VITAMIN D – WHY THE HYPE

Laura Tilson Osteopathy

VITAMIN D – WHY THE HYPE?vitamin d sources

 

It has been a long winter – and the lack of sunlight has left many of us feeling low in energy and possibly finding it more difficult to fight our usual winter coughs and colds.

Low levels of vitamin D might just be the reason why!

I have just read this month’s Osteopathy Today magasine. There was a brilliant article on the latest research into the role of vitamin D in the body and I thought I would summarise it.

 

  • Vitamin D is important for many things including:

    • Muscle strength – athletes are now taking this very seriously with footballers and cyclists supplementing their diets to maintain appropriate levels all year round.
    • Immunity – it helps to fight infections but is also involved with the control of 5-10% of our genes. In this way it plays an important role in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, arthritis and many auto-immune diseases.
    • Calcium absorption – low levels can lead to sore joints, muscles and weak bones.
    • Fighting cancers – while sun burn has been shown to be the cause of certain skin cancers, vitamin D in fact helps to fight others. It is therefore important to get a good balance between exposing skin to sunlight and not burning.

 

HOW TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT VITAMIN D LEVELS

 

We should get 90% of our vitamin D from sunlight.

 

Sunbathe safely
  • Know how much sunlight your skin can take without burning.
  • Start exposing skin for 5 minutes a day and increase it slowly.
  • In the summer months try to expose your skin to sunlight for roughly 15-30 minutes a day 3-4 times a week.
 
Look at your diet
  • Make sure you are getting enough vitamin D from your diet through the winter months.
  • If not look at taking supplements.

 

Gillie, O. 2013. The Sunshine Vitamin – essential for both strength and health. Osteopathy Today.  Vol 19.02. pp12-13.

For an appointment or further questions please call 020 7206 2625 or email info@ltosteo.co.uk     

Louisa Henderson BA (Hons) MOst MSCCO

Louisa Henderson is our Women’s Health Osteopath. Women commonly see Louisa with pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, hip problems, rectus diastasis and low back pain.

She uses a range of techniques including structural, visceral and cranial osteopathy to improve function and reduce pain levels as well as providing appropriate exercises specifically tailored to your needs and to aid rehabilitation.

After graduating from the British School of Osteopathy with a Masters degree, she completed a two year diploma in Women’s Health in Osteopathy with the Molinari Institute of Health. She treats adults of all ages, however specialises in treating women during the pre- and post- natal period. Louisa Henderson is a Registered Osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council and a member of the Institute of Osteopathy.

Appointment Times (at Fresh Ground): Tuesdays 12-4pm and Thursdays 5-9pm

 For an appointment or further questions please call 020 7206 2625 or email info@ltosteo.co.uk

Testimonials:

 

I’ve visited Louisa many times and can’t recommend her enough. She first treated me when I was late going into labour … After the birth I saw her again. She eased all my post natal aches and pains. She’s a really lovely, friendly lady and I’ve since recommended her to several other friends who have all had similarly positive experiences.

– Thea

I have been seeing Louisa for nearly 3 years now for ongoing joint issues requiring both osteopathy and sports massage. Whilst my problems cannot be ‘cured’ the treatment and care I receive from Louisa ensures they are managed to a level that does not adversely impact my life … I cannot recommend her highly enough.

– Jennifer

Appointments:

For an appointment or further questions please call 020 7206 2625 or email info@ltosteo.co.uk

Please Note: This post was written on 7 Oct 2017 please contact us to make sure you have the most up to date advice.