A Weight loss secret

The weight loss secret for today is vitamin D.

healthy living and weight management

Yes, vitamin D is proving itself to be a key in weight loss.

Vitamin D has many significant health benefits, one of which is weight loss.

How does vitamin D have an effect on weight?

• Our bodies need sunshine to produce vitamin D.
• Lack of sunshine causes lack of vitamin D.
• Lack of vitamin D can cause weight gain.

To learn more about the link between vitamin D  and weight,  check out Vancouver healthy living examiner;  Vitamin D and weight loss.

For information on adequate amounts of vitamin D check out this article, What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and can vitamin D help?

Read Full Post »

Light therapy and how it helps fight (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder

Light therapy and how it helps fight SAD

In my previous post, we learned how vitamin D is an effective solution to (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Today we will look at another treatment for SAD – light therapy.

According to Mayo Clinic light therapy is proven to help persons suffering from SAD.

 

Carrie © - Getting a good dose of light therapy

If you live in the West – Vancouver and the lower mainland, you’ve probably heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Perhaps you are one of those persons who struggles with this condition during the gray, gloomy winter months.

Some of the symptoms may include fatigue, depression, lack of sleep, moodiness, and weight gain.

I for one am one of  ‘those persons’ who needed to kick up her vitamin D intake and have some sunlight around me.

This is the second winter that I have a lamp in my office and natural lighting in my kitchen.  I take 5 – 7,000 units of vitamin D per day.

I needed that!

So how does light therapy help?

Light therapy mimics sunlight.

It helps to regulate both melatonin and serotonin, bringing the body back into balance.

For details on the relationship between light and hormones please read my article on Examiner.com titled,  “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and light therapy”.

Light therapy works best when used on a daily basis, starting in fall and ending in springtime.

Also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy, light therapy is widely recommended by doctors and naturopaths.

A note of caution:

Persons affected by SAD may also be suffering from other conditions. Talk to your doctor, naturopath or mental health provider to find out if light therapy is right for you.

Suggested sites:

Seasonal Affective Disorder-The SAD season

Seasonal depression need not ruin the holidays

Light therapy for the low-light months

disclaimer: The content on this post is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended for use as official health consultation

Read Full Post »

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Vitamin D the sunshine vitamin

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is proven to help persons suffering from SAD.

Carrie ©

If you are:

• sad
• depressed
• tired
• irritable
• craving sweet starchy “comfort” foods
• gaining weight
• feeling just plain lethargic

you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

One solution that has proven itself to be helpful is vitamin D.

You can read more about SAD and vitamin D in my latest article published on Examiner.com – What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and can Vitamin D help?

disclaimer: The content on this post is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended for use as official health consultation

Read Full Post »

Vitamin D – The Sunshine Vitamin- Helps Weight Loss!

Got SUN anybody?

My Office - space available for rent - © Carrie

Right about this time of year, pretty much everyone I know is longing for the sun. Some of you are blessed enough to be able to escape to warm and tropical climes.

I’m certain you won’t be reading this.

This is for those of us who have to endure the long dreary winter months of rain and gray skies.

What did my research tell me?

Vitamin D is the SUNSHINE Vitamin

With the aid of sunlight, vitamin D is made from cholesterol in the skin, liver and kidneys.

* Studies are showing that Vitamin D deficiency may be a possible cause for SAD, or may be  associated with feeling tired and depressed.

* Getting adequate amounts of Vitamin D often  increases one’s sense of well-being, and  sleep patterns improve.

* Studies also show an association between adequate Vitamin D and weight loss. It is proving to be helpful in the battle of the bulge.

“Excess body fat absorbs and holds onto vitamin D, making it unavailable to the body. The absence of vitamin D creates interference with the functioning of a hormone called leptin, which signals to the brain that you are full and should stop eating. In addition, overweight people tend to spend more time indoors. This also deprives them from further D as the ultraviolet rays of the sun spur the production of D.”

http://www.brighamandwomens.or/healtheweightforwomen

(I’ve been told that most people put on a few lbs. during the winter months. I thought it was nature’s way of keeping you warm!)

* Vitamin D is an anti-inflammatory hormone

* Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption

During winter months my Naturopath recommends 2000 IU or more per day, depending on individual needs. (Always check with your health practitioner before starting on a new health regimen). He told me that  on any given day spent in the sunshine, one can take in up to 20,000 IU!

This winter, the blues remain with the weather.  I personally am in good spirits – yes, I still long for the sun, but I’m not obsessed about it.

Quote:

“As a clinical regimen, I recommend taking 1000 to 3000 IUs daily Monday through Fridays and taking a “hormone holiday” each week on Saturday and Sunday.” – Diana Schwarzbein – www.Life-With-Confidence.com

Here you will find one of the best articles, in my opinion,  on Vitamin D written by Catherine Pratt

The article is called Benefit of Vitamin D

disclaimer: The content on this post is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended for use as official health consultation

Read Full Post »