lou42
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Post by lou42 on Mar 8, 2015 16:16:42 GMT -5
Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with severe Raynauds disease and following blood tests, very low, borderline, lack of Vitamin D. I follow a paleo, non dairy or gluten lifestyle and have done so for over 3 years now. I have done some research and found that the reason I may not be absorbing the Vitamin D well is because of the food intolerance I have to dairy and gluten as well as the issues with Raynauds - being so cold etc. I would like to know if you have any advice or tips on how to absorb more vitamin D through my diet, whether there are any changes I could make to help the absorbtion. I have of yesterday started taking a supplement of Vitamin D. Many thanks.
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rheagan
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Look out world, I'm feeling better now!
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Post by rheagan on Mar 9, 2015 10:58:22 GMT -5
I think any time you are having issues absorbing nutrients, focusing on gut health is important. Adding things like bone broth and fermented foods into your diet should help support and heal your gut, thereby allowing it to absorb nutrients properly. You might also want to consider trying AIP to address any inflammation or food sensitivity issues you may not have discovered yet, both if which would impede nutrient absorption by your gut. I'm not sure where you live, but getting outside and getting some sunshine on your skin is the best way to get your vitamin D, so if that's an option for you, go for it! Even if it's just 20 minutes outside during your lunch break. Sarah wrote a post that deals with this here (http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/03/why-sun-exposure-is-so-important.html).
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loum42
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Post by loum42 on Mar 10, 2015 14:50:38 GMT -5
Rheagan thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. I shall look into Aip more, it makes a lot of sense seeing it written down by you. Sometimes things are obvious once pointed out aren't they. I live in Suffolk in the UK and we're now heading into our Spring so daylight hours are getting longer, it's still a trial and error approach for me so as not to get too cold/ feel and suffer with the temperature change etc.
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loum42
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Post by loum42 on Mar 10, 2015 14:56:59 GMT -5
Rheagan thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. I shall look into Aip more, it makes a lot of sense seeing it written down by you. Sometimes things are obvious once pointed out aren't they. I live in Suffolk in the UK and we're now heading into our Spring so daylight hours are getting longer, it's still a trial and error approach for me so as not to get too cold/ feel and suffer with the temperature change etc.
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rheagan
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Look out world, I'm feeling better now!
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Post by rheagan on Mar 11, 2015 9:31:14 GMT -5
You are most welcome! Coming from the prairies of Canada, I know what a challenge getting sunlight exposure can be in some climates in the winter. And the sensitivity to cold does add an additional challenge. I know for myself I'm also quite sensitive to catching a chill (it hits my neck and shoulders). In addition to your supplement, you can make a point of eating foods high in vitamin D (liver and salmon are some good AIP options). Fermented cod liver oil is also supposed to be very good for vitamin D. Fat intake is important for vitamin D absorbtion because vitamin D is fat soluble and needs a fat source in order for your body to absorb it. So, if you are taking a vitamin D supplement, try taking it in conjunction with a meal high in healthy fats.
Vitamin A is also important for the effectiveness of vitamin D. Vitamin D needs vitamin A to be able to do what it is supposed to do in the body. If you are lacking vitamin A, the vitamin D you are taking will not be working as it should. When it comes to vitamin A, you're best off with preformed vitamin A, rather than beta-carotene. Beta-carotene needs to be converted into vitamin A by the body, and if you are dealing with health issues, the chances of that process working as it should is greatly reduced. It is better and easier to ensure you are getting enough vitamin A by eating foods high in preformed vitamin A, of which liver and fatty fish oil happen to be excellent sources!
Hope this helps!
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loum42
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Post by loum42 on Mar 12, 2015 12:13:10 GMT -5
Thank you again, for all the information, I hadn't come across the need for Vitamin A, but that all makes sense, I have read about Magnesium being a carrier for the absorption of Vitamin D too. I am glad I love fish, not so keen on the liver though! It is a great help and much appreciated. Look after yourself too.
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bomag
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Post by bomag on Mar 12, 2015 13:29:28 GMT -5
When I was first diagnosed with autoimmune stuff, my vit D level was around 30,000. I started taking vitamin D3 supplements, 2000 - 5000 IU per day. My vitamin D levels are now around 70,000 and I feel much better (along with doing other stuff). My rheumy says 70-90,000 is ideal. Because of lupus, I can't take any sun exposure, so I don't know how that route goes. But if you can tolerate supplements, that's probably a good way to increase your supply.
Vitamin D seems to be really important in all autoimmune conditions.
BTW, AIP is great for lots of symptoms as well.
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