ABCD's of Healthy Living

I have been away from the site for a few months now... my health took a turn for the worse... I was getting more and more exhausted everyday, and depressed. I hadn't ever really been depressed before. I don't recommend it. When things got really bad, almost two months ago, I agreed to try some anti-depressants my doctor suggested. I got worse. I was so lethargic, nauseous and often unconscious that I couldn't function. I went off the medication expecting to get better, or at least back to where I was before I started the medication... I kept getting worse. I had no appetite and every time I ate I was nauseous, every time I did even minimal activity I was nauseous. The 10 minute walk to the school was so thoroughly exhausting I would need a 2 hour nap to recover. I went back to the doctor who performed some tests, blood work, urinalysis... and within 24 hours I was called back into the office.

"Do you take vitamins?" (Dr.)
"Some..." (me)
"Do you get outside at all?" (Dr.)
"Yes, a lot. I am... well was very outdoorsy" (me)
"Well then this is odd." (Dr.)

Turns out I had an extreme deficiency in Vitamin D. It was so low it was off the chart. The deficiency explained the depression, exhaustion, loss of appetite, forgetfulness, confusion and so many of my other symptoms. So I began supplements. My B and iron were also low - only strange because I do supplement those often. Before you say 'maybe you should eat meat' - let me explain, again, that my B and iron drop even lower when I do eat meat - I used to LOVE the taste of meat, and the satisfaction I would feel with that full belly... but when I do consume meat I get ulcers, IBS, and the deficiencies previously mentioned. I am definitely healthier and feeling more comfortable when I completely exclude meat and dairy from my diet. Back to the D dilemma... the question that really piqued my interest was 'how in the world did I - a culturally low risk individual, with extensive time outside year-round and a trip to sunny Mexico over the winter to replenish my D stores, end up with a Vitamin D deficiency, and one so devastatingly low?

I did a lot of research to figure it out. My two best theories were insufficient fat in my diet (fat is required to metabolize the vitamin D in the small intestine, also to regulate calcium and phosphorus) or a kidney problem. After 2 weeks of supplements my head began to clear and I could think again. Motivation to do something other than sleep slowly evolved, and I did the math around my fat intake. My protein and my fat intake were both sufficient. The combination of grains (rice and quinoa), vegetables, beans and nuts met the recommended .8 grams/ kg of body weight. And the daily nuts, seeds and oils ensured a reasonable amount (if not too much) fat in my diet. So I concluded fat intake was not the culprit. At my next doctor's appointment I was relieved to find out he had done a few kidney tests with the original batch of testing and everything was excellent... so what did that leave? a frustrating mystery.

On an unrelated note I had a rash on my arms and part of my legs that was very itchy and annoying. When the doctor told me it was an allergy to the sun I almost fell off my chair. I told him I did not like that diagnosis and would like a new one please. Unfortunately he was the second doctor to make that particular diagnosis. "Buro-sol," an astringent powder mixed with water to apply was a gift from heaven to provide relief - I would like to stock pile the stuff! After 2 days of a steroid the rash was almost completely gone. Now I have to make sure to really really protect my skin from the sun - wear sun block - we have used "Lavera" for a few years now. It is great. I have mentioned it before, but I will give it another plug... When we went to Mexico, Malachi (blond, blue eyes, fair...) had it put on once in the morning, then spent the day in the pools, the ocean and the private outdoor jaccuzi's came back to Canada almost as white as when he left. Warning: You actually have to wash it off at the end of the day with soap and water... My brother who is very much like Malachi (blond, blue eyes, fair...) wore 45 Sport sunscreen that he applied every hour and immediately after swimming was burnt so badly he blistered and bled the day of his wedding (his fiancee at the time told him specifically not to get burned before the ceremony and wedding photos).

LIGHTBULB!

After some research I came to discover that the sun allergy is an immune response and due to this immune response it interrupts the body's ability to absorb vitamin D through the skin. Mystery solved. Though I am still not happy with the diagnosis.

So it has been a few weeks of supplementing now, and I am recovering well. I no longer need a nap during the day (that is not to say I don't still enjoy one though). I can manage small hikes. My mind is able to retain information again and I am performing my daily routines almost back to standard. I still get tuckered out if it is really hot or I do too much activity, but in a few more weeks I will be back to my rambunctious self. I am bow catching up on the blogs, and a pile of paperwork I have let stand way too long.

Here is some more information on Vitamin D for those who are interested...

Vitamin D

Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and maintains appropriate storage of calcium in bones for proper formation and strength.

Proper levels of vitamin D allow for absorption of minerals through the small intestine.

Vitamin D is primarily absorbed through the skin through UVB rays which is more difficult for those who work 9-5 jobs in an office environment, those who live in the northern hemisphere and those with dark skin

Food sources: fish and fish oils, eggs and fortified foods (milk, cereal…)

Only 5% men and 3% women of the Canadian population have a vitamin D deficiency (Stats Canada) **VITAMIN D LEVELS THAT ARE TOO HIGH ARE VERY DANGEROUS DO NOT SUPPLEMENT WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR

Kidneys convert vitamin D to calciferal and house the receptors for this form of vit D controlling calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone.

When kidneys are not working properly their ability to activate and use vitamin D is inhibited and may cause unsafe levels of PTH, calcium and phosphorus, causing further problems with kidney function, increased risk for cancer and immune disorders

Vitamin D deficiency has a high correlation with other chronic diseases: High blood pressure, Tuberculosis, Cancer (breast, colon, prostrate and pancreatic cancer), Periodontal disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic pain, Seasonal affective disorder, Peripheral artery disease, Cognitive impairment (memory loss), Autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes

“There is also an association between low vitamin D levels and Parkinson's disease but it is not clear whether Parkinson's causes low vitamin D levels or whether low vitamin D levels play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease” (http://www.osteoporosis-vitamins.com/vitamin-D-deficiency-symptoms.html)

Inhibiting factors for Vitamin D Absorption

Calcium, choline, phosphorus, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and C are needed to assimilate vitamin D

Diets too low in fat cannot metabolize vitamin D

Fat malabsorption disorders, cystic fibrosis, chron’s disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel and liver disease inhibit body’s ability to use Vitamin D

Kidney disease or kidney problems interfere with the activation of vitamin D

Use of sunscreen prevent absorption and conversion of vitamin D by 95% (http://www.the-vitamin-and-supplement-guide.com/vitaminDdeficiencysymptoms.html) ***HOWEVER melanoma is worse than Vitamin D deficiency - you only need 10 mins of exposure a day without sunscreen to absorb what you need - so make sure to put your sunscreen on after that - if you are worried about your D levels then get them tested and have your doctor make appropriate reccomendations

Persons with dark skin colour or of non-European descent are at a higher risk of not being able to metabolize enough vit D in Canada and the Northern US

Consequences of Vitamin D Deficiencies

Increased risk of cancer (specifically: breast, prostate and colon)

Bone fractures

Osteomalacia/Rickets

Immunosuppression

Hypertension

Depression

Diabetes type 2

Multiple Sclerosis

Arthritis

Cardio vascular disease

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