
In this current climate, keeping our immune system strong and healthy has never been more important. A key factor in maintaining a healthy immune system is vitamin D, especially D3. Renowned for its role in maintaining healthy bones, recent clinical research has shed new light on the important roles of the “sunshine” vitamin.
This past May, a research team from Northwestern University analyzed data on the COVID-19 pandemic from ten different countries and discovered “a correlation between low vitamin D levels and hyperactive immune systems. Vitamin D strengthens innate immunity and prevents overactive immune responses. The finding could explain several mysteries, including why children are unlikely to die from COVID-19.”1 According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin D, especially when taken with calcium, also helped cancer treatments, cognitive health, multiple sclerosis, and many bone disorders such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia.2
So how much vitamin D should we be getting? The Mayo Clinic’s recommendation is 600 International Units (IU) per day for adults, 400 IU for children, and 700 IU for seniors over seventy. However, there is some debate about this, as other healthcare professionals recommend more. In a 2008 article, Dr. Norm Shealy shared the work of endocrinologist Dr. Joe Prendergast, who uses up to 50,000 IU per day to treat diabetes, lung disease, and coronary disease, among many others.3

Because the sun is a major source of vitamin D, it is estimated that spending 15 to 20 minutes in sunlight is enough time to produce about 400 IU. Can you imagine how much sunlight our ancestors received spending most of their days outdoors? And those who lived in the tropics? We also get vitamin D from the foods we eat. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna are abundant in vitamin D. Other good sources include citrus fruits, egg yolks, portobella mushrooms, yogurt, cheese, and milks (including almond, soy, rice, and oat). It’s no wonder many of Edgar Cayce’s readings recommended plenty of exercise outside and this same list of foods in the diet!
“How can one renew the body?”
When Cayce was asked “How can one renew the body?” The answer was, “This depends upon the manner in which there has been care of the body, for there must kept a balance in the activity of the glands . . . this may be done better, as we find, by foods and activity in the bodily exercises out in the open.” When asked about general dietary guidelines, Cayce recommended to “balance the diet . . . have a great deal of stimulation from whole wheat, citrus fruits, and vegetables that are green and raw. Not too much of the meats.” (Cayce) When meat was advised, the readings would typically recommend fish, fowl, or lamb. I find it fascinating that years ago, Cayce would emphasize eating egg yolks coddled, and without the whites, for they are a good source of vitamin D. The typical Cayce diet also emphasizes dark, leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin K2 that helps activate vitamin D3 functions in the body. As Hippocrates said: “Let thy food be thy medicine!”
“Let thy food by thy medicine!”
-Hippocrates
If a person cannot get enough sunlight or proper foods, supplements can be used. Make sure then to find good, reputable brands. Baar products, the official supplier for Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E., has high-potency softgels in 1,000 or 5,000 IU. There are other excellent brands; just be sure they are backed by good research and quality manufacturing standards.
Overall, we want to be getting as many of our vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as possible from the foods in our diet, especially food source from around the area in which we live. There is much to be said for living in harmony with nature and having a deep connection with Mother Earth by spending time outdoors every day and growing our own food when we can. This reconnection would do wonders for the health of our society as well as our bodies. Cayce himself loved to garden and would often go fishing! So be sure to give your immune system a boost by getting outside and eating good foods, and use supplements when you need them. Be well and heal thy self!
1Northwestern University, “Vitamin D levels appear to play a role in COVID-19 mortality rates,” Science Daily (May 7, 2020), www.sciencedaily.com/releases/ 2020/05/200507121353.htm
2 Mayo Clinic, “Vitamin D Overview,” mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-d/art-20363792
3 C. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, “Vitamin D: The Cure for Many Diseases?” normshealy.com/vitamin-d

Jean Paul (JP) Amonte DC, CMT, ChT, is a licensed chiropractor, massage therapist, and hypnotherapist. He is a graduate of the Cayce/Reilly® School of Massage and currently a lead instructor at the massage school and a clinician at the A.R.E. Health Center & Spa. A popular lecturer at A.R.E., Dr. Amonte can be reached at jp.amonte@edgarcayce.org.
The Veteran’s Administration gives a range of 30 to 100 (?) for safe Vitamin D levels in the blood. I was taking over 5,000 IU per day for a few months. No bad reaction, except that the one kidney I have left was exhibiting some pain. Lost one kidney due to cancer. Just pointing out that taking the blood test might be the best way to determine what might be needed. Since finding out all the foods that contain Vit. D, which I eat daily, I’m off the D pills. We’ll see how I’m doing at the next checkup. Didn’t Cayce say, get health from healthy food, if possible?