BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D

An estimated 75-85% of the US population are falling short of optimal Vitamin D levels, commonly resulting in mood, energy + weight related symptoms. Lack of vitamin D is also linked to increased risks for covid-19, obesity, MS and cancer. 

If you struggle with seasonal depression or just feel “down” and unmotivated, Vitamin D could play a role as it activates the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, i.e. hormones that make us feel happy. There’s a reason it’s called the sunshine vitamin! If you find yourself getting every seasonal flu/illness, increasing D could make a major difference! A Vitamin D deficiency can also correlate to higher body fat...particularly in the belly! SO...how do we know if we need more Vitamin D? And how do we get enough Vitamin D if we can’t get 15-20 mins of direct rays every day? 

Symptoms of low vitamin D include:

* fatigue

* depression

* weight gain/ stubborn belly fat

* anxiety

* low immunity

* muscle aches

* chronic pain

* bone density loss / brittle bones

* hair loss

* mood changes

* low libido

The best first step is to test to see whether or not you are in the optimal range (as there are side effects from over-supplementation). You can request a blood test from your doctor to measure Vitamin D (or email us and we can provide vitamin d testing a la carte!). Next, if levels are low, consider supplementing with a Vitamin D3 supplement, incorporating vitamin D rich foods and making key adjustments to your lifestyle to let more LIGHT into your life (more on this below!). =)

((SUPPLEMENTATION)) with Vitamin D3 (not D2) at 2000-5000 IU daily, brings most people into the optimal healthy range (testing your vitamin d level is ideal to know your level!). Note: research shows that supplementing with K2 helps determine where calcium goes in your body, sending it to your bones and teeth where you need it most. According to @drjolenebrighten “It is important to select Vitamin D3 with K2 to increase your blood levels and prevent toxicity issues.” Brands we like:

>>@onnit Vitamin D3 + K2 spray

>> @radiatewellnessproducts vitamin D cream

>>@drjolenebrighten liquid Vitamin D3/K2 

>>@gardenoflife Organic Plant Calcium + Magnesium + K2 + D3

>> @nordicnaturals cod liver oil (1 teaspoon daily, with food)

((FOODS w/ VITAMIN D))

>>Fatty fish i.e. wild-caught salmon, sardines, canned tuna

>>Pasture-raised egg yolks (i.e. @vitalfarms)

>>Fortified foods (such as fortified nut based milks)

>>Maitake & portobello mushrooms 

>>Beef, calves liver  

((LIFESTYLE)): 

Get out in the sun 15 minutes every day with legs and arms exposed, (too much sunscreen blocks the benefit, 15 mins. without is fine for most people). Breathe in the fresh air and allow your body to melt into relaxation (which has the added benefit of reducing cortisol "stress hormone" levels too)! 

((BRIGHT LIGHT THERAPY)): A total of 30 to 60 minutes a day under a “happy light” (we like the brand, @verilux”) or something close to natural daylight, without glasses or contacts on, can help you feel the benefits right away. In the morning, light decreases your daytime levels of melatonin, but it will raise nighttime levels, helping you to sleep better!

Please note: the light emitted from the HappyLight is full spectrum white light and is UV free (so you aren’t actually synthesizing vitamin D directly from the happy light). 

((ECOTHERAPY)) Do you feel better when spending time in nature?  Whether it’s exercising outdoors, gardening or taking a walk on the beach, Ecotherapy is the idea that people have a deep connection to the environment and the earth.  When we nurture this connection it can have an amazing impact on your mental health!

Bottom line: Vitamin D plays a huge role in our hormone health and overall vitality so getting your levels checked and being mindful about meeting your unique requirements can go a long way!  

Interested in testing your hormone levels and following our all-natural rebalancing guide? Check out our at-home hormone testing + consulting packages HERE.

Email us at info@yourhormonebalance.com with any questions!