On the Coast – Families Issue 96 I October/November 2019 | Page 21

even when we are outdoors, our skin is covered up with warm clothing. Ideally we need to build up our vitamin D stores in summer to support us through winter when the levels will naturally drop. Unless required for other reasons, testing for vitamin D levels in April makes sense as this gives an indication of the blood levels at the end of summer when it should be at it’s highest. If levels are already suboptimal at the end of summer, supplementation through the winter months is recommended. In Australia where it appears that too much sun is causing skin cancer, how can we be vitamin D deficient? Again optimal health comes back to balance, and both extreme sun exposure and extreme sun avoidance can lead to significant health issues and both have been associated with increased risk of different forms of cancer. It’s not necessary to burn in the sun to get adequate vitamin D. 15 mins of morning or afternoon sun directly touching the larger skin surface areas (preferably not the face) is a good start. After that time, sunscreen can then be applied to stop sunburn. Children also need some direct sunlight to hit their skin, once again not enough to create sunburn, however some direct sunlight before sunscreen is applied will help vitamin D status. Some of the key actions of vitamin D include maintaining bone mineralisation, anti-diabetic, immune-modulatory, supports cognitive function, regulates cell differentiation and proliferation, supports cardiovascular health just to name a few. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression are also linked to low levels of vitamin D. inexpensive. Sufficient Clinical studies show Ideally levels of vitamin D can that supplementing with we need to build be achieved by vitamin D alone or in sun combination with up our vitamin D stores responsible exposure and calcium, can improve bone quality and in summer to support us 800-1000IU of vitamin D improve muscle through winter when the consumed via the strength and balance, diet or even reducing the risk levels will naturally supplementation. of falls and fractures in Dietary sources include the older population. drop eggs, dairy, cod, tuna and Increasing evidence is herring, however sunlight linking low vitamin D with and supplementation appear to be various autoimmune conditions such the most effective way to improve as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple deficient vitamin D levels. Even though sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and Altered vitamin D metabolism or toxicity is rare, blood levels needs to be deficiency may contribute to cognitive monitored if taking high doses longer decline and degenerative brain disease term. There are possible interactions of in the elderly. vitamin D with certain medications such as calcium channel blockers, The studies emerging regarding therefore prescription and dosage vitamin D and breast cancer propose that instructions should come from a sufficient levels of vitamin D may be nutritionally educated healthcare associated with a reduced risk of breast practitioner. A large number of cancer regardless of the hormone receptor Australians are taking cholesterol- status of the tumour. The aggressiveness lowering medications and these may of the disease may also be reduced with reduce the absorption of fat-soluble adequate levels of vitamin D. vitamins including vitamin D, therefore The effects of vitamin D supplementation ideally should be supplementation in children have also taken either 1 hour prior to taking the been studied and the results are showing drug or 4–6 hours afterwards. There promising signs in the area of boosting also appears to be a link between low immune function as well as reducing vitamin D status and high cholesterol allergies including eczema. but the mechanism behind this is yet to Treating vitamin D deficiency and be fully understood. indeed preventing it can be simple and Diana Arundell is a university-qualified naturopath and consults from her Avoca Naturopath clinic. She has a special interest in fertility and pregnancy health, digestive health, immune function and family wellness programs. She was a nutrition lecturer at Macquarie University for 10years, and is an accredited Journey Practitioner. 30 Renwick Street, Wyoming Phone: [phone] Vasectomies are a permanent and very effective way to stop unwanted pregnancies. They are performed under local anaesthetic and have a quick recovery time. IS YOUR FAMILY COMPLETE? Have you thought of your options? Have you considered a vasectomy? For more information regarding the procedure, fees or any other issues of concern please visit our website or contact our friendly staff. www.cornerfamilysurgery.com.au Lindie Nell Child Therapist MA(SW), BA(SW) HEALING CHANGE GROWTH Anxiety Trauma Assesments Self-esteem Behavioural problems Parenting Group work Play therapy Infant massage Attachment therapy 54 Hills Street, North Gosford 042 488 2013 [email protected] OCTOBER/NOVEMBER – ISSUE 96 21