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Healthy Tips
Vitamin D deficiency is causing havoc and most don’t know it
By Gynecology Specialists Staff
Vitamin D is widely known for its role in absorbing and using calcium. However, it is also gaining acceptance as a vitamin that:
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Holds back the development of cancer by inhibiting the growth of abnormal cells. |
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Helps reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels. |
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Helps keep blood pressure under control. |
The average diet for people in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads, and North Carolina contains less than 5% of the Vitamin D the body needs. Fatty fish and fortified dairy products only provide between 100 and 400IU of Vitamin D per serving. The body should make the remaining Vitamin D needed as a result of sun exposure.
Who’s at risk for Vitamin D deficiency?
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People with dark skin. |
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People who get little sun exposure. |
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People who use sunscreen. |
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People who live in areas with little sun and colder climates. |
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People on certain medications and supplements that decrease the amount of Vitamin D in the body. |
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Being older than 65 or younger than 25. |
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Obese |
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Hepatic or renal disease. |
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Gastric bypass surgery. |
Recent studies show -- and our GYN doctors agree -- that between 27% and 47% of Americans, including those in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads, and North Carolina, are deficient in Vitamin D.
Muscle weakness and aches
It has been known for years that a Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness and aches. These people might have bone pain and muscle weakness that prevents them from rising from a chair. Up to 93% of adults with musculoskeletal pain that is persistent but not specific are deficient in Vitamin D. A Vitamin D deficiency that is causing musculoskeletal pain is often mistaken as fibromyalgia. These symptoms can resolve with treatment of the Vitamin D deficiency.
A top 3 vitamin
At our GYN Medical Office, Vitamin D is in the Top 3 of important vitamins a woman must maintain at the optimal level year round. You can replenish and maintain Vitamin D 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 Medical Office) 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.
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If you are suffering from a Vitamin D deficiency and live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads or North Carolina, please contact our GYN Medical Office at (757) 312-8221. Our GYN doctors are here to help you.
About our GYN Medical Office
Our three female GYN doctors and Nurse Practitioner provide comprehensive GYN care to girls and women of all ages in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads and North Carolina.
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