Today I trained a little around my neighborhood for the MS 150. I live by Hermann Park so there is a really cool trail that I like to go on, I  usually get about 25 miles in. The ride on the first day is 76 miles, so each day I am trying to condition for more miles to get my strength up. I still have a hard time with the correct gears I should be in on my bike because I am such a rookie at the sport but it’s getting easier.  The weather right now is awesome so it’s nice to just get outside and ride and I am really looking forward to this event it April. I can’t believe it’s coming up so fast! As you know Darque Tan is my sponsor and I love going in there to talk to the staff and work on my tan. I’ve mentioned before that MS is linked to a Vitamin D deficiency and at Darque Tan they can help with that. It’s so important to have the right amount of Vitamin D. And it’s also important to tan safely and effectively. I’ve attached some info for you to help you learn more about MS and Vitamin D. Please look it over and tell me what you think!

Several studies have suggested that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D may have a protective effect and lower the risk of developing multiple

sclerosis (MS). Other studies suggest that for people who already have MS, vitamin D may lessen the frequency and severity of their symptoms. More research is needed to assess these findings.

When a person has MS, his or her immune system attacks the coating that protects the nerve cells. Research suggests that a connection between vitamin D and MS could be tied to the positive effects vitamin D has on the immune system.

The link between vitamin D and MS is strengthened by the association between sunlight and the risk of MS. The farther away from the equator a person lives, the higher the risk of MS. Sunlight is the body’s most efficient source for vitamin D — suggesting that exposure to sunlight may offer protection from MS.

The Institute of Medicine recommends 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D a day for adults ages 19 to 70. The recommendation increases to 800 IUs a day for adults age 71 and older.

Some doctors question whether these levels are adequate and think that getting more vitamin D would benefit many people. However, the Institute of Medicine recommends that adults avoid taking more than 4,000 IUs a day.

Very large doses of vitamin D over an extended period can result in toxicity. Signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, constipation, poor appetite, weakness and weight loss. In addition, vitamin D toxicity can lead to elevated levels of calcium in your blood, which can result in kidney stones.

If you’re concerned that you’re getting too little — or too much — vitamin D, talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.

For The MS 150 Brooke has teamed up With Darque Tan, Caring For More Than Just Your Skin!