Home Have you checked your vitamin D lately?

[Lauren8211]

After almost a year and a half of being sluggish, tired, and moody and blaming my BC pill, I finally went to the doctor to have my blood tested.

The results showed a significant deficiency in Viatmin D, and I was put on a prescription Vitamin D supplement (50,000 IU 1x week)

I'm starting to feel less moody, and have a bit more energy... also.. unintended side effect... it's really helping my skin to clear up! I've been struggling with hormonal breakouts ever since I stopped the BC pill.

I had no idea that a Vitamin D deficiency would cause such a problem!

Just a heads up in case anyone has been having any energy/mood/skin issues... it may be in your best interest to get your blood levels checked.

 

[luvmyhalo]

That''s fantastic!!! Isn''t it great that such a simple thing can do such wonders?

I''ve recently started taking Cod Liver Oil which has all the good omega 3''s as well as additional Vitamin A & D. I''ve noticed the same things you have, better mood, more energy, and my skin seems to have a glow. My nails are also growing and are really strong!!!!

 

[rainwood]

I''m also a big believer in taking Vitamin D. My MIL, who has always been a nutrition/health nut, bought us some and we begrudgingly started taking it. It''s made a big difference, especially in mood. I feel more emotionally resilient if that makes sense. I did cut back some on the dosage (the supplements are 5000mg which I was taking daily) because you can also take too much.

I think Vitamin D is especially helpful for those of us in less sunny climates or people who don''t get to spend much time outdoors.

 

[shimmer]

Thank you for posting this, elledizzy. I think Vitamin D deficiency is more common than we know.

My sister recently found out she has a deficiency, she is on a strict course of supplements as her count was quite low.

I''m pretty sure she mentioned an association with Vit D deficiency and an increased risk in developing MS (if you already have the gene for MS), I haven''t looked into it and there is always the chicken and the egg thing with these studies.

But regardless, it may be more serious than we know so I encourage everyone in the northern regions to ask to get their levels tested during their annual blood tests.

 

[mimzy]

i''m glad you found out that''s what has been causing the problem elledizzy! i take vitamin d supplement under my mom''s advisory because she has MS (shimmer is right, there is a correlation!) and I noticed it helped my skin too. I just had my blood checked and my b-12 is low, so my handfill of horse pills is growing (gross), but at least the benefits will outweigh the gag factor!

 

[shimmer]

Date: 5/28/2009 12:58:06 PM
Author: mimzy
i''m glad you found out that''s what has been causing the problem elledizzy! i take vitamin d supplement under my mom''s advisory because she has MS (shimmer is right, there is a correlation!) and I noticed it helped my skin too. I just had my blood checked and my b-12 is low, so my handfill of horse pills is growing (gross), but at least the benefits will outweigh the gag factor!

mimzy, have you tried the sub-lingual B12 pills? They dissolve (I just chew them) and they are quite tiny. I can not take a pill larger than a tylenol for some reason. I used to eat those gummy-bear multi vits for children until they started making chewable adult ones

 

[Clairitek]

I''ve been meaning to go have a blood panel done and get my cholesterol etc tested and I think reading this (and having experienced some of the same issue you''ve been having... also blamed those on hormonal BC pills) may prompt me to finally get into gear.

Thanks for the heads up ElleDizzy! I''m glad to hear you''re feeling better.

 

[megumic]

So funny you posted on Vitamin D today! I was just at the Dr''s yesterday and she was going on and on about the importance of Vitamin D. I always thought I got enough from a multi, milk and the sun - but apparently women should take extra! Thanks for posting

 

[Mara]

There was just an article somewhere that said that Vit D deficiency is becoming a large problem, especially for women. People are so protective of their skin that staying out of the sun is starting to turn on them in a negative way. Note that just because you drink Vit D fortified milk does not mean you are getting what you need. Same with taking a multi vitamin. Apparently we need a lot more than we are getting.

We need 2-3x a week of 30 minutes each time in mid-day noon sun, the hottest sun and it has to be on your skin. I am not sure if you can wear sunscreen or not on the exposed part, but I think no. Even taking Vit D pills does not mean you are getting what you need, they are all diff dosages (prescript are diff). My girlfriend was deficient a year ago and she said she felt like crap and coming up to the levels she should have made 10000% difference in her life.

There is also apparently a new affliction for the new kids generation coming up because parents are so over protective of their kids skin that MD's are starting to see kids with horrible bone development, aka thin and see-through bones because the kids don't get enough D growing up. They noted that having the right levels of D in your system also can enhance Calcium absorption in your system by as much as 50%.

Anyway for anyone who hasn't read about Vit D and the importance, def google it and read up. I make sure to get my 2-3x a week of sun now.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 5/28/2009 5:35:33 PM
Author: Mara

Anyway for anyone who hasn''t read about Vit D and the importance, def google it and read up. I make sure to get my 2-3x a week of sun now.

then you have better chance of getting skin cancer,so there''s always the negative side.

 

[Dancing Fire]

elle...my bird is bigger than your bird.

 

[beau13]

Date: 5/28/2009 6:32:21 PM
Author: Dancing Fire

Date: 5/28/2009 5:35:33 PM
Author: Mara

Anyway for anyone who hasn''t read about Vit D and the importance, def google it and read up. I make sure to get my 2-3x a week of sun now.

then you have better chance of getting skin cancer,so there''s always the negative side.

And that''s a MUCH bigger problem, than simply being Vit. D defficient! Take it from someone who''s suferred from skin cancer at a very young age!
Sun therapy is good only in small, controlled amounts!

 

[Lauren8211]

DF: But mine is cuter! He got his wings clipped today and he''s mad at me.

Beau: Yes the cancer is an issue, but the fact of the matter is, we need sun... even if it''s just in limited quantities. Everything in moderation. Unless you have a history of skin cancer, I''m sure moderate sun exposure without burning is acceptable. My Vit D deficiency was definitely affecting my life enough that sitting in the sun a bit is worth the risk to me.

All: I''m glad I''m starting to feel better, and I had NO idea that it was the vit D! I never would have thought of that on my own, so I hope my suggestion helps others.

I read a study the other day about how people who live without a western diet, and hunt/gather for their food, acne is non-existent. It''s extremely prevalent in the US, and you can even tell just by PS. I see so many women complaining about their bad skin, and I can only assume that we''re doing something wrong. I am going to really start looking into more natural ways to balance hormones, elevate mood, and take care of my skin. There has to be a better way than tons of birth control and antibiotics. I like to think that nature provided us with all the tools we need, and plan to research natural remedies.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Wow - I had no idea that Vitamin D deficiency was so prevalent.

I''m glad you got it pinned down elle, and hope you are feeling 110% better soon!

 

[Mara]

Date: 5/28/2009 6:32:21 PM
Author: Dancing Fire

Date: 5/28/2009 5:35:33 PM
Author: Mara

Anyway for anyone who hasn't read about Vit D and the importance, def google it and read up. I make sure to get my 2-3x a week of sun now.

then you have better chance of getting skin cancer,so there's always the negative side.

the article addressed how doctors admit they been a bit overzealous in telling people to stay out of the sun, stay slathered in sunscreen etc etc, without realizing what else it can affect. everything in moderation.

also as elle alluded to in a way...i tend to think about the return to nature. in the OLD DAYS when people had to hunt for their food, think they were wearing sunscreen along with their loincloth? oh heck no.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 5/29/2009 12:36:45 AM
Author: Mara

Date: 5/28/2009 6:32:21 PM
Author: Dancing Fire

Date: 5/28/2009 5:35:33 PM
Author: Mara

Anyway for anyone who hasn''t read about Vit D and the importance, def google it and read up. I make sure to get my 2-3x a week of sun now.

then you have better chance of getting skin cancer,so there''s always the negative side.

the article addressed how doctors admit they been a bit overzealous in telling people to stay out of the sun, stay slathered in sunscreen etc etc, without realizing what else it can affect. everything in moderation.

also as elle alluded to in a way...i tend to think about the return to nature. in the OLD DAYS when people had to hunt for their food, think they were wearing sunscreen along with their loincloth? oh heck no.

Elle - where do you live? It''s interesting that Vit. D would be linked to mood as SAD is as well and that is also directly related to lack of sunlight. Clearly sunlight is a integral part of our health!

As a resident of Washington State, since we only get our sun in the summer (!), at least 2-3 times per week in the spring/summer, I go out for at least half an hour w/out sun screen. In fact, I just did so today. My kids also get a bit of sun here and there as I do feel it is important that they receive some vit. D. If we''re going to the park for the day, they DO get sunscreen, but if it''s just 20 minutes in the back yard, often they go outside without it.

I often wonder about all the chemicals in the sunscreen being absorbed into their bodies. What kind of harm do those do?

 

[beau13]

Date: 5/29/2009 12:36:45 AM
Author: Mara

Date: 5/28/2009 6:32:21 PM
Author: Dancing Fire

Date: 5/28/2009 5:35:33 PM
Author: Mara

Anyway for anyone who hasn''t read about Vit D and the importance, def google it and read up. I make sure to get my 2-3x a week of sun now.

then you have better chance of getting skin cancer,so there''s always the negative side.

the article addressed how doctors admit they been a bit overzealous in telling people to stay out of the sun, stay slathered in sunscreen etc etc, without realizing what else it can affect. everything in moderation.

also as elle alluded to in a way...i tend to think about the return to nature. in the OLD DAYS when people had to hunt for their food, think they were wearing sunscreen along with their loincloth? oh heck no.

True..however they didn''t have to deal with a depleted ozone back then either. The sun''s rays are MUCH more harmful now than years ago, thanks to changing environmental factors!

 

[sba771]

I just want to add that it can also cause brittle bones. My mother fell and broke her wrist, elbow and shoulder. We all assumed it was bad accident/also a calcium deficiency. Well after a few tests the doctors came back to say it wasn''t calcium, but her lack of vitamin D- she is now on a strict supplement regiment and slowly healing.

 

[Lauren8211]

I live in Michigan... so I don''t get much sun from November to April. That was clearly evident in my terrible mood!

I''m going to definitely make an effort to get out in the sun a bit this summer, as long as its controlled.

 

[Dancing Fire]

be careful !! too much sun will turn you into a prune.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 5/29/2009 10:32:51 AM
Author: Dancing Fire
be careful !! too much sun will turn you into a prune.

It sure will. As Mara said, everything in moderation. Even if a person does go out to get a bit of sunshine, he/she should still wear a hat. The skin on my face is far too sensitive for sunscreen so I always spend my summers with an ugly "breathable" hat I bought at REI!

 

[Mara]

well, you'll be a prune with some thick bones ... and a right cheery disposition!

the way i see it is i figure most of us will die early of something...the way the world is nowadays almost EVERYTHING is bad for you in some way/shape/form, and i'd rather have a better short-term quality of life than worry about what might happen in the future.

but the facts are...if you don't get enough VitD right now, it can affect your quality of life and your health negatively, while cancer is a definite risk but not a given for most people. (knock on wood)

 

[beau13]

Date: 5/29/2009 12:55:24 PM
Author: MC

Date: 5/29/2009 10:32:51 AM
Author: Dancing Fire
be careful !! too much sun will turn you into a prune.

It sure will. As Mara said, everything in moderation. Even if a person does go out to get a bit of sunshine, he/she should still wear a hat. The skin on my face is far too sensitive for sunscreen so I always spend my summers with an ugly 'breathable' hat I bought at REI!

Hats are so stylish..I'm sure you look like a summer angel wearing it!
You'll be thanking yourself, when you're 40 and look 30, and your 40 year old friends (who worship the sun) look 50 !
The only thing I'm grateful for , as the survivor of skin cancer!

 

[swingirl]

I think what''s causing a problem with kids is not walking to and from school and not playing outside. It''s become a problem for Muslim women living in Northern climates who need to cover themselves with long sleeves and long pants. It has also caused a problem for women aren''t able to leave their homes without the husband and he doesn''t come home til after dark. Child protect services is in a quandary about what to do because they are finding infants in the US with severe rickets because mom can''t take them outside and is living in an apartment without a fenced in yard.

 

[VRBeauty]

Date: 5/28/2009 5:35:33 PM
Author: Mara

We need 2-3x a week of 30 minutes each time in mid-day noon sun, the hottest sun and it has to be on your skin. I am not sure if you can wear sunscreen or not on the exposed part, but I think no. Even taking Vit D pills does not mean you are getting what you need, they are all diff dosages (prescript are diff). My girlfriend was deficient a year ago and she said she felt like crap and coming up to the levels she should have made 10000% difference in her life.

Anyway for anyone who hasn't read about Vit D and the importance, def google it and read up. I make sure to get my 2-3x a week of sun now.

So Mara --

Just how much skin does one need to "expose" 2-3x a week for 30 minutes each to get the requisite amount of Vit. D???

 

[VRBeauty]

Seriously, we have become a little phobic about the sun, not to mention about walking for more than a block at a time. It''s no wonder we''re short on the things that come with fresh air and sunshine!

 

[Beacon]

Date: 5/28/2009 7:00:06 PM
Author: Dancing Fire
elle...my bird is bigger than your bird.

DF is that really your bird? That gorgeous Amazon? I love it!

Funny, it turns out parrots need sunlight exposure too, about 15 mins a day.

I have been doing some sunlight therapy as I never take sun and I think I am probably needing more Vit D.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 6/2/2009 1:55:45 AM
Author: Beacon

Date: 5/28/2009 7:00:06 PM
Author: Dancing Fire
elle...my bird is bigger than your bird.

DF is that really your bird? That gorgeous Amazon? I love it!

Funny, it turns out parrots need sunlight exposure too, about 15 mins a day.

I have been doing some sunlight therapy as I never take sun and I think I am probably needing more Vit D.

yeah,he/she

been with us for the past 14 yrs. his cage is next to the window,so he do get some morning sunlight.

 

[packrat]

Date: 5/28/2009 10:33:15 PM
Author: elledizzy5
DF: But mine is cuter! He got his wings clipped today and he''s mad at me.


Beau: Yes the cancer is an issue, but the fact of the matter is, we need sun... even if it''s just in limited quantities. Everything in moderation. Unless you have a history of skin cancer, I''m sure moderate sun exposure without burning is acceptable. My Vit D deficiency was definitely affecting my life enough that sitting in the sun a bit is worth the risk to me.


All: I''m glad I''m starting to feel better, and I had NO idea that it was the vit D! I never would have thought of that on my own, so I hope my suggestion helps others.


I read a study the other day about how people who live without a western diet, and hunt/gather for their food, acne is non-existent. It''s extremely prevalent in the US, and you can even tell just by PS. I see so many women complaining about their bad skin, and I can only assume that we''re doing something wrong. I am going to really start looking into more natural ways to balance hormones, elevate mood, and take care of my skin. There has to be a better way than tons of birth control and antibiotics. I like to think that nature provided us with all the tools we need, and plan to research natural remedies.

Elle, that''s interesting about the acne..all the more reason for me to really start eating better. It sucks being 34 and having the skin of a 16 year old!

 

[lyra]

I have to avoid direct sunlight too because of a medication I''m on. But I''m definitely going to check into supplements, this sounds interesting. Hopefully they come in a non-gag size? I can''t swallow pills easily at all!