You may already know that Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium and magnesium, both essential to maintaining strong and healthy bones and living happily without the fear of fractures.
But what is surprising is that scientists agree that dietary sources (like food and supplements) account for very little of the amount of D circulating in our blood.
So where can we get all the Vitamin D we need?
Time to let the sunshine in… Studies have shown that sunlight is an excellent natural source of Vitamin D3, the best form of Vitamin D, also known as Cholecalciferol.
What’s unique about Vitamin D3 is that with the help of the sun, our own bodies can produce it! How beautiful… think about this: we can build healthier bones while our bodies – hand in hand with Mother Nature – do all the work for us.
And as if the Vitamin D benefit wouldn’t be enough, you’ll be happy to know that sunlight triggers an increase in the feel-good brain chemical Serotonin. This neurotransmitter controls sleep patterns, body temperature, our sex drive, and also lifts our mood and wards off depression. No wonder we all have fun in the sun!
Spending just 20 minutes or so a few days a week in the sun, without sunscreen, can provide you with a healthy amount of Vitamin D3, that will help you build stronger bones and improve your mood as well.
It’s important to remember that the fairer your skin the less direct exposure is needed to activate Vitamin D synthesis. For people with very fair skin, just a short burst of sunshine on their skin would also be enough.
And if you’re afraid of the risks of going out to the sun without sunscreen lotion, just remember that the benefits of the moderate sun exposure outweigh the risks.
So go out and enjoy… Oh, and don’t forget to smile.
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January 30, 2012
Love getting sunshine,and also to smile. But now have smile lines. Better than frown lines I guess.
December 27, 2011
It is an excellent piece of article being circulated free of cost to mankind by generous person whom god will appreciate and bless him with all necessary knowledge and prosperity.I am foloowing this advice and get benefitted
October 24, 2011
Hi Vivian. Thanks for the great articles. I am assuming that the skin has to be uncovered to get the benefits of the sun. That is hard in polite society, but I am going to try getting out a little more. I have a question about barley because I eat raw. First will they sprout. I am going to try. And second, what do you know about something called Japanese Hato Mugi, Jobs Tears, also sometimes called Pearl Barley…not pearled, but pearl. It is my favorite grain of all time. Half and half cooked with Short Brown Rice is a wonderful dish. I got mine at Gold Mine Natural Food Co. I am going to try to sprout them and some sproutable Brown Rice, but would like to know more abt the food values. Love your site. Thanks Lynn
October 23, 2011
Although I appreciate the information regarding osteoporosis I feel once the diagnosis is made there is nothing really that helps. I have ostoarthritis and osteoporosis both and I know that life will not get any better. I have been told to take the medication and I won’t because of the information I have researched. It is a situation where one is between a rock and a hard place literally.
September 29, 2011
please connect with me — Drs. are trying to get me to take Forteo injectable — and I have various health issues — lst being Multiple sclerosis, healing from compressed spinal fractures from 2009, age 68, bone mineral was fine in 2008 – and had emergency open neck femur fracture – right hip — partial hip eplacement — emergency surgery 3 yrs ago – from severe fall in home onto Pergo floor – not from osteoporosis — also had bone scan last July 20120 and MRI – 20l0 – showing some bone loss- and this July 2011 – shows more bone loss and osteoporosis in arms — had dexascan — what choices do I have — I feel like I am in a Catch 22 – have lost l/2 inch height since last July 2010. saw gyno/ob — yesterday — and I have hiatel hernia condition for many years — never took Fosomax or Boniva or Actonel — I also have thyroid disease and take SSRI’s antidepressant and antacid – for a long time — and understand
(learned recently) that they cause bone loss — I never took hormones either — as I have
had two breast biopsies — drs. tried to get me to take them years ago — I am ambulatory -
and r/r ms and diagnosed Oct. l998.
I was given a disc and boo regardinf Forteo and to read about it andf have a
meeting with endocrinolgist Oct. l9 – to discuss bones and medications. I also hae a cardiologst since last Year Sept. 2010 and have b/p issues. first was high b/p now low -
and balanced and have edema – which is better now — I am afraid to go on any drugs. — and need input – and to find out more about whad could happen tome re: osteoporosis.
vivian golding ——-thank you
June 19, 2011
I found your article about Vitamin D and sunshine very interesting however, you do not mention that some of us who get plenty of sunshine can still have a major vitamin D deficiency. I’m wondering if some of us have absorption issues and what those issues could be in preventing sunshine from helping our bones. Any thoughts?
June 18, 2011
so pleased to get your e-mails again. my
e-mail address has been changed (as shown above) so thank you very much for all your
input. I refer to your book so often!
June 9, 2011
I have done it already
May 30, 2011
IS THERE A NATURAL METHOD/FOOD/FOOD GROUP TO INCREASE RBC & WBC WHEN THEY ARE LOW (THUS HEMOGLOBININ IN BONE MARROW IS LOW & LOW ENOUGH TO WARRANT BLOOD TRANSFUSION TO GET IT UP. )
SO WHT FOODS & WHAT HUGH INCREASE OF QUANTITY IS NEEDED?
THXS.
May 6, 2011
can’t find the answers to any of these questions!
May 3, 2011
OK I get that milk is bad. So how come it’s okay to have yougurt?
March 26, 2011
Thanks for all of the great info. Your book and e mails have saved me from all of the stress since learning of my osteopenia. I’ve sent for a Yoga and Tai Chi DVD, too.
Chapter 14! Yeah!
January 5, 2011
If you live in the north east and have very little sun this time of year can you use the light lamps which are suppose to help your mood? Not those that are for tans.
November 24, 2010
Hi,
I am 41 years age and was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my shoulders, wrists and thumb joints. It is very painful and has effected my quality of life. I understand that the cartilage in these joints has deteriorated and the resulting inflammation is manifest in the pain I feel. I need help!!! Are there any proven studies out there on rebuilding this cartilage? Is is even possible or is the situation hopeless?
May 31, 2011
HI HELEN, I’VE BEEN TLD THAT BONE MARROW SOUP ,GOOD SUPPLEMENTATION,ALONG W/ PROD. CALLED CHLOROXYGEN TO NAME SOME BENEFICIAL ITEMS, IS HELPFUL.
November 27, 2010
Hi Evelyn,
I’m sorry, but I’m currently focusing all of my energies on my research into bone health issues. For now, I don’t have the resources to address other health concerns.
November 13, 2010
After reading todays message, I am guessing that Vivian lives in California(: Those of us who live in the northern hemisphere do not get adequate amounts of sun to provide the Vitamin D that we need for healthy bones, so I think supplements are necessary (unfortunately). I wish that we could do it all naturally.
March 16, 2011
I live upstate NY, where it’s cold and cloudy. I’ve read that some good sunshine penetrates the clouds and will do us some good. Cheer up, more sunny weather is coming. For now don’t use sunscreen on your face for 15 minutes. Go out doors, take some deep breaths and smile.
June 22, 2011
I live in Salem Or, I take 5,000 of D through the day, I get my sunshine when it is out and can. Love to walk when the sun is coming up.
Vivian is so correct..feed the body the nutrition natually it needs and it will heel itself. Drugs create lots of issues Vivian is so correct…when I hear her talk of the side effects of drugs why would one do take them??
Sooner or later, your health WILL become a priority in your life.
The sooner YOU CHOOSE to MAKE it a priority, the less the chance that a MEDICAL CRISIS makes it your ONLY PRIORITY.
October 19, 2010
just received the book. Time to read now. I have been on Fosamax, evista and actonel. have had breast and ovarian cancer . Would like to get off the medication I have taken for ten years.
October 7, 2010
I do enjoy reading over all the questions but hope the answers will pop up too! One or two have mentioned the cost, but I understand the hours and hours of research that Vivian has been put in, I personally feel so grateful that I now do not have to take the drugs that I was never happy about from the start.
October 3, 2010
i cant sit in sun to longas i take prickle heat its a night mare once it starts to come out .just cant stop scrating its terrible ive even got sun cream to put on factor 50 sunsence does help a little .
September 30, 2010
Thank you so much for great information about the vitamin D3. I have a sensitive skin which reacts to sun exposure. I am using 4000 mg per day vitamin D3 from fish oil. Please let me know if I should continue this to prevent osteoporosis.
Sincerely
Mina
September 23, 2010
First, thank you Vivian for the opportunity to read what others are going through. At least we know we’re not alone in this. I was diagnosed at age 52 with Osteoporosis.My Dr said she’s never seen it this bad in someone so young; gave me a perscription for Actinol and sent me on my way. Days later I got so ill, my bones and muscles were in so much pain I couldn’t sit or lay down for almost 4 days. I went to the Dr. thinking it was the flu but turned out to be the Actinol. I stopped taking the drug. 2 years later at age 54 I broke my foot. I had another bone denisty test and I deteriorated by 4%. My Dr wants me to go on “Prolia.” I’m so scared….I don’t trust the drug but I don’t want my bones to continue to weaken. I take 2000iu of D3 each day and 1000-1500mg of Calcium. I try to eat healthy and for exercise I walk, ride a bicycle and treadmill. Has anyone had any experience with Prolia? Vivian, is Prolia an improvement over the former drugs?
Thank you!
Best,
Gloria
October 5, 2010
This drug was also recommended to me; however prolia was just approved for this use in the last 6 months. For this reason, I would wait at least another 6 months before I would even consider taking it.
September 7, 2010
Hello, I’m curently taking vitamin D3 supplement daily- will this help through the winter months?
August 27, 2010
I would love to read the answers to some of these questions…how do we do that?
March 6, 2011
Where are the replys to the listed questions?
September 11, 2010
I have unexpected fracures in the ribs from taking Actonel. I have stopped taking them now but have been told that it will be years before my bones are healthy, if ever. I have started on my Alkaline diet and have a good herbalist overseeing it but is there anything else I can do to speed up the bone regeneration.
August 27, 2010
i just had a question on the literal BOOK. I got my order and the book is soft cover and size of a magazine, doesnt look like the hard bound book you show in the ad at all!
September 6, 2010
Dear Vivian!
As the comment above, that Book is soft cover and size of a magazine, isn”that an odd case and the book is over charged in double???
No wonder I did feel, there was something wrong, that way I don”t want to buy it, I was right writing there is something spooky. I really do need an explanation for this case Vivian. From $67.00 to 134.00, Just forget about it. You might say others did not complain, because they did”t notes and don”t know the differences and they don”t know what to do with the money.I am
Sorry, I personally do notice of everything and for sure would not waste
my money for anything. Vivian I am sorry, if you think I am rude.
Thank you.
With regards and all the best.
Zoya.
my money for a such thing.
July 27, 2010
Hi – I have been advised to take Aldronate as my bones may deteriorate due to Letrozole for breast cancer. Has anyone out there tried to keep their bones strong using natural alternatives?
I also take Adval D3 plus magnesium and try to eat a very healthy diet. I always have done this but I still succumbed to Breast cancer and ovarian cancer!!
Would be grateful to hear from anyone in a similar position to me?
Thanks
October 19, 2010
i had breast and ovarian cancer also. The ovarian in 89 the breast in 93. still here but take Actonel weekly, try to eat healthy and walk. find i am fighting depression a lot…i wonder if there is a link?
July 26, 2010
I am taking Letrozole after Breast Cancer and am now advised to start taking Fosemax. My bones haven’t deteriorated too much in the two and half years of taking this drug. I take Adcal D3 and magnesium – also another D3 separately.
Has anyone else out there managed to keep their bones healthily ‘naturally’ rather than resorting to biophosphates while on anastrole inhibitors?
Would appreciate feedback. Many thanks
July 6, 2010
i don;t know what i have i feel great. when i visit the Dr for an ear problem i have all he seems to want to do is get me on some sort of medication. i am 71 and only take vitamin b1 & b6 which i have taken for 40 years.I feel really well except for somw arthritus which plays up when the weather changes.I will not be bullied into taking tablets i feel i dont need.Lipitor nearly killed me.
July 5, 2010
Vivian:
love your e-mails & all the information. Have
taken Fosamax & Actonel. The actonel made me
very dizzy & I reported this to my doctor but
he did nothing about it. Unfortunately one morning when I was in the shower I fell & broke
my tailbone. This has given me much back pain
June 24, 2010
Unfortunately, some of us cannot take this advice since several [of my] medications specifically state that direct sunlight is to be avoided. So, I have to try and get prevent deficiency by using a large dose of Vitamin D supplement.
June 5, 2010
Vivian,
I received your book and have scanned through most of it within a few days. I was happy to see all of the info. on vitamins, diet, exercise, etc. that we can do to help improve our bones naturally since I was very reluctant to take any of the medicines prescribed for bone loss due to severe side effects. I was on one of the medications (Actonel) but only for a couple of months when I stopped taking it because I was afraid that it was making my gerd/acid refulx worse. The only item that I was somewhat disappointed about was the diet plan. Although it seems that you make excellent suggestions about eating lots of vegetables and fruits, etc. and the correlation between alkaline/acid foods, it seems that it will be extremely difficult to follow this type of diet on a regular basis. I have been able to incorporate several of your suggestions by eating more vegetables, fruits, almonds, drinking less sodas, not drinking milk, etc. and eating more foods on the alkaline list while reducing others. However, I don’t feel that I will be able to realistically expect to have a diet that is 80/20 or even 70/30 without having to give up so many foods that I love. I don’t eat a lot of meat, but I do enjoy pasta, cereal, breads, wine, and a variety of other foods/drinks. Anyway, I’m hoping that making some changes in my diet will still be beneficial to my bones and health in general and using some of your other suggestions.
I have one major concern regarding the Nexium that I take and have taken for several years. I am 57 years old and have had three bone density tests. The last one I had after menopause showed that I have osteopina due to bone loss especially in my hip. I’m very concerned about taking the Nexium but I have gerd and heartburn which I’ve had for many years. The Nexium keeps them both under control but I take 20 mg a day. I tried to get off of the Nexium about a year ago when I read about many of the side effects but had a severe reaction: very serious heartburn and Gerd even with controlling my diet, and a bad case of diarrhea. However, I had also started taking a different organic calcuium/bone supplement, digestion enzymes, etc. at that same time which I believe contributed to the problem of diarrhea. I went off of those pills and went back on the Nexium after suffering for over a week and the problems went away. Do you have any suggestions about how to get off of Nexium without causing other serious health problems? I’m very concerned about being able to eat without constant hearburn and worry about the dangers of cancer of the esophagus if I stop taking Nexium. I do take a multi-vitamin, Oscal calcium (1000 mg), vitamin D, flaxseed and magnesium every day. Thanks much in advance for your help and thanks for your book and all your help. Linda
June 6, 2010
First of all, I recommend you change your doctor. Let me see… you have GERD and heartburn for “many years” (I’m quoting you) and you were prescribed Actonel for OSTEOPENIA?
Secondly, even if you follow some of the recommendations in the Save Our Bones Program you should see positive results. Nobody is perfect, so start and go easy… You’ll see that as you reduce consumption of foods that you now love, the cravings will go away. That’s part of the allergy/addiction process (allergy not in the sense of sneezing, etc. but in the sense of an unhealthy reaction in the body). We are created for health, not disease, and as your body recognizes it’s getting healthier, it’ll be easier as each day passes to make the right food choices.
And that leads me to the third point: as you balance your pH, chances are your GERD and heartburn will start fading away. Many in the Save Our Bones community have experienced that (including me!) and don’t need to take PPIs. So maybe sooner than later, no more purple pill for you
June 5, 2010
I was in the same boat a couple of years ago in regard to the nexium & how stop taking them. I then heard about “active manuka honey” & starting to cut back on the nexium & added a couple of teaspoons of the manuka honey daily. In a couple of weeks I was able to eliminate the nexium all together. Hope this helps
May 20, 2010
I am taking 50,000 i.u of vit d once a month and supposs to be taking actenel but decided not to. also taking esorb, just started with esorb. What is your opinion on taking these two vitamins together also taking a great multi vitamin with this.
May 25, 2010
I would like to know your answer to this.
May 4, 2010
I enjoy the natural approach on Women’s health, especially when it comes to the choices we have naturally for our bones…I have felt this for years and as you say …try to convince your doctor….my doctor is working with me on a vitamin regime now for which I am grateful…I am noticing good results and am so encouraged with your e-mails.
May 20, 2010
how many mg of calium and vitiamin d do i need i have osteopenia age 44?
May 1, 2010
Vivian,
QUESTION TO YOU: What is the difference between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3?
I don’t quite understand your posting on Vitamin D and sunshine. You say that people receive little vitamin D through their nutrition so it is critical to get vitamin D3 exposure to sunlight.
However Vitamin D3 supplements are available in pharmacies everywhere. If D3 is what we need, wouldn’t D3 supplements provide that?
July 27, 2010
is vitamin d3 better than just d? what about Glucosamine Chrondroitin for joints and cartilage??
Learned a lot from you; I’m going on the Forteo treatment soon and I have had ballon kyphoplasty on 2 vertabrae. My osteoporosis startd months after my dr. put me on blood pressure meds. First I got a sever ase of Lichen Planus, then my fracture problems in my back;I’m 77 and was in excellent physical condition before. Regards, W
May 1, 2010
I live in Gibraltar where there is usually plenty of sunshine and therefore a great feeling of being alive and healthy even when you might be suffering pain. I find the warm weather is very important to feel good!
April 22, 2010
Vivian,
I’m taking vitamin D3-5000I.U. 3 times a week.Is that safe??? How toxic is Vitamin D3? I love to hear from you on that. Thank you so much. You have my email.Best wishes.
April 17, 2010
yeah your totally right everybody should keep their bones heathy and strong cause it is important to stay fit and look heathy soo drink milk and don’t drink pop hat is BAD for your heath
If you want to look heathy choose foods that will satisfy you and your tummy to help you feel great and look great at the same time or just go on the Jenny Grage thingy
Dannah
April 11, 2010
Jess, I agree with you completely. I already had skin cancer removed 3 times on my face. Only one of the times, thankfully it left a scar. Go outside early or late in the day. Be careful. Good Luck Jess.
April 8, 2010
This advicfe isn’t too useful in Uk where there isn’t any sun for 6 months of the year!
April 5, 2010
I am a 70 year old UK male and have been advised by my doctor to keep out of the sun, and wear a hat and sufficient clothing to keep the sun from my skin. In the past I have had small sun-induced growths removed from my skin. So it’s quite a dilemma knowing what to do. But thanks Vivian
April 4, 2010
wow to think, the sun can be a good thing. Many times I’m a night person, but I love the Summer. It’s the time I don’t have wear all that junk. I know all that stuff protects you from the cold, so when Summer hits I walk around more freely. So again thanks for the info. May God Bless you always!
April 1, 2010
My daughter and I are sharing the material and
anxiously awaiting arrival of your book. I have decided much to the distress of my Dr., that I am not going to take anymore of the
medications they are pushing for osteoprosis.
Hope by following your plan that I can gain
healthier bones.
Madelyn
March 28, 2010
Hi Thank you so much for your information, I
have been having injections for Vit.B 12.&
D. as I am low on both,but I realize that I too need to get out into the sun more and get
dose of Vitamin D.
I have got ostoperious and have had broken bones and back operations, so your infomation
is becoming most useful. Thank you so much.
Lea.
March 26, 2010
I do like your information and find it most helpful
March 19, 2010
The only part of me that ever sees the sun is my face and hands though – is this enough skin exposure to make a difference? Also, maybe you should warn people not to present themselves without sunscreen during the hottest, most damaging part of the day. All I have ringing in my ears is “don’t go out without sunscreen protection – the sun causes damage”. But I will go unprotected first thing in the morning and late afternoon.
March 12, 2010
i am waiting for the book.i am on vegetables,steamed as well as fruits using them as a fruit salad.i came off of milk and i am using pure almond silk and fruit juices.i use vitamin d 50,000iu,citrical,magnesium,a
vitamin and mineral tab. which is complete 50+ialso get which i think is plenty of sun now how ever i worked inside most of my life. i do have osteoprosis,leukemia where i got a lot of cotisone,asthma mild but got some cortisone there.i have a low igg level so am getting IVIG every month ,this is a compromised immuine system.i just got over a bout of shingles that got into the brain before the were diagnosed,and i had more cortisone there.do not use any of these things because i have,let vivian guide you through,thats why i needed the program because i need help. i have too many things to deal with. i refused to take actonel but i am hoping to get my bones built back up naturally.
March 10, 2010
V,
How do you feel about chromium picolinate?
March 10, 2010
I think Vivian is very knowledgable and informative, and i must say very comforting for me, I have just come from my yearly checkup from Professor here at the hospital, I did all the blood tests, urine test, and of course the xray, as i walked in i was very nervous indeed, he looked at the xrays and tried to explain to me all the scientific explanations of this condition, however i did not understand any of it, he has put me on D and double the calcium, but he is awaiting further results of the blood test, to which he asked me to call him in 3 weeks for results, I am very anxious and nervous to hear what he will say, after reading all your literature i definatley do not want to go on any medication, but do not know what i will do if he tell me to, I am asthmatic and have spent a life time on cortisones, and i believe that is why at my age i am in this situation, I will eventually get your material, thank you linda
March 8, 2010
Hi Vivian: thanks for the e-mail, keeping me informed, I read my Book real often to make sure I am doing things right. Spring is just around the corner, the SUN is hot + shining bright today, stll too cool to get out doors, my walking is not very good, I use a walker around the house most of the time. Thank you so much.
M. Wilkins
March 6, 2010
NEVER spend anytime in direct sun without sunscreen. Even with sunscreen, you’ll get sun exposure. It’s screen, not block. But direct rays of both types is dangerous. One doesn’t need to forgo the use of sunscreen to get benefits of sun to stimulate vit. D. Remember, skin cancer from the sun is the leading form of cancer.
March 19, 2010
Agree with you wholeheartedly.
March 4, 2010
Yes, I totally agree with the sun in small amts is the best chance to get healthy contributing vit. D. My concern being down the road what effects are the sunscreens used on little children going to have on their health?
May 3, 2010
Just read an article on bone density and how good Faximax and the rest o rest of the drugs are in building bone they know about the biophosaphates. They still claim that the osteoblast can occur when taking these drugs. Am I missing something here? Awaiting your replay
March 2, 2010
Thank you for the information. I will try to get a little sunshine each day. I have polio and walking is difficult. Sitting in the sun will get easier when the weather warms up.