Here I go again sharing my personal health information. It’s that time of the year again for my annual physical with my internist. Once again my blood work detected a deficiency in my Vitamin D level.
I’ve talked about my levels of Vitamin D in my Mighty D post. Also known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is a water soluble mineral which is formed in the skin when the skin is exposed to UVB rays in direct sunlight. The downside of this vitamin is that is not found in many that I foods that I like and enjoy.
Vitamin D is derived from three main sources – sunlight exposure, supplements and certain foods. The foods that could help improve my Vitamin D levels such as milk, pork tenderloin, oatmeal, oysters, salami, canned salmon, deli ham, beef liver, catfish and swordfish are foods that I almost never eat.
I am my own worse enemy. I don’t drink milk, eat pork or beef. I’m not fond of many fishes, I only like baked oatmeal and oh no to oysters. In addition, I wear a high level of SPF to protect my skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The high strength of SPF I wear may reduce the amount of natural Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is good for the heart, bones, muscles nerve fibers, immune system, and more. In short, it helps keep you feeling young and healthy in mind and body. The basic function of Vitamin D is to regulate blood levels of calcium and phosphorous, hoping to build strong bones and healthy teeth.
Benefits of Vitamin D:
May assist in cancer prevention
Reduced risk of osteoporosis
Improved phosphate and calcium absorption
Aids in dissolving plaque in the bloodstream
Improved heart health
Treats psoriasis
Possible prevention of diabetes
Prevents and treats rickets
Vitamin D Deficiency:
Increased risk of developing heart disease
Impaired bone mineralization & bone pain
Rheumatoid arthritis
Muscle weakness
Rickets
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Colon Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Osteomalacia
Possible Risk of Autoimmune Disorders
New clinical study results confirm that Vitamin D levels above 50 ng/L have the strongest association with good brain health. It has been discovered that deficiency in women over the age of 50 is more widespread than known. The fact is that many do not even know that they have a deficiency, I was fortunate that my physician detected through my annual blood work.
My Vitamin D levels (Over the years, I’ve kept track of my medical information before it became a mandate to provide patient portals medical information):
2015: 41.3 ng/mL
2016: 40.4 nglmL
My internists agreed that getting my Vitamin D level to 50 mol/L is my new goal. She prescribed a prescription Vitamin D. I will be re-checked in three months.
“Here I Go Again’ keeps in line with one of the goals of The Age of Grace, to encourage you to get routine check-ups to know important numbers and information regarding your personal health.
Have a fabulous week!
I’m like you with the SPF but love fish especially Sardines. At 65 I have more worries with Cholesterol and Hypertension. As for your style today, I love the muted colors you have used together. I believe I’ve seen this on your IG feed too and like it then but like it better when I see the larger photos.
Terri,
Hi! Thanks for stopping by The Age of Grace. As seasoned women, you are correct to be concerned about cholesterol and hypertension. I am sure you’ve been checked and know your numbers especially since both disease states are silent killers. In regards to my outfit post, I had fun putting this look together. I learn more just by working with what basic pieces in my wardrobe when I purchase something new like the Target trench vest.