Tag Archive for: vitamin d

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Winter Blues To Do

Winter Blues To Do List

For some, especially far north of the equator winter blues are no fun.

To Do List

 

1. Check Labs for “optimal” vitamin d level in your blood*

It takes time to build vitamin d in your body with supplements (pills or liquid).

If your vitamin d is very low a doctor may prescribe a one time high dosage pill of 50,000 IU’s of vitamin d.

(Commonly 1,000-5,000 IU is taken per day)…

50,000 IU at once is quite high! …Obviously your vitamin d level is quite low if a doctor prescribes this dose at once.

-You should have vitamin d checked annually-Even if you already are taking an anti-depressant and especially if prone to vitamin d deficiency.

Read Signs of vitamin D Deficiency Here

 

2. Do not ignore symptoms of severe depression. Get a mental health evaluation when needed. (Ask your Dr to check your vitamin d in labs, too)

 

3. Check for other deficiencies such as low iron/ferritin blood levels in labs.

Ask your doctor to order a blood panel of tests around your main complaint such as low energy or fatigue.

Try taking a magnesium supplement after checking with your doctor first. Be sure to use the correct type of magnesium for you!

 

4. Daily Movement/ Exercise

You can start out with slow, easy movements such as an intro yoga class, including chair yoga if your mobility/ movement is less right now.

Yoga and walking are both good for back pain. yoga helps keep the spine supple to avoid joint pain.

Walking can help back pain by means of the swinging back and forth motion of the arms.

—Movement with others is even better for lifting our mood!

—Movement as Play time is great for the mood!

 

5. Acupuncture &/or similar healing modality

Regular appointments with your licensed acupuncturist, massage therapist or chiropractor can really help manage the winter blues.

We know acupuncture has been shown to improve mood and relax the nervous system.

 

Aleesha Kaplan, LAc is a licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture finally cured her of 17 years of debilitating migraine pain caused by a collision with a semi-truck in high school.

This rich experience helps her to empathize with her patients. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and anxiety that can go with it.

 

 

 

 

 

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Is Vitamin D Deficiency a New Thing?

Why Does Vitamin D Deficiency Seem to be the New Norm?

  • Change in Diet
  • Change in Chemicals sprayed on our Food
  • Diet & Chemical Effect on our Gut (Vitamin D Deficiency)

Why was vitamin d deficiency not a problem in Grandma’s day?…

People used to get their vitamin d from foods such as lard, fish and whole milk with natural vitamin d already in the foods. Lard with vitamin d is more difficult to find. Less people drink full fat milk with vitamin d, and even less eat fish, especially cod liver. There is not enough natural occurring vitamin d in cod liver oil supplements for most people who are deficient in lab results. So if low in d, you probably still need to supplement as well and need to check with your doctor on this before doing so anyway.

I remember my dad used to make me eat a cod fish oil capsule every week. When I asked him “Why?” he just said, “‘Cuz it’s good for you.” I don’t think he really knew why. He took it because his grandma told him to. Being Swedish, she probably knew it was necessary to eat oil from the the liver of cod. Swedes are low in vitamin d, too unless they supplement with food or supplements due to also being far from the equator. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, your body makes vitamin d, BUT…

that only applies if you are close enough to the equator. For those of us who live in the northern latitude of the world (like Minnesota) exposure of arms and legs for 15-20 minutes per day should suffice during the summer; during the fall and winter months you will most likely have to take a vitamin d supplement if your labs reveal deficiency. This is because you could lay out naked all day in the sun during the winter without it affecting your vitamin d synthesis. We are just not at the correct angle in relation to the sun here at that time. That is why some call vitamin d the “Sunshine vitamin.”  Check with your doctor to be sure vitamin d supplementation is right for you before doing so.

 

There is also the thing about The Pesticides used here in the U.S.A. since the 1970’s.

This insecticide (outlawed in much of Europe) blocks vitamin D absorption in the gut. Yikes!

 

Summary of Vitamin D Deficiency

 

  • Heart Health
  • Bone Health
  • Worldwide Problem
  • Energy and/or Mood
  • Checked with Blood Test

 

So, look out for Low Mood and Low Energy-it Could be Low Vitamin D. Ask your doctor to order a blood test to screen for vitamin d deficiency. If it is not low, then you have ruled out one possible cause to your low energy and mood. Note: many doctors in private practice (like my primary care doc) actually like to see vitamin d level higher than what conventional family medicine doctors deem as “healthy range” levels of vitamin d. Why? This is because vitamin d level can be high enough to keep you alive, though may not be “optimal” for your health as an individual.

If you take blood thinners like Coumadin® avoid taking the liquid vitamin d with k2 vitamin as vitamin k can interfere with the effects of this drug. Otherwise vitamin k is added because it can help with vitamin d absorption. Always check with your doctor first before adding anything to your supplements regimen.

Naturopathic doctors look at this way as well. Like acupuncturists, we look at medicine from a prevention perspective. It is a different medical paradigm than the Western one which is focused on treating a disease. Both types of medicine are needed and each has its time and place, for sure. 

Low Mood or Energy? Low Libido or Imbalanced Hormones? Aleesha Treats Mood, Energy, Hot flashes and Fertility, too.

Go online to Schedule at: AnokaAcupuncture.com

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance, low energy and for Cosmetic Acupuncture for wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines and improvement in overall skin tone . Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture say they feel cared for and listened to. They are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

 

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street just off Highway 10 with free parking.

Get in and Feel Better, Move Forward!

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

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Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19

Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19

 

What’s the deal with vitamin D and COVID?…

 

Countries have found their sickest people with COVID-19 also have tested deficient in vitamin d.

Countries with the highest death rates from COVID-19 also reported highest rates of vitamin d Deficiency.

Low Vitamin “D” Often Stands for Depression

This is no surprise, as Vitamin D is crucial for a healthy immune system. More vitamin D usually means less colds and flu in general.

Am I Prone to Vitamin D Deficiency?

 

This should be a good enough reason to keep up on your vitamin d supplementation or to ask your doctor to order labs for a blood draw to check that your vitamin d level is not deficient, especially during COVID-19!

…Especially if you have Signs/ Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency.

 

Do You Have any of these Signs/ Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?

 

 

 

Ask Your Doctor 

Only Take Vitamin D after Your Doctor orders a lab test that determines deficiency. As always, follow your doctor’s recommendation for how much to take.

Many take 1,000 I.U.-5,000 I.U. Some take even more. Your doctor will let you know what range to start with. You will know within a few months from the next lab test if you are within a healthy range.

 

Be Your Own Health Advocate

You may have to prod your doctor to order the test. I am always advocating for my own health by nudging my doctor to run tests and it has served me very well! You get an intuition about things once you start to really pay attention to your body and what is normal for it.

Get curious. Speak up for Yourself-and Your Body! It is the only one you get.

 

When Should You Take Vitamin D?

Some need to supplement all year, while some only need to take during Fall/ Winter months depending on sun exposure and other individual factors. I get my vitamin D checked in labs twice per year to see if I need to supplement during the summer months as well as during the winter. Many of us across the world are needing to take it year-round. 

 

Can You Take Food with Vitamin D?

It is a fat-soluble vitamin which means it absorbs better with fat. So, I try to take mine in the morning with chia seeds or my black cumin seed oil, flax seed/flax seed oil or nut butters.

I like to take it in the morning around coffee time just because that is when I remember to take it. Setting it in front of the coffee machine as a hoop to jump through before my ritual cup of love helps me to remember.

Don’t get caught-up on the taking it with fat thing too much, though. I found some were not compliant in taking it daily if they had to skip breakfast due to thinking they needed fat with it at the same time. You should get enough fat eventually in your day to absorb it.

Just do what works for you in order to be compliant. If taking it at night works better, then of course do that. 

 

 

Summary of Vitamin D Deficiency

  • Many are Deficient Worldwide
  • Many long-term Health effects 
  • Calcium needs D for Absorption (Bone health/ Heart health)
  • COVID-19 & Low Vitamin D
  • Diagnosed with Blood test 
  • Easy to Supplement

So, look out for Low Mood and Low Energy-it Could be Low Vitamin D!

 

See other Signs/ Symptoms of Low Vitamin D Here

Ask your doctor to order a blood test to screen for vitamin d deficiency if you have low mood and/or low energy. If it is not low, then you have ruled out one possible cause to your low energy and mood. Note: many doctors in private practice (like my primary care doc) actually like to see vitamin d level higher than what conventional family medicine doctors deem as “healthy range” levels of vitamin d.

Why? …because vitamin d can be high enough to keep you alive, though may not be “optimal” for your health as an individual. Just like with vitamin C; you may have enough to not get scurvy. However you want enough for “optimal” health to avoid illness in general.

 

Licensed Acupuncturists, Naturopathic doctors and Functional Medicine Doctors look at this way as well. Providing medicine from a prevention perspective strives to keep the body in balance to avoid disease or dis-ease. It is a different medical paradigm than the Western one which is focused on treating only once there is a state of disease. Both types of medicine are needed and each has its time and place, for sure. I sure do appreciate the Emergency Room and antibiotics (when necessary).

 

The two main symptoms or main complaints that walk into my practice are low mood and fatigue.

The body needs to remain in balance to stay in optimal health.

Aleesha D Acupuncture carries vitamin D in liquid form for better absorption.

This liquid form comes with added vitamin k2 to help your body absorb the vitamin d even better!-Watch out if you take blood thinners like Coumadin®/ warfarin as vitamin k is contra-indicated for use with blood thinners as it can lower the effect of the drug. This is why you always check with your doctor first before adding supplements like vitamins.

 

Low Mood or Energy? Low Libido or Imbalanced Hormones? Aleesha Treats Mood, Energy, Hot flashes and Fertility, too.

Go online to Schedule at: AnokaAcupuncture.com

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance, low energy and for Cosmetic Acupuncture for wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines and improvement in overall skin tone . Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture say they feel cared for and listened to. They are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

 

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street just off Highway 10 with free parking.

Get in and Feel Better, Move Forward!

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

 

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What are Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency?

What are Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency?…

  • Depression 
  • Fatigue
  • Bone Loss
  • Hair Loss
  • Frequent Illnesses
  • Slow Healing Wounds

The above Signs/ Symptoms may or may not be from deficient vitamin D in your body. 

However, most of the population, especially here in Minnesota (far from the equator) need to supplement with Vitamin D.

“D” for Depression…

I always think of Vitamin D Deficiency as “D” for Depression. This is because so many of my patients have come to me with Low Mood and Low Energy and when I urge them to get their Vitamin D levels checked by their doctor, they are often times deficient. Sometimes, vitamin d deficiency is so low they have to take a 50,000 I.U. dose at once! I have family members who have had to take this dose as well.

Most take only 1,000-5,000 per day! So, you can see how deficient one must have to be in order to be prescribed 50,000 I.U. dosage of vitamin d! This is a real problem where we live and I wish more doctors screened for it with a simple blood test before grabbing for anti-depressants.

“D” for Dementia…

Western medicine is necessary and I am so grateful that we have it, however we NEED to get to the ROOT CAUSE of issues if we are going to have prevention of disease.

If you just were to take medication for mood, but low mood was from low vitamin d, you could end up with long-term consequences of brittle bones/fractures, heart issues, and dementia.

This is because vitamin d is required for absorption of calcium. Calcium is needed for bone health and heart health.

Autopsies reveal more and more who suffered with Dementia were also deficient in Vitamin d. 

Parkinson’s patients are known for having low vitamin d.

Parkinson’s Aside: Did You Know… Research is being done on positive brain affects after cycling with Parkinsons? Look it up! 

 

The vitamin d3 that I take and carry for my patients has vitamin k2 for better absorption of the d. However, If you take blood thinners like Coumadin® avoid taking vitamin k as it can interfere with the effects of this drug. Always check with your doctor first before adding anything to your supplements regimen.

That’s not All!…

 

Read Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19 

 

Everything needs to remain in balance for us to stay in optimal health. 

 

Who is Prone to Vitamin D Deficiency?

 

Is Vitamin D Deficiency a New Thing?

Why was vitamin d deficiency not a problem in Grandma’s day?…

People used to get their vitamin d from foods such as lard, fish and whole milk with natural vitamin d already in the foods. Lard with vitamin d is more difficult to find. Less people drink full fat milk with vitamin d, and even less eat fish, especially cod liver. There is not enough natural occurring vitamin d in cod liver oil supplements for most people who are deficient in lab results. So if low in d, you probably still need to supplement as well and need to check with your doctor on this before doing so anyway.

I remember my dad used to make me eat a cod fish oil capsule every week. When I asked him “Why?” he just said, “‘Cuz it’s good for you.” I don’t think he really knew why. He took it because his grandma told him to. Being Swedish, she probably knew it was necessary to eat oil from the the liver of cod. Swedes are low in vitamin d, too unless they supplement with food or supplements due to also being far from the equator. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, your body makes vitamin d, BUT…

that only applies if you are close enough to the equator. For those of us who live in the northern latitude of the world (like Minnesota) exposure of arms and legs for 15-20 minutes per day should suffice during the summer; during the fall and winter months you will most likely have to take a vitamin d supplement if your labs reveal deficiency. This is because you could lay out naked all day in the sun during the winter without it affecting your vitamin d synthesis. We are just not at the correct angle in relation to the sun here at that time. That is why some call vitamin d the “Sunshine vitamin.”  Check with your doctor to be sure vitamin d supplementation is right for you before doing so.

 

Summary of Vitamin D Deficiency

So, look out for Low Mood and Low Energy-it Could be Low Vitamin D. Ask your doctor to order a blood test to screen for vitamin d deficiency. If it is not low, then you have ruled out one possible cause to your low energy and mood. Always check with your doctor first before taking new vitamins or minerals supplements.

Note: many doctors in private practice (like my primary care doc) actually like to see vitamin d level higher than what conventional family medicine doctors deem as “healthy range” levels of vitamin d. Why? This is because vitamin d level can be high enough to keep you alive, though may not be “optimal” for your health as an individual.

Naturopathic doctors look at this way as well. Like acupuncturists, we look at medicine from a prevention perspective. It is a different medical paradigm than the Western one which is focused on treating a disease. Both types of medicine are needed and each has its time and place, for sure. 

Low Mood or Energy? Low Libido or Imbalanced Hormones? Aleesha Treats Mood, Energy, Hot flashes and Fertility, too.

Go online to Schedule at: AnokaAcupuncture.com

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

 

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance, low energy and for Cosmetic Acupuncture for wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines and improvement in overall skin tone . Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture say they feel cared for and listened to. They are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

 

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street just off Highway 10 with free parking.

Get in and Feel Better, Move Forward!

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Why Do I Need to Take Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is needed in order to absorb calcium properly in the body. Many middle aged and older females struggle with bone density issues in the developed world and many are low in vitamin D.

Vitamin D is important for regulating mood, energy and body healing mechanisms.

Vitamin D is important for immunity.

Vitamin D is especially important now during COVID-19 pandemic.

Autopsies are finding those who die from the virus are deficient in vitamin D. Remember, it helps with Immunity! 

 

Read How Sun Exposure Helps Your Body Make Vitamin D Here

You could be naked outside in the sunshine all day long this far north and it would still not be sufficient enough for helping with vitamin D (except for during the summer months).

 

Where to get Vitamin D and What Type Should I Take?

Fortunately, You can get Vitamin D here at Aleesha D Acupuncture. I use and carry the liquid form of vitamin D 3 for guaranteed absorption and control over the dosage (each drop equals 1,000 mg). I also like it with k2 as this vitamin helps aid the absorption of vitamin D (do not take vitamin k if you take blood thinners like Coumadin or have thin blood).

 

Is What You Eat (Wheat) Eating You?… 

There may be a connection to the non-0rganic wheat we eat here and malabsorption of vitamin D in the body. The glycophosphate-based pesticide that starts with “R” and ends in “up” is what I used to have to spray on the driveway cracks to get rid of weeds as a kid. This pesticide has been outlawed in many other countries because of it’s connection to Cancers. We know more about it now and how it wrecks our guts, among other things it does. It doesn’t just destroy exoskeletons of bugs!  This is why it is outlawed in countries like France, Italy and most of Canada.

Unfortunately it is still used here in this country in wheat production. The glycophosphate pesticide we ingest in our wheat here may get in the way of vitamin d absorption in the gut…

This may help explain why so many (even in southern states) now need to supplement with vitamin d on a daily basis, despite sun exposure.

 

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Am I Prone to Vitamin D Deficiency?…

Who is Prone to Vitamin D Deficiency?

  • Age
  • Obese
  • Women
  • Medications
  • Northern climates

Are you in a population that is prone to having a vitamin d deficiency?

  • Osteoporosis
  • Kidney/ Liver Disease
  • Darker skin pigmentation
  • Gastrointestinal Surgeries (i.e., gastro bypass)

Risk factors of vitamin D Deficiency-Explained:

As we age, we tend toward malabsorption of vitamins and minerals so naturally there is less vitamin d absorption.

 

Some prescribed drugs can affect vitamin d metabolism, such as HIV/ Aids medications, anti-seizure drugs, anti-fungal drugs, etc.

 

Obese populations are more prone to vitamin d deficiency as the fat cells hold onto it (it is a fat soluble vitamin). So, vitamin d is often not used as ideally as it should in the overweight body.

 

 Read Is Vitamin D Deficiency is New Thing? 

 

Those who have darker skin are more prone to being deficient in vitamin d because it is not as easy to absorb the sun’s rays and convert vitamin d as with lighter skin. Melanin acts as a built-in sunscreen in dark skin, preventing sunshine from converting to d.

 

Stomach bypass surgeries cause many malabsorption issues, including vitamin d malabsorption, often resulting in vitamin d deficiency. This is why patients who undergo these surgeries are on vitamin and mineral supplements for life.

 

Women have a higher percentage of body fat so more d is stored and not used (fat soluble vitamin). Therefore, less is converted to use in the body.

 

Signs/ Symptoms You May be Low in Vitamin D

 

I take liquid vitamin d because liquid is good for absorption. It has added k2 vitamin for even better absorption of the vitamin d3. However, if you take blood thinners like Coumadin® avoid taking the liquid vitamin d with k2 vitamin as vitamin k can interfere with the effects of this drug. Otherwise vitamin k is added because it can help with vitamin d absorption. Always check with your doctor first before adding anything to your supplements regimen.

 

How to Diagnose Deficient Vitamin D

The only way to truly find out what your vitamin d level is in your body is to have a lab test done. Blood is drawn and vitamin d level is checked to see if it is in normal, healthy range.

Keep in mind that a Naturopathic doctor or functional medicine doctor may want to see your vitamin d in a higher “optimal” level than what a conventional family doctor may be comfortable with. Many insurances cover this lab test. 

 

Summary of Vitamin D Deficiency

 

Acupuncture is great for Low Energy/ Feeling Fatigue in the body and mind, and Low Mood. It gets us out of Fight or Flight.

Go online to Schedule at: AnokaAcupuncture.com

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

 

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance, low energy and for Cosmetic Acupuncture for wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines and improvement in overall skin tone . Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture say they feel cared for and listened to. They are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka this summer to schedule!

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street just off Highway 10 with free parking.

Get in and Feel Better, Move Forward!

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

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Digestive Enzymes versus Probiotics (Anoka Pain and Women’s Health)

Warning: We will be Talking About Poop!…

What’s the Difference between Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics?

 

Should I Take Probiotics or Digestive Enzymes?

First, lets find out the difference between the two. How do they work? What are the Signs and Symptoms of Deficient Enzymes vs Imbalanced Probiotics within the body?…

 

What are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins made in the GI tract to break down food so it can be digested and used by the body.

So, Digestive Enzymes Help You Digest Your Food.

  • From Raw Foods
  • From Supplements
  • Not Alive

(Only Alive in Food form, not supplement form)

 

So, if the Body Makes Enzymes, Why Supplement?

Though made in the GI, eating processed foods in place of raw foods, lowers these enzymes needed for proper digestion. There is an epidemic of processed foods in the Modern diet. This is why we hear so much about supplementing with digestive enzymes today. Enzymes Improve Poor Digestion.

 

What Do Digestive Enzymes Help?

  • Help break down foods & Improve Energy
  • Improve nutrients absorbed from food
  • Lack of Stomach acid (breaks down food)
  • Lack of Pepsin (breaks down food)

 

How Enzymes Help:

Digestive Enzymes assist your body when there is impaired ability to break down any of the three major macros in your food.

Essentially, digestive enzymes help you turn these into energy…

Macros- 3 main types of nutrients found in foods:

  1. Proteins
  2. Fats
  3. Carbohydrates

Macros & Specific Enzymes that Help Digestion:

  1. Protein (Proteases)
  2. Fats (Lipases)
  3. Carbohydrates (Amylases)

(Unless you know which specific macro your body needs help with, look for digestive enzymes to help you digest all Three).

 

Signs & Symptoms of Deficient Enzymes:

Look for Signs in Your Stool:

  • Pale or floating stool
  • Diarrhea (within 1 hour of meals)
  • Undigested food in stool (within 1 hour of meals)
  • streaking, fatty deposits of stool left in toilet
  • Lowered Immunity

Look for Digestive Symptoms:

  • Abdominal bloating after meals
  • Gas after meals
  • Acid reflux

Diagnosed Disease or Deficiencies:

  • Vitamin D
  • B-12 Deficiency
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Liver disease
  • Leaky Gut
  • IBS

Deficiencies or Diseases dealing with malabsorption issues may result in becoming more prone to Digestive Enzyme Deficiency.

Where Digestive Enzymes are Located in Your Body:

  • Saliva
  • Stomach
  • Upper GI tract
  • (Helping) the entire GI tract

How to Use Digestive Enzymes?

  • Take 20-30 minutes prior to meal
  • Take half dose before and half dose with first bite (if this seems to help)
  • Take with meals that tend to cause digestive upset (avoid these foods when you can)

What to Watch Out for in Digestive Enzyme Supplements:

Be sure the product is a practitioner- quality supplement. You want Digestive Enzymes without added fillers, free from common allergens such as; gluten, wheat, corn, milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Individuals who already have impaired digestion are more prone to sensitivities of one of more of the above-mentioned additives.

Aleesha D Acupuncture carries practitioner-grade brands of Digestive Enzyme Supplements which are free of additives and fillers.

—Probiotics—

What are Probiotics?

Bacteria that live mostly in the lower GI tract. These are good bacteria that fight the bad bacteria. This good bacteria is easily wiped out by antibiotics taken. Probiotics are living organisms.

  • Protect Digestive Tract from Harmful bacteria
  • Alive

Where are Probiotics?

Probiotics are mostly in the small and large intestines.

 

 

More on Probiotics Here

 

What Are Prebiotics?

 

Should I Take Probiotics or Digestive Enzymes?

Take Enzymes for: Breaking Down the Nutrients in Food (Digestion Issues)

  • Low Immunity
  • Acid Reflux
  • Indigestion
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • IBS

 

Acupuncture Helps with Acid Reflux or Heartburn 

Help with Digesting Foods

Take Probiotics for: Improving Microbial Balance in Intestinal Tract (Bacterial Imbalance Issues)

  • Low Immunity
  • Imbalanced Diet
  • Imbalanced Lifestyle
  • After Infection or Antibiotic use
  • Skin issues

How to Take Probiotics

Take Probiotic supplement with meal, right before meal or right after meal. This way the food provides some friendly bacteria

Aleesha D Acupuncture carries Probiotic supplements in practitioner-grade brands which are free of fillers and additives.

A Note of Caution:

Start out slowly with Probiotics in supplement for as well as Probiotic-rich foods, as they can have a powerful effect on digestion. If you start out taking too much, you will know… hello, Gas and Bloating!! If this happens, just back off of it or stop taking for a while until the symptoms subside. When you start taking again, use smaller dosage or try another brand. As always, check with your doctor before starting any new supplement such as Probiotics or Enzymes.

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc.

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Aleesha treats digestion issues successfully by treating the root cause and by treating the whole individual.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street close to Andover, MN with free parking.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

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Try Acupuncture for Depression (Anoka Pain and Women’s Health Clinic)

Why Try Acupuncture for Poor Mood and Low Energy?

Acupuncture Helps Ease Mild to Moderate Depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).

 

Is Your Depression Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

 

How Acupuncture Helps Depression

Acupuncture works under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and looks at and treats Depression differently than Western Medicine does. Acupuncture is good at helping patients with mild to moderate depression.

 

What is the Science behind How Acupuncture Helps Pain and Depression?-

Acupuncture decreases pain by inciting the body to release specific endorphins which relieve pain, acupuncture increases Qi and blood (circulation) to the affected area and decreases inflammation in the body (inflammation causes pain and chronic inflammation causes disease).

Acupuncture helps with depression by:

  • Acupuncture releases endorphins (feel-good hormones)
  • Acupuncture increases circulation
  • Acupuncture lowers inflammation

 

Research on Acupuncture for Depression:

In 2010 The Journal of Affective Disorders published on 207 clinical studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture treating depressive disorders. The efficacy of acupuncture was found to be comparable to antidepressants alone in the improvement of clinical response and with alleviating symptom severity of Major Depressive Disorder. 

Adverse reactions to acupuncture treatment was also significantly lower than that of antidepressants!

 

COVID-19 and Vitamin D Deficiency

 

What YOU Can do for Depression:

Have Your Doctor Check Your Labs for:

  • Get Your Vitamin D3 level screened in Labs!!
  • Get Your Thyroid screened
  • Get Your Vitamin B level screened
  • Get Your Iron level screened
  • Support Group
  • Breathe
  • Exercise (30 minutes daily)
  • Sleep (bad sleep may increase risk of Dementia)

(Think of vitamin “D” as the “D” in “DEPRESSION)!

90% of us- Especially in the northern area of MN, where we do not get enough sun for enough vitamin D…I tell my patients that even if they were to lie outside in the sun naked all day long, they would still not get enough vitamin D without supplementing during the winter!

You can buy your vitamin d here, too.

–Ask your doctor to check your blood level in your labs for vitamin d deficiency every year when you get your annual physical.

 

Thyroid/ Iron/ B vitamin Deficiency…

Low thyroid level, Iron or deficient B vitamin can cause fatigue and low mood. Ask your doctor to check this if you feel low mood and energy.

 

Stay Social!…

Get a support group of friends, family and care providers you can trust to have your best interest in mind.

We do not have to go it alone.

Many 0f us keep trying to do everything ourselves without asking for help. This does not work. Reach out to your peeps.

We are social creatures.

 

Breathe. Take your time. Try not to change too many major things in life at once when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Sleep. Be sure to get enough. Ramifications of not enough sleep over a long period of time can really affect your health in a negative way. Sleep is when the plaque that causes dementia is cleaned from our brain. I think of it as Pacman going in to keep us healthy. Get some sleep!

Exercise every day. 20-30 minutes, especially in nature can do wonders for the body and mind.

Low Impact Exercises:

  • Brisk Walking
  • Restorative Yoga
  • Chi Gong (Qi gong)

Chi gong (Qi gong) is a form of Tai Chi (Tai Qi), under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Did You Know that YIN YOGA is great for Your Joints?

 

How Acupuncture Helps Joint Pain

 

Meditate Daily. Carve out a Special time and Place every day for this to help get out of Fight or Flight…

 

Mindfulness Meditation Can Help Ease Depression and other Dis-ease! (read on to start your Meditation journey)…

Start your Mindfulness Meditation Journey to help heal Your Body and Mind.

Resources for Mindfulness Meditation Here 

 

 

Does Your Depression include Anxiety?

Acupuncture is also good at treating Anxiety.

Resources for Anti-Anxiety

 

TCM Acupuncture Treats More than Your Symptoms

TCM acupuncture works to find out the root cause of disease and dis-ease in order to treat and relieve the pain or issue and help prevent it from returning. Acupuncture helps your body to balance itself and remain in balance.

Western Medicine often only treats the branch of the disease, leaving the root to further disease. Shining a dull leaf will not resolve the problem long-term if there is disease within the root.

Another words, TCM treats more than just the symptoms, it also treats the cause.

 

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street just off Highway 10 with free lots, ramps and street parking.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

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