Discover the intriguing connection between vitamin D and cortisol. Chronic stress reduces vitamin D absorption. Stress utilizes cholesterol to produce more cortisol than vitamin D. To counter this, increase both vitamin D and cholesterol intake. Balancing vitamin D and cortisol can be achieved through various methods including getting more sun, consuming magnesium, zinc, adaptogens, and sea salt, exercising, having quality sleep, and taking AHCC. This podcast explores the relationship between vitamin D, cortisol, inflammation, and autoimmune conditions, providing valuable tips to improve overall health.
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Quick takeaways
Chronic stress reduces vitamin D absorption, leading to lower vitamin D levels.
Stress can weaken the immune system and serve as a trigger for autoimmune diseases.
Deep dives
Stress reduces absorption and production of vitamin D
Chronic stress leads to decreased absorption of vitamin D in the gut, resulting in lower vitamin D levels. Additionally, the building block for both vitamin D and the stress hormone cortisol is cholesterol. Under stress, cholesterol is allocated towards cortisol production, leading to a decrease in vitamin D. This correlation explains why individuals with high stress often have low vitamin D levels.
Stress weakens the immune system and triggers autoimmune diseases
Stress, particularly chronic stress, can weaken the immune system by lowering white blood cell count, making individuals more susceptible to infections, especially viral infections. Moreover, high stress levels can serve as a trigger for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's, Graves disease, and type 1 diabetes. Treatment for these autoimmune conditions often involves using prednisone, a synthetic form of cortisol.
Impact of stress and other factors on vitamin D absorption
Various factors can impact vitamin D absorption, including genetic barriers, age, skin tone, and insulin resistance. These factors, along with high cortisol and low vitamin D levels, contribute to an increased risk of inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and even type 2 diabetes. Consuming higher amounts of vitamin D, optimizing levels of magnesium, zinc, and cholesterol, incorporating adaptogens, exercising, prioritizing quality sleep, and managing sodium intake can all help to counter the effects of stress on cortisol and vitamin D levels.
Let’s talk about the interesting relationship between vitamin D and cortisol.
When you’re under chronic stress, vitamin D is less absorbed in your gut.
The building block for vitamin D is the same building block for cortisol. That building block is cholesterol. But, when you go through stress, your cholesterol is used to build more cortisol than vitamin D.
However, you need plenty of vitamin D when you go through stress. Many people aren’t getting the vitamin D they need. The more stress someone has, the more vitamin D they need.
In my opinion, the solution isn’t just increasing vitamin D but also cholesterol—making sure you have plenty of fat in your diet.