A two-part series I wrote on vitamin D was posted recently in Natural Path. It may cause a little controversy, but I feel strongly that I must advocate for personalized and individualized patient care, even in the midst of convincing evidence that “everyone” needs “something.”
I have always been one to be cautious about any generalized one-size-fits-all recommendation, regardless of how many studies and associations. In fact, the common tenant of naturopathic and functional medicine is to treat the whole person, and that means the one sitting in front you, not the ones found in studies.
That’s not to discount studies. By now, you are probably aware that I devour them, read them, and like to apply their knowledge…when it fits! Furthermore, many research results reported have biases and flaws to consider. That’s why I never just trust the media headlines. If I implement something in my practice, it’s because I’ve read several studies and had several willing guinea pigs (usually me and my family members.)
So, in these two articles, I stick my nose out and plead to my readers and doctors to be cautious about prescribing the famous, all-powerful, hormone-vitamin D? Here’s an excerpt from Part I.
Why do I make this connection of a perceived panacea to Vitamin D? Well, first its due to the massive amount of research available exalting Vitamin D’s powerful influences on our physiology. Try this little experiment: (1) Type in “Vitamin D” in google or another internet search box. (2) Notice. What results did you get? Your results are probably even more inspiring than my “About 56,300,000 results (0.48 seconds)” done a few weeks prior to this article’s release.
The second reason for vitamin D’s superpower status is the fact that it’s difficult to find more than a handful of respected integrative practitioners who do not include this vitamin/hormone in their healing protocols. This is for good reason. Many of them have become familiar with the plethora of studies and media headlines that support a connection to vitamin D levels and disease outcomes. For example, studies support its association with bone mineral density (BMD), risk of falls, cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, frailty, pregnancy outcomes, diabetes. obesity, all-cause mortality, immune responses (e.g., inflammation, autoimmunity, asthma, allergies), hormonal balance, neurological support, mood, nutrient interactions, musculoskeletal responses, bowel health, and many more. Overall, the relationship appears to be that a higher level of vitamin D is related to better outcomes for health. This is often cited with a caveat of honoring a sweet spot to prevent potential overdosing.1-13
Impressive.
Why then do I state a “perceived panacea?” Read more here.
In part II, I give further detail on the caveats of prescribing vitamin D for conditions solely based on associations with higher levels of this nutrient and conclude with some suggestions for patients and doctors on prescribing and taking vitamin D.
Click here to start reading, “The Glitter and Glitz of High Dose Vitamin D – Is a One Pill Solution the Panacea Promised? Part 1”
News and Opportunities
Okay, you may not be in the mood or head-space to dive in to this geek-out right now… it’s during the holidays for goodness sake! But, you can bookmark this for later and let me know your thoughts below.
For those who know they may want to get back to healthy choices and/or find more healthy recipes for their New Year celebration, check out the opportunity I give and some great New Year recipes (including guilt-free peppermint brownies) in my scheduled post “Getting Slique in 2017- A Guide to Healthy Weight.”
(I posted early so I could enjoy the holiday with my family and loved ones too! :))
Finally, stay tuned for Part (Paw) II and III of my lemongrass essential oils article series on Natural Path.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
