitamin D deficiency is seen everywhere in the world, especially in developing countries that are further north.
It is interesting to note that in these countries the percentage of multiple sclerosis incidents is much higher.
For example, in Scotland the rate of the disease is the highest, while multiple sclerosis is almost unknown in Africa.
However, even in sunny areas people may have a vitamin D deficiency if they are not exposed to enough sunlight.
Is it really so easy - you just need to sunbathe to cure this disease?
Researchers at the University of Oxford suggest that the sun probably will not cure MS, but it can be an excellent measure of prevention of the disease and it could prevent its further progress.
In addition, with the help of vitamin D people with multiple sclerosis can strengthen their immune system.
According to the study, a daily dose of 4.000 to 8.000 IU of vitamin D not only protects against multiple sclerosis, but also from infections, arthritis, some cancers and type 1 diabetes.
Medical journals rarely mention the importance of vitamin D. On the other hand, so much has been written about the harmful UV rays.
But when 90% of the population suffers from a lack of vitamin D, is it not the time to start exposing ourselves to sunlight?
Some interesting facts about vitamin D:
- it is free: our body produces it from the sun rays
- 15 minutes of sunbathing a day is enough for our health
- it is almost impossible to get enoght vitamin D from food
- sunscreens prevent the formation of vitamin D
- calcium absorption in the body depends on vitamin D
If you suffer from multiple sclerosis, start exposing yourself to the sun or taking vitamin D supplements regularly. This will strengthen your immune system and prevent further deterioration of the disease.
That does not mean you have to sit for hours on the scorching sun. It suffices to expose yourself to the sun for 15-30 minutes in the morning or in the evening.
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