Vitamin D behaves more like a hormone than a nutrient because we have a receptor on every single cell in the body for Vitamin D. This means that every cell is affected by it’s influence and it supports every single health condition because at a cellular level deficiency propagates dis-ease. It is estimated that 85% of the population is deficient in the winter months.
Most us know how good we feel in the summer and on holiday and notice that our immunity is better as shown here (less colds and flu), we have less incidences of skin conditions and flare ups of other inflammatory health conditions as shown here. Here are some of the most common conditions seen with Vitamin D deficiency:
- Fatigue
- Osteoporosis
- High Blood Pressure
- Cancer
- Auto-immune conditions
- Depression / Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Hair Loss
- and many more..
How to Increase Levels in Winter…
- Get outside as much as possible, even in the Winter months, early morning sun is when the UV index is highest for absorption, nothing replaces the power of the sunshine.
- Mushrooms can be a surprising source because they absorb and hold vitamin D
- Supplementation – I look for a D3 with K2 (required for better absorption and without fillers), about 800IU is a maintenance dose but most people in the UK require much more in the winter months. Read more about testing below.
Testing
Points to consider
- It’s a really good idea to get your Vitamin D levels checked every year and if you are low, supplement and get them rechecked.
- While it is generally considered that below 50nmol/L is deficient, I would consider supplementing below 75nmol/L, less than 30nmol/L needs immediate action
- Testing can be done with an at home test for about £30
- Don’t over-supplement because Vitamin D is stored in the liver so can become toxic
- If you’re confused, consider speaking to a Nutritional Therapist like myself to help guide you.
Useful Resources
- Useful lectures on Vitamin D – Vitamin D for Public Health – Integrating Sunshine, Supplements and Measurement for Optimal Health 2014
- Books to read – The Vitamin D Cure by James Dowd MD
- Scotland’s Health Deficit: An Explanation and a Plan By Oliver Gillie – Slide deck of the book
Have you joined the new Facebook Group Natural Health Mamas ? I have lots planned for this group, with lots more of the great content you enjoy and read here.
Join us! There will be lots of SIMPLE recipes, health tips and more of the content you like to read here but in live videos. Most importantly, it will be the place to connect with other Mamas looking to change their health and that of their family’s.
