Vitamin D – the full story

Did you know Vitamin D is not really a vitamin?

It is actually an essential ‘pro-hormone’ needed for all our body functions.

Five common chronic health issues that can be caused by Vitamin D deficiency:

1. Hormone imbalance – all types of period issues, thyroid disorders 
2. Poor immunity – low resistance to colds, flu and infection
3. Brain fog – lack of focus and concentration, cognitive decline
4. Low mood – PMS, PMDD, depression
5. Pain and inflammation – joint pain, migraine

Most people who come to see me have been struggling with chronic health issues, brain fog and low mood for some time.

They’ve often tried a range of conventional medication, and sometimes seen specialists and had diagnostic tests.

I’m shocked at how rarely a simple Vitamin D test is carried out as part of this process.

Without regular testing, you could be taking a supplement regularly and still be insufficient.

Causes of Vitamin D deficiency

1. Lack of sun 

We need full sunlight on bare skin for at least twenty minutes to absorb Vitamin D naturally.

Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses mean we rarely get enough sunshine in the summer months to build up stores in the liver.

Even if we do, it doesn’t last through winter.

This is why in the UK we are all at risk of deficiency, especially between December and April.

2. Not enough Vitamin D from food

Modest levels are available in:

• Oily fish
• Egg yolks
• Mushrooms

However, it’s simply not possible to take in enough Vitamin D through a normal diet.

3, An overloaded liver

The liver is where Vitamin D is stored and converted into a usable form.

This is why toxicity and and inflammation in the liver impacts our ability to absorb Vitamin D.

4. Your genes

Some people have a genetic predisposition to deficiency.

Gene variations are involved in Vitamin D absorption, transport, and activation.

This is why I recommend Vitamin D testing to everyone as a starting point.

Simple home testing kits are easily available online.

I recommend Better You as they have a simple home test and you get your results quickly, along with the best supplement to boost your current levels.

If your levels are low, despite taking a regular supplement, I also offer DNA testing through YourGutMap to obtain personalised health insights and guidance for long-term nutritional strategies.

YourGutMap DNA health test reveals whether your genes affect the absorption and transport of Vitamin D.

This helps you make informed decisions about supplementation.

What to look for in a supplement

1. Vitamin D3 rather than D2.
2. *400iu daily or 10mg is the minimum dose.
3. *3000iu is appropriate for most people during winter.
4. Spray or capsule are most effective.
5. Compressed tablets are not absorbed so well.
6. Excessive doses can be toxic – don’t take mega doses without testing.
7. Test your levels regularly, twice yearly is recommended.
8. Consider a DNA test to find out how your body transports and absorbs Vitamin D.

*Public Health England recommends this as the daily dose, though this won’t correct a severe deficiency.

How homeopathy can help

A liver that is toxic from long term use of pain relief such as paracetamol, antibiotics and steroids will not be able to store and process Vitamin D efficiently.

This means that even if you are taking a supplement, your body may not be able to use it, especially if you have an genetic predisposition to deficiency.

Homeopathy and homeobotanicals are effective ways to gently detoxify and support the liver, kidneys, blood and lymphatic system.

Homeopathy can also help to clear the endocrine pathways that have been disrupted by hormonal medication such as the contraceptive pill.

When toxicity has been cleared, all body functions are better, partly due to better Vitamin D absorption, which improves update of iron and other essential nutrients.

This is why a personalised approach to wellbeing that includes homeopathy, testing and targeted supplementation is helpful for underlying causes of hormonal imbalance, low immunity and low mood. [Related post]

“I had the pleasure of talking to Tracy, who has truly made a significant impact on my health. After struggling with health issues for years I decided to try homeopathic treatments and it was one of the best decisions I have made. Tracy was kind and compassionate, she took her time to listen to my concerns which I appreciated. She is very professional and explains things very well. Thanks to her tailored treatments I have seen many improvements in my health. I recommend this homeopath to anyone seeking natural remedies.”