Beating the Winter Blues with Vitamin D
The trees have dropped their leaves, the sky has become darker, and our outer world has begun to seem more gloomy. And with this, our internal, and emotional world can seem gloomy too. It might make us wonder why it seems that some people seem to notice the changes in weather and season more than others? Why do some of us experience dips in our energy and ability to concentrate?
SAD (seasonal affective disorder) can affect around 15% of our population in Canada. Because people who experience SAD, tend to have less Vitamin-D in their systems, making sure we are getting enough can definitely help to brighten things up. During the late fall, it can be enough to grab Vitamin-D from the bits of sunshine we see, but as we head into the rainy season, adding a daily supplement to your routine can significantly impact our overall sense of wellbeing. Since Vitamin-D occurs naturally in the body, it is, therefore, simple for our body to absorb. It is a tasteless, easy-to-take supplement that is often best taken after a meal but can be consumed with or without food. At Evoke, we choose Vitamin-D in a liquid form due to its fast acting benefits and absorption rate.
Vitamin-D deficiencies occur regularly in areas of higher pollution. We also know that a lack of this vital nutrient, along with calcium, can eventually lead to things like bone issues, osteoporosis and degenerative diseases. Supplementing with Vitamin-D can help decrease your chances of heart disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and even the flu! It is easy to test for deficiencies, and you can request to have your levels checked through your Family Doctor or pay for private blood work through your Naturopathic Doctor.
Symptoms of Vitamin-D deficiency can include general fatigue and trouble finding energy, depression, muscle and joint pain. While asking your Doctor if supplementing is right for you, you can also jumpstart your progress by making small changes in your diet and lifestyle to help with these symptoms. Incorporating the following foods into your diet can naturally increase your levels of Vitamin-D: orange juice, cereals, bread, some dairy products like cheese, egg yolks and fattier-fish. Including a daily supplement may seem too inconsequential to impact symptoms, but sometimes it is the most minor change that can make the most significant difference in getting us back to a natural and healthier state of being. Before adding Vitamin-D to your routine, please make sure you talk to either your Naturopathic Doctor or Family Practitioner.
