Health Hotline Magazine | March 2025

#4. Defend Whole Body Health: Vitamin D Vitamin D, much like magnesium, is a nutrient that plays a role in almost all aspects of health, and as mentioned already, is a nutrient that we continue to fall woefully short on. Vitamin D is unique in the nutrient world in that it is the only vitamin made in the human body from exposure to sunlight, specifically from UVB rays—our bodies evolved based on a need for high levels of vitamin D for normal growth and optimal health. There are thousands of vitamin D receptors throughout the body, and vitamin D directly influences hundreds of genes, including those associated with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes, and Crohn’s disease, as well as genes related to cancer, immune function, stress response, and DNA repair. In one study, researchers concluded that, “Our data suggest that any improvement in vitamin D status will significantly affect expression of genes that have a wide variety of biologic functions of more than 160 pathways linked to cancer, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease which have been associated with vitamin D deficiency.” Optimal levels of vitamin D are crucial for immune function, bone and muscle health, brain and cognitive health, blood sugar balance, mitochondrial and cardiovascular health, and more. It really is the nutrient that does it all. Most experts believe that vitamin D levels between 40 and 60 ng/mL will best support whole-body health and many health care practitioners routinely recommend 5,000 IUs of vitamin D3 daily to achieve those levels.

#5. Make it Your Own: Super Nutrients Now that you’ve got the basics down, here’s the fun part! There’s a whole world of dietary supplements that run the gamut from liver health to heart health to blood sugar support to sports nutrition. We call these health-specific supplements the “super nutrients.” This is where you consider your individual needs and create your own toolbox. Is your liver sluggish and in need of a little extra love? Milk thistle is your BFF! Blood sugar out of whack? You may want to consider alpha lipoic acid to support healthy blood sugar balance. Are you a fitness fanatic looking to up your game? Try beetroot, MCT oil, and cordyceps for endurance, energy, and stamina. Probiotics are beneficial for everyone, but especially for those dealing with gut issues, and lutein is a must for protecting our peepers from blue light and keeping our brains sharp at every age. To help you decide which of the super nutrients will best help you reach your health goal(s), set up a free health coaching session with a Nutritional Health Coach (NHC) at your local Natural Grocers to help guide you down the path to your best health.

A Note on Quality Supplements have become one of the backbones of a modern wellness routine and you can find them at just about any big box store, grocery store, and from online retailers. But buyer beware. There are unscrupulous companies out there that sell supplements that are of poor quality or contain ingredients that they shouldn’t (or don’t contain what they say they do!). This is especially rampant online. Buying your supplements from Natural Grocers ensures you are always getting the highest quality dietary supplements without questionable fillers and other problematic ingredients. Everything on the shelves has gone through a rigorous screening process by quality standards experts and comply with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices. We also periodically conduct independent lab testing to ensure that the quality and potencies stated on the levels are accurate. And even better? You will always find in-the-know, real-life good4u Crew ready to answer any questions you have!

For references, please visit naturalgrocers.com/issue-92

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