This is my public service announcement. Have you had your doctor check your Vitamin D levels recently? Maybe you should. I read online (and now I can’t find the source) that up to 80% of women could be deficient in this important vitamin.
What does this mean? In adults, it can cause the bones to soften, osteoporosis, arthritis, fatigue, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, memory loss, and a long list of other problems. For a fuller breakdown, check out Wikipedia and Fighting Fatigue. The list is long and eye-opening.
The good news is that in most people after it’s diagnosed and treated, the improvement is quick (1-3 months, but I can’t find the source article for this tonight either. Should have bookmarked it when I researched earlier this week.)
So why am I off on the Vitamin D kick? I just had blood work done and my Vitamin D level was extremely low. Low enough that the doctor prescribed a supplement. Maybe it’s psychosomatic, but in just four days, I feel as if I have more energy. I’m constantly fatigued which is why I’m a slave to coffee, and I’m not ready to give up the morning brew yet (likely never), but wow did I get a lot done yesterday. I took my dad to Home Depot, updated a couple of PDF pages on my website, washed bedding, weeded the garden, cut down the dead flowers, watered some plants, reread the time travel story and tweaked it, cleaned the bathroom (easily my least favorite chore), and more!
It was unbelievable. And if I’m feeling this much more energy after four days, I can’t wait to see what a month brings. Plus, now that it’s summer in Minnesota, I can probably get outside and get some Vitamin D from the best source–the sun.
Tags: Vitamin_D
Thanks for the heads up. It seems like I’m always looking for reasons why I’m tired…other than the fact I don’t sleep enough.
Seriously, this is an important reminder. Last winter I went in for blood work and found out I was dangerously anemic. I think I’ll make sure my supplement has D too
Very glad to hear you’re feeling better so quickly!
Good advice, too.
Shawna,
I think vitamin D isn’t something most people think much about. It’s amazing how important it is.
Patti
Thanks, Carolyn!
Patti
I'm a fellow Minneapolitan.
I had my vitamin D levels checked in February as part of my annual celiac wellness exam and I was under 10. I didn't have the immediate improvement that you did, but after several months of supplementation, I definitely have more energy. I'm sure that all the sun we've had has helped!
Wow, Chris, it's a darn good thing you were checked! I had a 12 on the Vitamin D, which concerned the doctor enough. I also was told to start taking calcium.
Unfortunately, my weekend of energy didn't last. I spent most of last week completely exhausted and I even napped twice. Don't know what was up with that. Anyway, I have to get my blood retested in August to see if I've raised my D levels enough.
Patti
Did they check your parathyroid, too? That can be an issue with low D.
The thing that gives me a noticeable energy boost is B-12 – I get monthly shots and they are amazing.
I'm not sure about the parathyroid. I know they did check my regular thyroid. I'll have to dig out my report and take a look.
I used to take a B complex vitamin all the time, but it started making my mind race after a while and I had to stop taking them, but yes, there was a very nice energy boost.
Patti