You know how when you’ve spent a day outside, you often feel refreshed – you feel happier, with more energy?
This is usually attributed to a good dose of sunshine. But the sun gets a bad wrap (and often rightfully so) because our modern society spends too much time in the sun, without protection.
All you need is 10-15 minutes a day – a quick walk around the block, coffee outside with a friend to reap the benefits.
Because there’s no denying that Vitamin D truly does a body good. That’s why it’s important to know if you have low Vitamin D levels.
Recently Alberta Health has decreased the capacity of getting tested for Vitamin D. As a registered Naturopathic Doctor, I can order Vitamin D lab tests through Calgary Lab Services for my patients as part of their routine check-up – convenient and easy for you!
Here are some signs you might be Vitamin D deficient:
- A major “player” in modulating the immune system – Vitamin D is important for any autoimmune disease – Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis and Irritable Bowel Disease (Crohn’s/Colitis).
- Bone health – concerned about osteoporosis? Vitamin D is a “director” of calcium absorption. This is crucially important for menopausal and elderly women.
- Immunity – are you getting sick more often? Vitamin D has been shown to enhance immunity against the common cold, sinusitis, the flu, and even the stomach flu.
- Aging – Did you know as we age Vitamin D production decreases?
- Thyroid Disease – Vitamin D is considered a hormone. Therefore, it’s important in so many important functions, including when battling thyroid disease.
Through my clinical experience, I have noticed many Canadians are deficient since we are so far away from the equator, with limited light exposure many months of the year. It’s an easy test to screen for once a year – worth the investment, and can dramatically improve your health.