Every winter I'm faced, as most of us are, with the lack of sunshine, cold and flu season, and sometimes even seasonal depression.
But did you know, you could be behind the curve on your Vitamin D based on your DNA, and not just the lack of sunshine?
I've always been a strong proponent of data and knowledge. I've gotten my food sensitivity tests done (holy hell on the milk sensitivity levels), allergy tests, and finally a DNA Nutrition profile.
But, I never realized that I was genetically predisposed to have low levels of Vitamin D.
Actual part of my personal DNA Nutrition Report. 2018
In order to help offset the depression that creeps up every so often, which I attribute not only to my low levels of Vitamin D, but also hormonal changes over the years, plus the increase of being indoors instead of outdoors I have made several nutritional changes.
More salmon, spinach, leafy greens, a quality fish oil, and organic eggs.
Sorry, but no matter who recommends it, I'm going no where near liver 😉
And while all those additions have been great, and definitely helpful. I do best on days I've added in a quality, pharmaceutical grade Vitamin D.
I'm not prone to depression by nature, so I know which days the hormones are acting up and when my Vitamin D levels are at a low. (I'll discuss how to know when your Iron levels are low in a different post.)
A few other things I've changed?
- More natural light in my office
- 15 minutes a day in the sun when I can, with feet bare in the grass
- Bike or walk for 30min a day
If you're not used to paying attention to your body, how do you know that might have a Vitamin D deficiency?
You might have more aches and pains than usual. You might be feeling tired or drowsy. And, you might be feeling more signs of depression, insomnia, loss of enjoyment of the things you used to do that brought joy.
Do yourself a favor and get your Vitamin D levels checked. Either with the full DNA panel, which arms you with so much more information, or just a Vitamin D test.
And in the meantime, try adding more Vitamin D rich foods, a quality supplement, and getting out and moving more.