Did you know that vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies people have?
Deficiencies may cause fatigue, pain, brain fog, bone loss, poor sleep, and mood swings. Approximately 3 out of 4 people in the United States have low levels of vitamin D.And if you have an autoimmune or chronic health issue, it’s crucial for metabolism, absorption of calcium, reducing the risk of developing bone-related health issues, and the immune system. Did you also know vitamin D is actually not a vitamin but a hormone? It’s produced in the skin in response to sunlight so that’s why being in the sun for 15 – 20 minutes a day is so helpful.
Vitamin D is also absorbed when we eat a healthy diet that includes foods such as fatty fish (like salmon, herring, and sardines), mushrooms, cheese, egg yolks, and liver. Some of those foods are more sensitive types if you have autoimmune issues. And If you’re deficient in Vitamin D, taking a supplement is useful as well. Many doctors recommend we take vitamin D3 plus K2. Although the vitamin D improves calcium absorption, vitamin K2 helps balance where the calcium can be used. One article I read calls them the “Batman and Robin” effect – they work better together!
Be sure you’re taking the natural form of D3, not the synthetic. Magnesium also helps activate Vitamin D. If you haven’t had your vitamin D levels checked recently, ask your medical practitioner. Optimal levels are 30 – 60 ng/mL. However, some doctors recommend that people who have chronic conditions such as autoimmune disease, diabetes, etc. have higher levels. So talk to your doctor.
Getting enough Vitamin D is important for your health for so many reasons. So check to see what your levels are and then add foods and/or supplements plus daily sunshine to your life!
And if you’d like help in managing your energy, pains, brain fog, and poor sleep, contact me here for a FREE 20 minute consult. We will talk and see how I can be of help to you.
