If you’re Canadian, it’s fairly likely (studies show 60-70% likely) that your vitamin D levels are low.
As a result, it’s also likely that you suffer with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or experience some of the associated symptoms during the winter months.
Typically, SAD symptoms present as: 
- Getting sick often
- Fatigue/Tiredness
- Bone & back pain
- Depression
- Changes in appetite & weight
- Troubled sleeping
- Lack of motivation
Why this happens:
“Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D functions like a hormone, and every single cell in your body has a receptor for it. Your body makes it from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to sunlight.” – Healthline.com
Both Kaylie & I feel the affects of Seasonal Affective Disorder. We even notice the difference in our online community, so it’s becoming increasingly aware to us that we all should be a little more pro-active when it comes to this time of year.
Here are 5 of our habits to help combat the tiredness and overall feeling of blah-ness.
- Vitamin D3 Supplement – like this one from Organika
- Light Therapy – like this one I use while doing computer work)
- Tanning Salon – weigh your risks and benefits here
- Vitamin D Rich Foods – Read this Dr. Axe article to find what vitamin D rich foods you should start incorporating into your diet
- Fitness, health & mental wealth – there’s no denying the benefits of releasing those feel-good endorphins with even a 15 minute workout like this body weight workout. It helps to combat tiredness, depression, and helps improve your sleep. A little goes a long way, so even if you’re busy, don’t underestimate the power of a quick workout. Even better? Bundle up and get outside! Breath in the fresh air, and let the little bit of sun hit your face.
Doing all the things and still feeling like you’re low in vitamin D?
Get tested! Contact your GP Doctor or Functional Medicine Doctor (we see Dr. Arsenau) to get tested. Matt got tested after seeing Dr. Arsenau and his vitamin D was so low that he needed a prescribed prescription-level vitamin D to get it back up!
When to see a doctor:
It’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you feel hopeless or think about suicide. – Mayo Clinic
Other interesting info on Vitamin D Deficiency
The badass approach to fitness, health & mental wealth.
The RF Girls
Ash & Kaylie xo
