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NUTRITION
NEWSLETTER
June 2008
Vitamin D: Do We Get
Enough?
Summer is almost here. Are we getting enough sunlight for vitamin D,
the sunshine vitamin? Our bodies can both make vitamin D from sun
exposure and get it from the foods we eat. Living in the Pacific
Northwest may not provide sufficient UVB exposure for us to make enough
vitamin D. Although there is growing evidence that a large part
of the population is insufficient in vitamin D.
First of all, why do we need it:
- Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium to maintain healthy bones
and teeth, important for BOTH men and women.
- Some forms of cancer such as breast, colon, ovarian, and
prostate cancer may be prevented with adequate vitamin D.
- Vitamin D may prevent Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS
patients tend to be deficient in vitamin D.
- Those with depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and
fibromyalgia may find relief with vitamin D.
- And more recently, vitamin D deficiency may
contribute to periodontal (gum) disease.
Although vitamin D may not be the only deficient nutrient, it’s
important to eat a variety of foods to get the full spectrum of
nutrients in your diet.
Here are some ways to increase
your vitamin D status:
- Have these food sources of vitamin D - milk, fish, eggs and
fortified cereals.
- Take a supplement of vitamin D3, the preferred form of
vitamin D. Be careful and don’t overdo it, too much vitamin D can
cause problems. Although, there is no risk of getting too much
vitamin D from food or sun exposure (be cautious with the cancer
causing effects of too much sun exposure).
To
find out more about vitamin D and to assess if you have adequate
vitamin D in your diet, schedule an appointment with Sheri,
Nutrition
in the News: Bisphenol A (BPA), is it safe? BPA is
in the plastic of hard plastic bottles such as nalgene bottles, impact
resistant baby bottles, “sippy” cups and the lining of canned foods,
amongst other things. BPA leaches into food and liquid that comes
in contact with the plastic. BPA is an endocrine disrupter.
Current reports are conflicting as to the health risks. Sheri
recommends, “minimize your exposure with alternatives and strengthen
your detox system to quickly remove toxins.”
Sheri is a certified nutritionist
with a master's degree in nutrition, 8+ years of clinical counseling
experience and is also an ACE-certified personal trainer.
Schedule an appointment with
Sheri Mar to address all nutritional issues related
to health and wellness.
Most insurance plans are accepted.
Free introductory 15-minute appointments are also
available.
To schedule an appointment with Sheri Mar, call 206-789-6440, or email info@eatwellbefit.com
Sheri is the co-author of the Healthy
Bride Guide, a book on fitness
and nutrition.
Do you have a nutrition topic for the month?
Email your suggestions to info@eatwellbefit.com
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