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Healthy Tips
Less sun = less Vitamin D = health problems
By Gynecology Specialists Staff
Vitamin D can by synthesized by your skin with 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure most of the year, but that’s tough to accomplish in the winter, especially in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads and North Carolina.
Women who don’t keep their Vitamin D levels up through other means have a higher risk of osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and even heart attack! Recent research also suggests Vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, high blood pressure, some autoimmune diseases, and several cancers including breast, colorectal, prostate and pancreatic.
Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with muscle weakness and pain in both adults and children. Some research has reported Vitamin D deficiencies in patients with low-back pain, and found that supplementation reduces pain in many patients.
Vitamin D is in our Top 3 of important vitamins a woman must maintain at the optimal level year round. You can replenish and maintain Vitamin D during winter the following ways:
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Vitamin D can be gained orally and is found in foods like Vitamin D fortified milk, orange juice and other dairy products. Wild caught salmon, not farm raised, is an excellent source of vitamin D. |
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There are two forms of vitamin D for oral use – Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is given by prescription (available at our GYN Clinic) and usually taken once a week. Vitamin D3 is available over the counter with the normal recommendation being 1,000 IU/day. Up to 5,000 IU/day can be taken in the case of Vitamin D deficiency. |
A recent study showed that people who took 2,000 IU/day of Vitamin D3 during flu season had a 91% decrease in respiratory infections.
If you have questions about Vitamin D and your health, and live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads or North Carolina, please contact our GYN clinic at (757) 312-8221. Our GYN doctors are here to help you.
About our GYN Clinic
Our three female gynecologists and Nurse Practitioner provide comprehensive gynecology services to women and girls of all ages in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads and North Carolina.
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