Skip to main content

Why Vitamin D?

Why does lying out on the beach feel so good to most people?  There is a chemical reaction that takes place udner your skin when your Vitamin D is activated into a powerhouse biologically influential hormone called D3.  Even though we live in a beach community, most people in Hampton Roads live with low Vitamin D levels.

The following signs may be an indication that yrou Vitamin D level is low: fatigue, joint or bone pain, muscle spasm, weakness, uncontrolled weight gain, restless sleep, poor concentration and memory, depressed mood, headaches or bowel and bladder problems.

Vitamin D is really a hormone.  This means it has a direct influence on the function of almost every cell in our bodies. Studies show the optimal level in your blood to prevent chronic diseases and optimize function is around 60-80.  Many of my patients see me with pain, fatigue and arthritis problems and their levels have either never been checked, or have been told by their doctor that their level of "35" is in the normal range.  The issue is that according to most labs, 30-100 is normal.  Normal is not OPTIMAL.  If your level is 35 you may have been told you don't need to take Vitamin D.  That level may be in the normal range, however, according to the latest research, it is far from optimal.  Once you are placed on a pharmaceutical grade Vitamin D, it is critical to re-check the level every few months until it is inthe normal range.

Recent studies have revealed that higher levels of Vitamin D are associated with reduced risk of certain malignancies including prostate, endometrial, pancreatic, colorectal, and skin cancers.

It is important that we treat our bodies as well or better than we would our car.  If your tank is running low or your body doesn't seem to be performing optimally, get your "fluid" levels checked and optimize your vitality and prolong your engine's life. You can always exchange your car, but you only have one body.  Obtain an ideal weight, eat well, and be informed on the latest discoveries in the current medical literature.

Author
Dr. Gershon Steven Gershon, M.D., is the medical director at Gershon Pain Specialists in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor with specialties in pain management and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, he provides compassionate care that incorporates traditional, alternative, and holistic therapies for the best patient outcomes.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Hormone Balance for Optimal Health Outcomes

Many people assume that feeling "normal" is the same as feeling "optimal" when it comes to their health. However, there is a significant difference between the two, and understanding this difference can help you achieve your health goals and live your best

The Value of Aging Well

Growing older is inevitable, but how we experience it doesn't have to be! A preventative medical approach can add value to the way you age!

The Vitality of Vitamin D

Even though we live in a beach community, most people in Hampton Roads are Vitamin D deficient and don't even know it!