Assessing Your Vitamin D Level for Weight Loss Success

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Everyone knows the most popular new year resolutions are…

…lose weight
…eat more healthy
…exercise more.

My 2019 resolutions?  ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Today, I made my bi-annual trip to my internal medicine physician and my cholesterol numbers were slightly elevated; however, my HDL, or good cholesterol had also increased!  My doctor strongly advocates starting cholesterol medicine, or statins.

I know several people who are currently taking statins and they are suffering from the horrible side effects.  Also, statins can destroy your liver, especially those under 60 years old.  Therefore, I will continue my attempts at lowering my LDL cholesterol numbers through nutrition and exercise.

Incorporating a Health Coach

Fortunately, my current health insurance provider offers a free health coaching program, personalized to elevate my overall health.

Today was our first meeting.  All the body measurements and assessment questions answered, it is time to change my eating and exercising habits.

She was relieved to see I am using my FitBit.   I have discussed the benefits of a FitBit in several posts:

See the article: Setting a Caloric Threshold

By using the app, it is very easy to record all the food you’re eating, the water you are drinking and exercise you are getting.  The FitBit has a huge catalog of food already programmed in the app, so all you have to do is scan the bar code of your food product, and it is logged.

Fitbit Alta HR, Black, Small (US Version)

I love the water intake feature.  I can set a goal and the FitBit can tell me how much water I have left to reach it.  The same with exercise.  The watch counts my steps for me.

Furthermore, my health coach looked at my lab numbers and said my LDL was not great, however, she believes the risk outweigh the rewards of starting a statin, especially since I am less than 60 years old.

I am going to take a fasting lab this week, to see where my current numbers are; in comparison with last July.  Pending those results, I will assess how drastic I need to change my eating habits, in order to reduce my LDL.

I will be meeting with my coach every other month, in person; and will keep you updated on our meetings.

Vitamin D

My new health coach was excited to learn, I already take a vitamin D supplement everyday.  I take 5000 i.u. units per day, due to a deficiency discovered years ago.

Everyone, especially woman, should monitor their vitamin D levels.  Consistent low vitamin D levels can lead to osteomalacia, causing bone pain and muscle weakness.

Research has connected vitamin D (lack there of) to several diseases and medical problems, including diabetes, hypertension and multiple sclerosis.

Which Foods Provide Vitamin D?

Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D.  Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackeral are a great source.

Fortified foods – such as milk – provide most of the vitamin D consumed in American diets.

Are you getting enough vitamin D?

Do you fall into any of these categories?  If so, you should consult your doctor and investigate your vitamin D levels.

Over 50 years old?  Your skin does not absorb vitamin D from the sun, like it did when you were younger.

Have fragile bones?  Your body must have vitamin D to absorb calcium, promoting bone growth and strength.

Have you suffered from breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer,  or heart diesease?  Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to these maladies, therefore, you need to boost your levels.

The Vitamin D Council suggests supplements can help reduce issues with autoimmune disease, chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, flu and osteoporosis.

Do you live in a northern climate who may not get sufficient exposure to the sun?  Only people who live south of a line drawn from Los Angeles to Columbia, S.C., get enough sunlight for vitamin D production throughout the year.