Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin

vitamin-dIn this next installment of Vitamins and Minerals from A to Zinc, vitamin D is in the spotlight… or should I say, the sunlight? The majority of Americans (both children and adults) are deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with numerous diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, osteoporosis, psoriasis, periodontal disease, macular degeneration, mental illness, propensity to fall, and chronic pain.

Beyond its role in enhancing calcium absorption, new research has shown that vitamin D improves immune function (fights colds and flu) and can reduce the risk of a variety of cancers. Continue reading “Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin”

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What Supplements Do I Really Need?

multivitamins_smallCustomers often ask me to recommend a basic supplement plan for them. Of course, everyone is unique and has different needs, but there are four supplements that I do often recommend as a solid foundational base. From there, we can branch out to cover other areas of support based on age, gender, health risks, and health concerns. I also like to utilize some great lab testing that can help assess one’s micronutrient levels and nutrient needs. This information can be very helpful in personalizing and maximizing a nutrition program.

Many of the most prevalent health conditions are directly linked to improper nutrition and poor lifestyle habits. Continue reading “What Supplements Do I Really Need?”

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Fight the Winter Blues Naturally

IMG_0593Some people know the third Monday in January as Blue Monday, because it is supposed to be the saddest day of the year. For a number of people, the winter blues aren’t just limited to one day. SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, is a type of depression that affects people in the winter months because of the darkness from shorter days and grayer skies. Less natural sunlight, shorter days and colder weather can really affect your mood. It has been estimated that as many as 9% of U.S. adults experience symptoms of SAD. It is more common in women than men, and in the north than the south.

Symptoms of SAD can be low energy, anxiety attacks, weight gain, sleeping too much, and decreased libido, all of which typically begin in the late fall and alleviate in the spring. But here is the good news. People with SAD often respond very well to light therapy (phototherapy) and vitamin D supplementation, as well as other forms of natural medicine. Be sure to talk to your doctor about symptoms you are experiencing, for a proper diagnosis. Continue reading “Fight the Winter Blues Naturally”

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10 Tips for Cold and Flu Season

Winter is around the corner and cold and flu season is in high gear. And who wants to be sick during the holidays? Not me! So here are some tips to help you keep the bugs away and stay healthy this season.

1. Vitamin D: Immune support is just one of the many benefits of vitamin D. Research has shown that if your vitamin D levels are low, your immune system suffers. Start with 1000mg per day and talk to your health care practitioner about getting your levels tested. You may need to take a lot more.

2. Sleep: Sleep may be the best treatment and prevention for cold and flu. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation suppresses the immune system – leading us to have a less than optimal fever response (fever is actually the body’s way of fighting infection), and less antibodies produced on exposure to these viruses. The result? Stronger symptoms and a longer duration of symptoms, compared to individuals who are getting adequate sleep. Continue reading “10 Tips for Cold and Flu Season”

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Supplements for Babies & Toddlers

Yesterday I wrote about making baby food; today I am writing about what supplements a baby should have. I do get quite a few questions regarding this topic, and even yesterday, someone emailed me a question about vitamins for their toddler.

Here is my take on giving supplements to infants and toddlers.

Nursing infants under the age of 6 months should be supplemented with vitamin D3. I have written about this before. If they are nursing well, and are having regular bowel movements, this is the only supplement they need. As a nursing mom, your own diet should consist of fruits, veggies, lean protein and whole grains… plus GOOD FATS!!

Once solids are introduced, nursing usually is curtailed a bit. Bowel movements can become more difficult especially with iron-fortified cereals. I suggest adding a quarter teaspoon of essential fatty acid (Nordic Naturals DHA Jr.) to the cereal to help with bowel movements. Plus it is very important for brain and eye development. Continue reading “Supplements for Babies & Toddlers”

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  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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    Dr. Rav Ivker
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