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 formed in the skin when exposed to UVB rays in direct sunlight. The downside of this vitamin is that it is not found in many foods that I like and enjoy.
Vitamin D is derived from three primary 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 rarely eat.
I am my own worst enemy. I don’t drink milk or eat pork or beef. I’m not fond of many fish; I only like baked oatmeal and 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. Vitamin D primarily regulates 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 are strongly associated with good brain health. It has been discovered that vitamin D deficiency in women over 50 is more widespread than previously thought. Although many do not even know that they have a deficiency, I was fortunate that my physician detected it 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 with medical information):
2015: 41.3 ng/mL
2016: 40.4 nglmL
My internists agreed that my new goal was to get my Vitamin D level to 50 mol/L. She prescribed 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 essential numbers and information regarding your 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.