Calcium has been promoted for years for bone health but the most compelling research demands we supplement with Vitamin D3.  As no one in the modern world consumes enough Vitamin D3, and most people do not get enough adequate sunshine especially with all the sunblock and sunblock type clothing the average adult is now deficient in Vitamin D.  To find out your level all is takes is a simple serum Vitamin D blood test the optimal range is between 40-60 ng/ml, and most people who do NOT take Vitamin D3 range between 10-30 ng/ml.  Knowing your level is imporant for determining long-term health prospects since low levels are associated with diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, most cancers, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, autism, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, and frequent infections, cold & flu.

In recent years, researchers discovered that low vitamin D3 levels can promote the expression of chronic pain.  We now know that low levels can promote bone pain, join pain, muscle and fibromyalgia.  If you have nagging aches and pains, consider supplements with vitamin D3.  For the average person, it takes about 2000-4000IU’s to get the levels to the needed 40 ng/ml.  For someone who is extremely deficient it can take up to 10,000IU, which is why a simple blood test can make all the difference.   The chronic diseases mentioned earlier are often called long latency diseases.  In other words, they develop slowly and without symptoms until it is too late.  Osteoporosis and heart disease are two examples so it’s important to supplement with at least 2000IU of Vitamin D3 per day and to check your levels if you’ve never had them checked to make sure they’re in a good range.

For those of you who have bone density issues we offer Urine Dpd testing which is a specific marker for bone resorption (loss). This information will help you determine your risk for osteoporosis and is an inexpensive test that can be performed as normal bone density scans typically are done every 3 years and many women can have allot of bone loss during that time period.  This will show if you are starting to head in the wrong direction and allow you to monitor yourself without any harm to your body.  Many insurances cover this service and for those that don’t we offer a cash discount.

For more information, or if you’d like me to order any lab testing for you or this test specifically don’t hesitate to contact the office.  Just an FYI to all patients, Dr. King can order any lab testing that you may need both blood or saliva testing to correlate with your nutrition & lifestyle programs and hormone balancing programs.  If you have insurance the labs can bill your insurance, and if not we do have cash discounts available for the saliva testing (Saliva testing is for all your hormone levels).

I wish you all the best for continued great health and don’t hesitate to contact the office for more information on the above or to set up your consultation to get started on any of our great renewed health programs.

Dr. Stephanie King

Email: skingdc@earthlink.net or 626-799-0557

Here’s an important look at four important nutrients the symptoms of low levels, and a few everyday solutions for filing the gaps.

POTASSIUM:
Crucial to kidney and hear function, healthy potassium levels help keep your blood pressure in check. In a study published earlier this year researchers found that low potassium may be as harmful as excess sodium when it comes to raising your risk of high blood pressure. Several other studies also show that increasing your intake can strengthen your bones as well as cut your risk of stroke, now the 3rd leading cause of death each year among American women.

How do you know if your deficient? Taking diuretics and drinking too much alcohol while skimping on mineral-rich fruits and vegetables can be the cause. You may experience symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, and constipation.
Best sources? To reach your 4700mg of potassium daily try the following foods along with a good Multiple & Vitamin Mineral (such as our Activ Nutrients by Xymogen) bananas, acorn squash, almonds, spinach, and avocado.

VITAMIN D:
Long known to aid the body in using calcium efficiently, vitamin D is vital for a strong skeleton. Despite the increasing evidence showing that vitamin D may defend against a slew of health problems, Americans are still not getting enough. In clinical studies, scientists have discovered that people with low D-levels may be more vulnerable to heart disease, some types of cancer (including breast, lung, prostate, colon, and ovarian), autoimmune disorders, depression and chronic pain.

How do you know if your deficient? Softening of the bones and rickets.
Best sources? Food sources are so limited and sun exposure isn’t the best option for most people, it’s a good idea to take vitamin D3 supplement. Recommended amount is between 2000IU-10,000IU per day depending on your serum vitamin D levels.

CALCIUM:
Beyond building healthy bones, calcium play a major part in ensuring that your blood vessels, muscles, and nerves function properly. Calcium is so essential to survival, in fact that your body will draw the mineral right from your bones if your intake isn’t adequate. Along with keeping your bones strong and healthy, women with high calcium intake may cut their overall odds of developing cancer, according to a 2009 Archives of Internal Medicine. Recent research also shows that loading up on calcium may help promote weight loss in women who are calcium deficient.

How do you know if your deficient? There are no outwardly known symptoms to signal when you’re low on calcium. An increased risk of osteoporosis is the greatest threat.
Best sources? Yogurt, orange juice, dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach & kale and pinto beans. It’s pretty tough to get enough calcium from food. So a basic Multiple Vitamin & Mineral like Activ Nutrients by Xymogen until about age 40 and then supplement with additional Calcium in a good formula with MHCH, Vitamin D3 such as our Osoplex which has been proven in clinical studies to not only prevent osteoporosis but also reverse the process due to its’ patented formula building both the inside and outside of the bone.

FOLATE

Not only risky for pregnant women, low folate levels may weaken your heart health. When lacking in this B vitamin, your body has trouble metabolizing certain amino acids, which can lead to a buildup of protein called homocysteine. Even moderately high levels of homocysteine can jack up your heart-disease risk, according to dozens of studies. Other research links low folate levels with a higher risk of cancer, dementia and depression. While higher folate levels appeared in studies to protect against asthma, allergies and age-related vision loss.

How do you know if your deficient? Signs would include anemia and fatigue

Best sources? Although folate is found in many fruits and veggies it is not easily absorbed from its natural food sources. So a must is to get this in a good multiple vitamin and mineral and/or to take a good B-complex such a B-Activ by Xymogen.

COURTESY OF BODY & SOUL THOUGHTS ON WHOLE LIVING:

“Allow yourself the chance to really savor each moment.
Only you can decide the path worth taking.
Don’t wait for your mood to change; take action despite it. (Dr. KIng loves this one!)
Approach gift shopping as an opportunity to honor the people your really love.
Rather then search for a single miracle food, strive for a varied and delicious diet. (Dr. King says, there really is NO miracle food or pill a combination of the right choices for your body will bring you true health)
You CAN’T GROW without pushing your limits.
Stop worrying about getting sick; focus on your health instead.
No one knows what the future will bring. Put your energy in now.”

Dr. King wishes all of you a very Happy Holiday Season & encourages you to focus on Good Health Habits and New Changes for rebuilding your body in the New Year.  If you’re interested in any of our programs don’t hesitate to contact our office for more information at 626-799-0557 or skingdc@earthlink.net.