We recently received a question from one of our members regarding the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency and how to treat it: Can Vitamin D3 Help with Weight Loss? We asked our seasoned Clinician to shed some helpful insight on the matter.
Take Vitamin D3 in a Way That Your Body Can Absorb It
Nine out of 10 Americans are likely deficient in Vitamin D3. Many have heard from their primary care providers that their numbers are low, but they just don’t remember to take their Vitamin D3.
In this blog, we hope to create the vitamin-to-body connection so that not only do you understand the importance of Vitamin D3, but that you take it in a way that your body can absorb it. It is true that you are what you eat, but only if you can ABSORB it.
Thousands Of Scientific Investigations About Vitamin D3
There are thousands of scientific investigations about Vitamin D3, making it one of the most studied vitamins. There is no debate in the medical community that normal Vitamin D3 levels influence health, yet it is the last thing that doctors think about when a patient complains of suboptimal health.
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency – Unlock the Genetic Blueprints Stored Inside the Cell
Vitamin D3 affects virtually every cell in your body and affects the expression of around 3000 genes. Vitamin D3 unlocks the genetic blueprints stored inside the cell. Particularly relevant to one’s weight loss program, Vitamin D3 promotes healthy weight, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure. Furthermore, it is involved in everything from bone strength and health to mood, immune function and sleep.
How do you get Vitamin D?
The two main ways to get Vitamin D are by exposing your bare skin to sunlight and by taking Vitamin D supplements. However, most people living in the Bay Area do not get nearly enough sunlight due to work schedules, lifestyle, and sunscreen coverage. Unless you live in the tropics, you can’t get enough UVB radiation from November through February to make sufficient Vitamin D. Not enough UVB means our bodies cannot make the Vitamin D.
Potential Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency:
• Fatigue
• General muscle pain and weakness
• Joint pain
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Restless sleep
• Poor concentration
• Headaches
• Bladder problems
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Depression
How to Correct Vitamin D Deficiency
First, work with your healthcare provider to get a blood test to check your Vitamin D levels. Once your level is determined, your provider will recommend your appropriate daily dose. Here at JumpstartMD, we optimize your Vitamin D level to deliver the maximum health benefit. ‘Normal’ ranges are not always optimal.
In addition to protecting you from the Vitamin D-Deficiency symptoms above, we aim to bring you to optimum levels that can decrease your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Once you get tested and follow your doctor’s recommendations, be sure to get re-tested to make sure your Vitamin D remains the optimal range.
1. Take Vitamin D3:
If your levels are low, your doctor will recommend a dosage of 2,000 Vitamin D3 IU to 50,000 IU daily, until your levels are in the optimal range. We say “D3” because it is more effective than simple Vitamin D. According to one recent study, together, Calcium And Vitamin D Supplements Help Hormones Strengthen Bones.
Many people religiously take their Vitamin D and see no change in their Vitamin D levels. Why does this happen? It is important to take your Vitamin D with a meal. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that requires fat for the best absorption.
2. Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin D:
• Fatty & Oily Fish like: Salmon, Trout, Sole and Tilapia, Herring, Halibut
• Mushrooms
• Tofu
• Caviar
• Dairy Products (Whole Milk, Cheese) or Dairy Alternatives (Soy, Almond Milk)
• Eggs
• Pork and Extra Lean Ham
3. Get 10 – 15 minutes of natural, sunscreen-free sunlight during summer months
Can Vitamin D3 Help with Weight Loss?
Yes! According to a 2007 study by the Women’s Health Initiative, Calcium/Vitamin D3, slow postmenopausal weight gain in women who aren’t getting enough calcium. We need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from our diet. These minerals are also important for healthy bones and teeth. Anyone with Metabolic Syndrome (hypertension, pre-diabetes and increasing waist line) should have their D levels checked and should be taking supplement to optimize their levels.
Can Vitamin D Prevent Cancer?
Optimizing your Vitamin D is one way to protect and fortify your body against cancer. Vitamin D induces differentiation in many types of cancers, encouraging cancer cells to mature into healthy cell types. In other words, it turns cancer cells back into normal cells.
If you haven’t had your Vitamin D levels checked, we recommend your do so. Vitamin D can help you with your weight loss efforts and overall long-term health.