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Did you know an estimated 85% of people in the U.S. are vitamin D deficient?
Whoa!
This vitamin D deficiency is such an epidemic that my naturopathic doctor prescribes all
of her patients Vitamin D3 in the winter months. Even in the summer because we work indoors
and slather on sunscreen when we’re outside.
I had a friend who was so weak and tired and couldn’t figure out what was wrong with
her. Her doctor prescribed Vitamin D3, without even testing her, and within 2 weeks she was
feeling great.
The biggest benefit of Vitamin D is that you need it to absorb calcium and promote bone
growth.
So if you don’t get enough of this vitamin you run the risk of developing soft bones
and fragile bones. We don’t want any broken hips as we age, right?
Vitamin D has also been found to reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis, decrease your
risk for heart disease, and lessen your chances of getting the flu. BAM!
In many cases, people can be Vitamin D deficient and not know it. So, here are some classic
symptoms and risk factors:
Feeling Sad
Serotonin, otherwise known as the happy brain hormone, greatly decreases without sun exposure.
If your vitamin D levels are low, you’re 11 times more likely to be depressed.
Bones Ache
Remember what I said about helping your body absorb calcium? Well, if your bones don’t
get enough calcium they’ll start aching for sure.
Sweaty Head
If your face and head feels sweaty for no good reason, you may want to run and get a
Vitamin D test!
Gut Trouble
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. So if you have any GI problems that affect your
ability to absorb fat, you may want to test your Vitamin D levels. Think Crohn’s disease,
celiac disease, IBS or any gluten sensitivities you may have.
Elderly
As you age, your body doesn't make its own Vitamin D as efficiently. Gotta love aging,
right? So if you’re over 50, go get checked.
Darker Skin
Your natural pigment acts like a sunscreen, so the darker you are the more vitamin D from
the sun you’ll need—up to 10 times more!
Overweight or High Muscle Mass
Fat and muscle collect Vitamin D. So the more you have of each of those, the more risk you
have for deficiency.
So, how much do I need, your asking?
Aaahhh—a loaded question. It depends…
Firstly, do you have any of the above deficiency symptoms?
Secondly, where do you live?
Cold climates that keep people indoors for months at a time will need more supplemental
Vitamin D than those who don’t.
The Institute of Medicine recommends 1,000-4,000 international units per day. My naturopathic
doctor recommends 5,000 IU’s per day.
Bottom line? Always check with your doctor before supplementing with Vitamin D.
Now you.
Have you ever been deficient in Vitamin D or do you supplement now? If so, has it made
a difference?
Let me know
if the comments below.