Tag Archives: vitamin D

Vitamin D – Should You Think Twice?

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We decided to investigate the pros and cons of certain vitamin and mineral supplements so we recently started a feature called Dietary Supplements Under The Microscope and first on our list is Vitamin D. Vitamin D boasts support from many medical professionals and homeopathic practitioners for a variety of conditions such as asthma, osteoporosis, cardiovascular and skin issues. However, the supplement should not be taken blindly or overused, as there could be serious repercussions and complications for some people.

Why Do We Need Vitamin D And How Do We Get It?

Vitamin D occurs naturally in some foods such as fish. It is integral for good bone, skin and lung health, and has many other health benefits as well. We get most of our required Vitamin D from solar absorption but many food items like dairy have been fortified with Vitamin D to help supplement intake. There have also been countless Vitamin D dietary supplements produced for those who are deficient, or have been instructed to get more vitamin D due to certain health conditions.

Potential Benefits of Vitamin D

As aforementioned, the healing benefits of vitamin D are vast. Medical and naturopathic professionals often suggest Vitamin D supplements for such health concerns as:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Asthma and COPD
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Weak teeth and bones
  • Obesity

Potential Dangers of Vitamin D Supplements

Aside from the fact that dietary supplements are not closely regulated by the FDA the same as medications are (and therefor may include unwanted filler ingredients), the following conditions may be made worse by taking extra vitamin D:

  1. Kidney disease
  2. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
  3. Lymphoma
  4. Tuberculosis
  5. Sarcoidosis
  6. Hyperthyroidism
  7. Histoplasmosis
  8. Vitamin D can potentially be dangerous for pregnant or breastfeeding women in high doses

If you have any of these health conditions, speak to your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements to see make sure it shouldn’t worsen your condition.

Vitamin D Toxicity

Vitamin D toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis D, is one of the biggest concerns with taking too much vitamin D (generally greater than 4000 units daily for extended periods of time). Symptoms of toxicity range from unpleasant to serious and can include fatigue, dehydration, high blood pressure, disorientation, muscle weakness, arrhythmias and vomiting. Those who have pre-existing kidney or liver problems are most vulnerable to developing vitamin D toxicity.

Possible Medication Interactions

There are certain medication and supplement interactions that may occur with vitamin D, including a possible adverse reaction with water pills or certain antacids that contain aluminum. Vitamin D may also effect certain heart medications and heparins. Never start any supplements before speaking to your doctor first (or one of our highly qualified DocChat physicians).

Conclusion? Draw The One That’s Right For You!

It is important to weigh out the potential pros and cons with a medical professional before starting any new medication or supplement to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. When taken under the right circumstances and in the proper dosages, vitamin D can be beneficial to your overall health, however, it depends on many factors. We suggest to be your own advocate, do your research and cover all the basis before starting anything new. And again, be sure to discuss your decision with your doctor (or one of ours)!

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Why Drinking Milk is Beneficial for Your Bones

Health Tips, Healthcare, , , , , , , , , , ,

Asian boy drinking milk

It comes as no big surprise that drinking milk is beneficial for your overall health and bones. After all, growing up, everyone has heard their parents and grandparents constantly hammer into their minds that drinking milk makes your bones powerful and strong.

Since then, it is given that drinking milk contributes to healthier and stronger bones. But, no one really is aware as to the real reasons why drinking milk is actually beneficial for bones. Here are some reasons why you should make it a habit to drink milk every day.

·Builds The Core Part of Bones

Calcium is an extremely important mineral that is an integral part of the human body because builds and maintains your bones and teeth and regulates the heart’s tempo. Your bones are said to retain approximately 99% of the body’s calcium.

Thus, calcium makes up the core part of your bones which is generally built and gets strong during adolescence as calcium is retained by bone. Thus, it is only natural that kids are continuously told to drink milk, which is known for its richness in calcium.

·Prevents Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is basically the weakening and increasing fragility of bones as you age. It is a common condition among postmenopausal women because of a decrease in their oestrogen levels leaving their bones vulnerable to fractures and breakage. It is estimated that 61% of osteoporosis affects women.

Storing calcium minerals by drinking milk ensures a strong foundation of your bones which is likely to decrease the likelihood of possible development of osteoporosis in future. So, drinking milk ensures that you develop the strongest and densest bones during the first 30 years of your life, which is extremely important if you want to prevent bone loss as you get old.

·Contributes to Healthy Bones

Bones are the foundation of the human body. They are rich in calcium and vitamin D which are essential minerals and account for the largest components for bone health. Your bones are bound to be vulnerable to potential breakage and fractures if they don’t have a strong foundation. Calcium and vitamin D ensures that your bones are strong and resilient to withstand outside forces like a fall from the stairs or an injurious collision in a game. Since milk retains major vitamin D minerals which absorb calcium, it is indeed beneficial for bones.

It is recommended that you consume 1-2 glasses of milk everyday (warm or cold). If you don’t like the taste of it, you can always go for flavored milk. Contrary to the popular belief, there is no ‘best time’ for consuming milk and you can do it whenever you want to.