We are constantly learning more about the importance of Vitamin D and the recommended daily allowance continues to increase. Twenty years ago we had no clue of the importance of getting adequate amounts of Vitamin D and how it affects our body and our health in so many ways. It was actually quite the opposite. We were hesitant to supplement with Vitamin D because we thought that as a “fat soluble” vitamin, it had the potential of reaching toxic levels in our bodies very easily. Now Vitamin D is thought to be one of the most important vitamins. And about 75% of us have a Vitamin D deficiency! Many people don’t realize that Vitamin D not only protects our bone health but can prevent many cancers, regulate hormones, prevent weight gain, protect heart health, promote energy, clear thinking and happy mood. This is why people can get depressed during winter months when we have less sunlight. For some people, getting sunlight for 10-20 minutes a day is enough but for most of us it’s not. The only way to know if you are getting enough Vitamin D is to have it tested. And something that is very disturbing is the fact that routine blood work doesn’t usually test Vitamin D levels so you have to ask for it specifically. I’m going to share a personal story that may help give some perspective. For years, off and on, I kept thinking that I had low Iron levels. I had all the symptoms consistent with low Iron which included low energy, depression, foggy thinking, cold hands and feet, inability to get a deep breath, etc. Periodically I would go have my Iron levels tested and they would always be normal. Several months ago my symptoms had reached a point to where it affected my daily functioning so much that I was so scared that something very serious was going on. I went to the Dr. and asked for complete blood work. I shared all of my symptoms and expressed my concern and determination to get answers once and for all. The Dr. stated that it may be anxiety and/or depression and that if the blood work came back normal then I would need to consider a prescription antidepressant. Well, my blood work came back normal. My frustration continued. I did not go back for a prescription antidepressant. Instead I waited until my yearly appointment with my OB/GYN a few months later. I shared everything with her and she said that she wanted to test for other things that weren’t tested for in the earlier blood work, one of which was Vitamin D. Sure enough my Vitamin D levels were low! This came as a total shock to me because I try to eat healthy and I take about 2000 iu or more of Vitamin D a day. It’s not real easy to get enough Vitamin D from foods alone because it’s just not very abundant in many foods. It’s mainly found in fatty fish and Vitamin D fortified foods. She prescribed a high dose of prescription Vitamin D to boost levels followed by a daily over the counter supplement to maintain them. And of course I will go back periodically to have it tested. I felt like a new person immediately. This was such a simple issue. It really upsets me to think about how many people have a simple vitamin deficiency that goes undetected possibly for their entire lives. They live a life of not feeling great and are often put on prescription medications unnecessarily that never treat their simple issue. Trust your intuition. Nobody knows your body like you do. Be persistent and don’t just accept the answers and advice given. Make sure that you trust that a thorough evaluation was given. Now go for a walk in the sunlight!
