Posts Tagged "Vitamin D"

Vitamin D Helps Muscle Injuries

Posted by Dr. Wirtz on Jan 17, 2012 in Blog, Free Exam, Health Tips | 0 comments

I’ve come across a new research study that I wanted to share with you. This study looked at Vitamin D levels and the NFL players that have lost time to muscle injury. As part of their pre-season routine examinations, 85 NFL football players had their Vitamin D levels taken. Normal levels are considered to be 32 ng/mL or higher. Then, the amount of time each player lost to muscle injuries was tracked throughout the season. The study found that the athletes that suffered a muscle injury had an average vitamin D level of only 19.9 ng/mL!

Now, let’s look at this to figure out what it means. First of all, I’m shocked that a highly paid professional athlete would have dietary deficiencies at all.  But working with olympic athletes in my past tells me it’s the little things they don’t worry about, like drinking plenty of water or maintaining the appropriate vitamin levels. But that aside, does it mean that low vitamin D levels mean you are more likely to see injuries? Maybe. The study didn’t mention if their were any other dietary deficiencies, but it’s certainly possible that if the athletes were low in vitamin D they may have been low in other nutrients. Should we make sure we have adequate vitamin D levels? Absolutely!

Some vitamin D facts:

• It’s important  for bone density (preventing osteoporosis)
• Normals levels prevent heart attack and make it more likely to survive one if you do have one.
• Colon, breast and ovarian cancer have been linked to deficiency
• Good levels of vitamin D have been linked to a stronger immune system.
• Alzheimer’s patients have lower vitamin D levels (unknown if this is a cause or result of the disease)
• Good vitamin D levels result in less falls in the elderly.
• Has been suggested to be linked to mood, depression and cognitive function.

Wow! With all those benefits, we certainly should make sure you get enough. So where do you get vitamin D? In the summer, your skin will make vitamin D when exposed to the sun.  Milk, and most soy and rice milks, are fortified with vitamin D so you may be getting your requirements there. Dietary sources include oily fish (cod, salmon, tuna), eggs and liver. Unfortunately, you would have to consume large quantities of these foods to meet your requirements. I’m in favor of getting good nutrition through food, not tablets, but if you must supplement do some research abuout the brand before you buy to insure it’s a high quality supplement.

I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that you must follow recommendations when taking vitamin D supplements. The recommended daily dose for an adult is 600-800 IU/day. 4000 IU/day is considered the upper tolerable limit for this vitamin and you will see the effects of toxicity above these levels.

Remember, good nutrition and chiropractic adjustments is a key to injury prevention.  If you have a muscle injury come in for you free spinal exam as soon as possible!  Get adjusted!

Osteoporosis and Chiropractic?

Posted by fseblog on Jun 20, 2011 in Blog, Diseases, Drug Free Treatment | 1 comment

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes a loss of bone density.  When this happens the outcome can be painful fractures, loss in height, and can take away independence.  Many people suffer with osteoporosis and although more women are affected, men can be as well.  The unfortunate fact is that this disease is usually symptom free until a fracture occurs that causes pain.  By the time fractures occur it is too late to take preventive measures.  Experts state that prevention of this disease needs to start as early as childhood.  There are some basic steps to start at any age.