As the days get shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is important to appreciate the sun when we can! Connecting with nature and soaking up the sun can reduce our stress and improve our mood.
But why is getting out in the sun so important? Because our bodies have an amazing ability to make Vitamin D from the sun! Just 10 to 30 minutes in the midday sun, several times per week, without sunscreen. Just be careful not to burn!
Vitamin D is actually more like a hormone than a vitamin, and it is important for so many bodily functions. It aids in absorption of calcium which is necessary for growth of bones & teeth, is necessary for thyroid function and blood clotting, supports healthy blood pressure, mood and immune system, and so much more!
Unfortunately, for most of us our diet does not supply adequate amounts of Vitamin D and we rarely spend enough time outdoors in the sunshine (without sunscreen) to make enough vitamin D. So, many of us are deficient in Vitamin D and probably need a supplement. There are many variables that can affect the absorption of Vitamin D, such as magnesium levels and metabolic conditions.
Some medications can also deplete Vitamin D levels. Steroids (like prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone), acid-blocking medications (famotidine, cimetidine, nizatidine, Maalox, Mylanta), a seizure medication called phenytoin, and a group of medications that are used to lower cholesterol or treat diarrhea called Bile Acid Sequestrants (Cholestyramine, Colestipol). If you take any of these medications, it is important to know your Vitamin D levels.
Ask your primary care provider to check your vitamin D levels at your next check-up! Or contact PIVOT Integrative Consulting (info@dramyknaperek.com), and we can send you an at home kit to test for key nutritional deficiencies! If a supplement is necessary, cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is the way to go; it maintains levels better than ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2), which is more commonly prescribed. PIVOT also has access to a wholesale supplement company to have quality supplements delivered right to your door. Contact us, today (info@dramyknaperek.com) with a list of your supplements and the prices and we can check to see if we can get them for less!
If you would like to add some Vitamin D to your diet, check out some of these foods: salmon, herring, sardines, cod liver oil, canned tuna, egg yolks, or mushrooms. Some people might have sensitivities to some of these foods (like I do with eggs), so get tested to make sure these foods are appropriate for you! If you are following a whole-food, plant-based diet, a supplement may be necessary. Don’t forget, if you take a calcium supplement, make sure it has Vitamin D with it. Calcium absorbs better with Vitamin D!
So, if you are feeling tired, get sick easily or take a long time to heal, have back, bone, or muscle pain, are overweight or obese, constantly forgetful or depressed, get your Vitamin D levels checked! It could be something as simple as a Vitamin D supplement to help you start feeling better.
Are you ready to start your journey to a healthier, more balanced life? Contact us, today (info@dramyknaperekcom)!