Friday, January 11, 2013

Vitamin D deficiency, diet, & daily sunshine


We are faced daily with enough conflicting dietary recommendations from new studies and research to give us indigestion. I've heard recently that baked chips, if they have trans fats, can be worse than the fried. Often a food or supplement that was okay one day is taboo the next.

I keep searching for a scientific study that reports potato chips and onion dip are good for us. Research would probably show that this food is difficult to eat in moderation and has little redeeming nutritional value, no matter how comforting.

One of the dietary issues in the news recently has been the lack of Vitamin D in our bodies. The sun is our best source of this vitamin, and fortified foods such as milk (unless one has an allergy to it) can help boost levels as well. In today's world of indoor jobs and wearing sunscreen to prevent skin damage and skin cancers some people lack sufficient levels of Vitamin D. If you have a job that keeps you indoors and when you do go outside you slather on sun-block, it may be worth a check with your physician to find out if you have a deficiency.

Very few foods contain vitamin D. Cod liver oil has the most; potato chips, zero. Swordfish, salmon, tuna,
Woman using Hand Warmers to keep hands warm in winter
Hand Warmers for Winter Warmth
and milk or orange juice fortified with vitamin D provide higher levels. To me, the pill supplement sounds more palatable than taking Cod liver oil. I wonder if there are potato chips fried in Cod liver oil - CLO Chips?

If you need a little comfort this winter and don't want the added calories from leftover holiday snacks, try heating up a Back Warmer and give yourself time to relax. Maine Warmers has a variety of Neck Warmers and Hand Warmers as well.

For more info on Vitamin D deficiency check out this article at the Mayo Clinic.