Since you are reading this blog, which normally centers around health and wellness, I’d assume you are interested in the maintenance of your mind, body and spirit. Along with that comes awareness, early detection and prevention.
It can literally save your life.
A wise man once told me, “Everyone wants to go to Heaven. No one wants to go today.” Sound familiar John?
I hope each of you takes time to get yourselves in for your routine medical exams and testing. It is super important.
I am really good at getting myself checked, monitored and tested. I wonder how many of you can relate to my latest and somewhat surprising medical experience.
VITAMIN D
As long as I can remember, every blood test I’ve had has indicated I am low in vitamin D. Yes, I take my supplements including D. At a health care visit a couple of months ago, I mentioned to a random nurse practitioner who saw me that I am normally low in D. She prescribed a MEGA dose to take once a week. That’s all. No mention of how long I was to take it. I assumed I would be taking it forever because I was certainly not informed otherwise.
At my last visit with my regular doc (who I’m sure hung the moon) he noticed that a recent blood test indicated that my D level was fine and to stop taking the mega dose immediately. Too much vitamin D can be toxic! What?
TOXICITY
We all know vitamin D plays an important role in good health. As a hormone, it keeps your body’s cells healthy and functioning properly.
It seems like lots of people don’t get enough D so taking supplements is pretty common.
What many of us don’t know is that too much D can build up to reach toxic levels in the body and cause an abnormally high blood calcium level, which is not good news. Wow, who knew?
SIDE EFFECTS
We know that we get vitamin D from sun exposure. We also know that sun exposure can lead to skin cancer…gulp! There is always a catch, isn’t there?
It is nearly impossible to get too much vitamin D from sunlight or food, hence the supplements. Too much D can have some unhealthy side effects. This is not a case of “If a little is good, more it better.” Seriously folks, I had no idea.
Some of those side effects of taking too much vitamin D include dehydration, irritability, weakness, fatigue, sleepiness, headache, loss of appetite, dry mouth, metallic taste, nausea and vomiting to mention a few.
SO, NOW WHAT?
This is a lesson in, make sure you know what you are taking, how much you should be taking and why. Don’t just randomly pop pills, even if they are simple over the counter medications or supplements (there is a whole other blog in the archives about supplements) without an understanding about what they are or are not doing for your body. I was told I was not taking enough, now I’m told I’m taking too much. So, now what?
CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Vitamin D is very important for bone health and has been linked with immune function and protection against cancer.
Healthline.com reports that a daily vitamin D intake of 1000-4000 IU (international units) should be enough to ensure optimal blood levels for most people.
Although I do plenty of research for my blogs, you certainly should not take my word for it. Your health care provider will be able to inform you about intakes, deficiencies and toxicities of the vitamins, supplements and medications you take.
HAPPY, HEALTHY AND WISE
The goal of my weekly blogs and the goal of High Desert Doppler is to help keep you and yours happy, healthy and wise. I certainly hope we do our part.
If we can provide any of the above stated happiness, health or wisdom, don’t hesitate to call us at 505-350-3397.
We hope you have a great week!