This article is sponsored by HealthTexas.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and one controllable way you can prevent cancer is to make sure you have enough Vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency can really impact other areas of your health, according to HealthTexas founder Dr. Rowland Reyna.
Vitamin D is found in milk, orange juice, salmon, tuna and some brands of yogurt.
We have some answers to your Vitamin D deficiency questions.
How common is Vitamin D deficiency?
"Probably 95 to 98 % of all Americans have this," said Reyna. "What happens is that you cut the risk of 18 different cancers in half. By taking something that costs pennies a day, you can cut the risk of breast cancer in half. You cut the risk of heart attack and stroke by 40 % and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. These are the things that people die of every day."
What are the risks of Vitamin D deficiency?
- 40% higher risk of heart disease and stroke
- 50% increased risk of 18 different cancers
- Higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease
- Higher incidence of osteoporosis
- Higher incidence of diabetes
- Increased obesity
What are the optimal levels of Vitamin D?
To cut your risk of heart disease, an optimal level is 55 ng/mL. Dr. Reyna recommends getting to a 70 ng/mL or 80 ng/mL to reduce your cancer risk.
What is the best way to optimize Vitamin D levels?
"Just take a supplement. It's easy, cheap and safe," Reyna said.
For more information, visit healthtexas.org or call 210-731-HTMG.