Vitamin D….. Yep, it’s that time of the year again.

Living in the pacific northwest, we get to enjoy all 4 seasons (especially this past year!).  As we enter the season of seemingly endless rainfall and shorter days, I think it’s a good time for a friendly reminder about vitamin D deficiencies. 
During the summertime, our skin is more likely to be exposed to the sunlight, which converts cholesterol in our bloodstream into vitamin D (see, cholesterol isn’t necessarily the enemy).  Vitamin D is then processed into its more active forms via the liver and then the kidneys, ultimately leading to calcium and phosphorus balance inside of the body.  There’s a bit more to the actual mechanism, but essentially this means it helps balance your nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems.  It’s important to note that vitamin D is available in the foods we eat, as well as in supplements, so you don’t just need to get it from the sun.
When someone is vitamin D deficient, they typically don’t even know it.  Short-term signs and symptoms may include pain, decreased strength, decreased cognitive function, and depression.  All those probably sound all too familiar for most.  Long-term vitamin D deficiency can also have severe consequences including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. 
As chiropractors, we largely work with the skeletal system and know the importance of strong bones as well as an optimally functioning nervous system.  Therefore, as fall provides less sunlight exposure, you may want to consider supplementing this awesome vitamin. As always, before starting to take any supplement, talk to your doctor about it, as your needs may be different than others.

Yours in health,

Dr. Bryan

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