Vitamin D for Pain Management:

A recent newspaper article talked about the health benefits of Vitamin D. You probably know about it's importance in trying to prevent osteoporosis, but did you know that it can help manage pain?

It plays an important role in preventing cancer, heart disease, MS and arthritis. A study from the Mayo clinic looked at vitamin D levels in those with chronic pain. Those with low levels of this vitamin needed almost twice as much pain medication.

Another study from Mayo looked at those with chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. In that study, 93% were found to be deficient in vitamin D.

Vitamin D is also good for your heart, possibly lowering your risk of heart disease. One of the best ways to increase your vitamin D levels is through exposure to the Sun. Maybe spending a little time in the Sun isn't as bad as you think.

Putting on sunscreen can keep you from making vitamin D. Most of the vitamin D in foods is added as a supplement, so it can be difficult to get your requirements from food alone.

For those with chronic pain conditions, getting a little sunshine might not be such a bad idea.