Saturday, March 28, 2009

Comin Out Of The Cave

A doctor recently gave me a Vitamin D blood test. The result came back saying I was severely deficient in Vitamin D. I was given a script for 50,000 units of Vitamin D, to take once a week for a month. A week into the treatments, it's been a month now, I feel so much better. My body does not ache the way it did. My depression has significantly lessened and I have so much more energy. I cannot believe it, but it is true!

Upon being alerted of this deficiency I started researching Vitamin D. Turns out it is a very difficult Vitamin to attain. Yes milk is fortified with Vitamin D, but it's a very minimal amount. Yes we get it from the sun, but a low level of SPF blocks the UVB rays that give us Vitamin D. We need to take matters into our own hands and take supplements. I started taking Cod Liver Oil, 2 tsp a day and I give the kids some as well. I'm going to also purchase some supplements this week for our family.

For me this is a big deal. And I think everyone, especially moms, should get an easy blood test to detect what your vitamin D levels are. If you are deficient in Vitamin D and it goes unchecked, it will cause a whole host of problems. Some of the problems that result from Vitamin D deficiency are:

fatigue
depression
Osteomalacia which can lead to Osteoporosis

This is my own experience thus far in trying to figure out why I have felt so "off" for a while. I am not attempting to fix others necessarily but instead inform you of what is a very real issue for some.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, check out this video and consider this topic for yourself.

11 comments:

Amanda said...

Thanks for that! I'm going to talk to my hubby and get his take on it. I know I need to get back to taking my multi-vitamin, and this might be a good supplement for me, too. Glad you've found something that's helping you and your health!

rachel... said...

I'm sure I am deficient as well. I avoid leaving the house all winter if I can! We've had a taste of spring recently, though, and I've been outside more walking and playing with the kids. I have felt a lot better, too.

Thanks for the info!

The Three 22nds said...

Wow! I am so glad you found out what is going on! yeah for vitamins!

Unknown said...

I started taking vitamin D and my acne cleared up. I did some research and it turns out that I am not imagining things. Sun makes acne better.

Shady Lady said...

According to my doctor almost everyone is most likely Vitamin D deficient. Of course a blood test will easily show this. I have my level tested twice a year (winter & summer) to deterimine how much D I need to take.

Glad to hear your are feeling better!!

Cara said...

That's wonderful you figured out what was wrong & it's been (being) corrected. Stay well, Momma Bear.

mandi said...

yes! i love my cod liver oil! the results are drastic and quickly found.
it is REALLY important to take it, especially in the winter. in the spring/summer we are outside most of the time and i rarely use sunblock (unless we are wearing little clothing like at the lake or beach-and then i apply block after we've been out for about 15 minutes). i'm not as much of a nazi about cod liver oil in the summer...
i use nordic naturals for the kids...what do you use?

Jenni said...

it must be a relief to know what's wrong at how to treat it. so glad you are feeling better!

Not your goddess said...

Hi, thanks for stopping by and following! And thanks for this post, I grew up taking cod liver oil and although I know how good it makes me feel I now always forget to take it. I'm headed straight to my fridge now to take my supplements! Stay well :)

She She said...

That's interesting. I have a friend who has been feeling off for awhile. I'm going to mention this to her.

So glad you're feeling better!

lizbonj said...

Yeah for feeling better & yeah for educating!!!