A Call for Vitamin D

Why is vitamin D so important? What does vitamin D do in our bodies?

Vitamin D is necessary for good bone health. One of the main functions of vitamin D is to increase blood levels of calcium and phosphorus by increasing their absorption in the intestines. To do this, vitamin D can bring calcium from the bones to be held by the kidneys. The vitamin is vital in building and maintaining strong bones, aids in hormone function and so much more.

There are two forms of the vitamin most important to human health and vitality – D2, made by plants, and D3, made in our own skin when exposed to sunlight. Although food can be fortified with either, vitamin D3 is of main importance. If supplementing, be sure to choose its D3 form, not the synthetic and inferior D2 form. Continue reading “A Call for Vitamin D”

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Vitamin D Reminder

With clocks falling back an hour and days getting shorter, sunlight can be hard to come by for many people. Vitamin D deficiency becomes a reality, particularly for those living in northern climates.

Adequate levels of vitamin D are vitally important in order to prevent rickets, as well as maintain strong bones. However, research has also been showing that deficiency of D may also be linked to cancer, multiple sclerosis and lowered immune system.

So who should take vitamin D as a supplement? Continue reading “Vitamin D Reminder”

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Five Tips for Back-to-School Health

For many, the start of school means the beginning of constant runny noses, coughing and sneezing – basically cold and flu season. With these simple tips, cold season may not be as bad this year.

1. Get your kids to eat breakfast in the morning. Fuel them. Eating breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should include complex carbohydrates and protein to get them through the morning.

2. Sleep. Make sure your kids have enough sleep. Studies show that kids need at least 8 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Shut down things like computers, phones and television.

3. Keep active. At least 30 minutes every day of exercise is the recommendation for keeping heart healthy!

4. Make sure kids are getting into a routine of washing their hands often to prevent the spread of germs.

5. Multivitamin, omega-3 and fitamin D3 all provide support for kids’ growing bodies and brains. A multivitamin provides nutrients where a diet may be lacking. Omega 3 (especially DHA) has been shown to help with brain function. And vitamin D3 supports the immune system.

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Stay Healthy as Seasons Change

What’s the secret to staying healthy throughout the year? The secret lies in our ability to be flexible and willing to change…just like the seasons.

Different seasons mean different weather, wardrobes, different seasonal fruits available and even different sports to play. It also means that as the days grow shorter or longer, and as the weather gets warmer or colder, we need to stay flexible and adjust our eating habits, exercise routines and lifestyles so we can remain healthy year round. So how do you do that? By starting each season with a customized lifestyle plan around your specific needs, goals, and preferences.

For example, it’s easiest for most of us to live a healthier lifestyle during the spring and summer. We’re showing a little more skin so we’re more aware of our eating habits, we may have access to more fresh fruits and vegetables, the days are longer and more conducive to being active and outside. During nicer weather, we’re also getting more vitamin D from the sun, which offers so many additional health benefits as well. Continue reading “Stay Healthy as Seasons Change”

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Non-Dairy Foods for Healthy Bones

Many people fear that if they are unable to eat dairy products, they will not be able to get enough calcium in their diet. Rest assured that you can get plenty of bone-building nutrients from a wide variety of non-dairy foods. Bones need a myriad of nutrients beyond calcium, such as vitamin D, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, protein, magnesium, healthy fats, zinc, manganese, and boron. Here are some examples of bone-nourishing foods:

1) Vegetables (provide calcium, vitamin K, vitamin C)

  • Leafy green vegetables: kale, collards, mustard greens, arugula, bok choy, parsley, watercress, mesclun, spinach, Swiss chard, turnip greens, dandelion greens, beet greens
  • Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, zucchini, acorn or butternut squash, celery, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts

2) Protein (supports collagen)

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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