Our mental health affects how we feel and how we live our lives. We don't have to apologize for mental illness.
Did you know that increasing your Vitamin D can take the edge off your depression?
There is a growing body of evidence that links many mental health conditions to dietary deficiencies.
Check out this 2010 study called "Where all the sunshine?" Researchers combed over many studies that analyzed the connection between Vitamin D deficiency and depression, and ideas for treatment.
"Groups who are at risk for vitamin D deficiency include the elderly, adolescents, obese individuals, and those with chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes)," the report states. "Interestingly, it is these same groups that have also been reported to be at risk for depression."
I've also seen in my research that there are other entire groups of people who naturally run low on Vitamin D: infants, pregnant and lactating women, people who live in Northern latitudes, people who avoid the sun, etc.
Plus, there may be medical factors that keep you from getting enough Vitamin D, such as chronic renal failure, problems with absorbing nutrients after bariatric surgery, biliary tract disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc.
So what can you do?
This report promotes the same recommendations I give to my patients: exercise outdoors in the sunlight, eat a varied and diverse diet (here's a quick list of the most Vitamin-D-rich foods), and take a supplement.
I recommend you take Vitamin D3, not D2. And if you're already taking Vitamin A, know that it counter-acts against Vitamin D. (This should be on your radar if you take Cod Liver Oil or Retinol.)
In short, if you're being evaluated for Depression, make sure your doctor checks your Vitamin D levels as well. You may be able to save yourself a lot of time and money!
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