11.2.08
The fall is here and winter is around the corner. While many people are thankful for the cooler weather and the beautiful foliage, many others actually dread this time of year. Two common reasons for this sentiment are that the decrease in daylight causes some people to become depressed and the onset of winter often brings with it an increase in sickness. What if there was an effective, inexpensive and nontoxic way to decrease or eliminate the impact of both of these problems? Would you be interested? If so, read on. I think you’ll find the following information very helpful.
Seasonal affective disorder or S.A.D. is a common mood disturbance during the winter months characterized by depression, fatigue and lack of motivation. While many in healthcare treat this problem with the seasonal use of prescription antidepressants, I think you should consider another solution. That is, the appropriate use of vitamin D.
In addition, if you’d like to supercharge your immune system so you could more effectively prevent the flu or another infection, supplementing with vitamin D may again be your best answer. There is even some evidence that large doses of vitamin D can stop the flu in its tracks.
Vitamin D plays an important role in the balance of neurotransmitters that are made in our bodies and mediate our moods. It’s also extremely important for boosting immune system function. One of the most powerful anti-cancer nutrients that exists is vitamin D. Interestingly, ninety-five per cent of the patients that I see are vitamin D deficient. How do I know? Because I routinely test their levels.
It’s not enough to know that your vitamin D level is in the “normal range”. First, there are various types of vitamin D that can be tested in the blood. The best one to test for is known as the level of “25 hydroxy vitamin D”.
Second, standard laboratory normal ranges cannot be trusted because new scientific findings often outpace recommendations for changing the reference ranges at the labs. That being said, the level of “25 hydroxy vitamin D” that I think everyone should maintain is between 50 and 70 ng/dl.
Vitamin D itself also comes in a couple of different forms. The best type of vitamin D supplement is one that contains the biologically active form of vitamin D, known as D3. Children will often require 1000 to 2000 IUs per day, whereas adults may require 4000 to 10,000 IUs daily. It’s important to be followed by a healthcare provider because with this vitamin it is possible to get too much. Regular testing can ensure that you maintain optimal but nontoxic levels.
Don’t dread the change of seasons or the ills that come with winter! Instead, make sure you get adequate exercise, rest, and of course, vitamin D.
Many blessings and good health,
Dr. Bernui
