What is a supplement?

With the arrival of omicron, the latest variant of covid19, we are reminded yet again how important it is to keep our immune system strong. We have previously discussed the advantages of high quality animal protein to strengthen our immune system – especially whey protein isolate (JDD Protein) with its powerful lactoferrin component. In this Coach’s Corner I want to share another addition to your immune boosting toolbox: sunshine vitamin D3. 

What is a supplement? Benefits of Vitamin D3
Continuing with our theme of a stronger, more robust immune system, a crucial ingredient is vitamin D. In fact, as you may already know, low levels of vitamin D is one of the key factors along with obesity and diabetes of those who get sick and die of covid19. 

Supplements are not substitutes. No matter how high quality your supplements are, they are no substitute for the essentials: pure water, high quality animal protein, healthy fat, leafy greens, full body aerobic exercise, and sound sleep.

That said, once we satisfy our essentials, then high quality supplements can significantly enhance our health and performance. Case in point. We all need sunshine so our body can produce vitamin D. Some people can tolerate and actually need dramatically more sunshine than others. Pale Irish guys like me can not handle very much sun. But I was an All-American swimmer, taught swimming, and was a lifeguard. I am still paying for that over exposure to sun and see my dermatologist every 3 months. But I still need the benefits of vitamin D. So what can I do?

That’s the beauty of high quality supplements. I can stay safe and still get the tremendous benefits of vitamin D as if I were brown as a berry soaking up hours of sun every day. I take a supplement called vitamin D3. Why is vitamin D so important? Vitamin D is a multi-purpose vitamin. Just a few of the benefits of optimal levels of vitamin D are: builds strong healthy bones, boosts your immune system, lowers inflammation, helps prevent depression, and sharpens your brain. 

How do we know if we are getting enough vitamin D?

As part of a comprehensive Male or Female blood panel, the level of vitamin D in your blood is measured. Most Americans have vitamin D blood levels of less than 20. This a one reason Americans have been so vulnerable to covid19. We want a blood level over 50 and closer to 100 is even better. 

How can we guarantee our blood level of vitamin D is good or better yet, excellent? Take vitamin D3 capsules every day with your morning JDD shake. Vitamin D3 is a fat soluble vitamin and comes in small round capsules of 7,000 iu (international units). I take 2 capsules or 14,000 iu of vitamin D3 every day. 

How do you get high quality vitamin D3? And how can you order a comprehensive blood test that includes measuring your blood levels of vitamin D? Go to TheJoeDillonDifference.com. Click on the Online Store. You will immediately see Male and Female blood panels. Click on the appropriate panel and follow the directions. For vitamin D3, click on the Online Store. Scan down until you see vitamin D3 7,000 iu. Click on the bottle and follow the directions. I always have 3 or 4 bottles of vitamin D3 in my kitchen cupboard at all times. Remember the high school and university water polo players I mentioned in my last newsletter? They started their vitamin D routine their freshman year in high school and never miss a day. They are healthy as water horses and never get sick. 

This is a great way to establish your blood baselines. Plan to retest every 6 months to be sure you are trending in the healthiest direction. Your health and your family’s health are too important to leave it to chance. This habit will keep you on track.

Please let me know if you found this message from Coach Joe at Joe Dillon’s Coach’s Corner. If you did, please share the path of loving kindness with your family and friends. 

Thank you. Joe