Fatigue Busting Raw Food Recipe Treat from 3 Myths about Fatigue Workshop
Written by Ritamarie Loscalzo on May 30, 2009 – -I made this yummy raw vegan gluten-free living foods treat as a sample treat food for my 3 Myths about fatigue Class. I suggested it as a replacement for candy, coffee and soda to combat mid afternoon energy slump. They loved it. This recipe combines the goodness of raw foods and dark greens with the decadence of dessert. Yum.
Quick and Easy Green Energy Marzipan
Ingredients
- 1 cup macadamia nuts (or almonds, cashews, pecans or brazil nuts)
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 ½ cups shredded dried coconut
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon almond extract (pure, organic )
- 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon chlorella powder (to taste)
- 1-2 drops pure mint essential oil
Directions
- Put ½ of the coconut and everything else in the food processor and blend until smooth.
- Stir in the remaining ½ of the coconut.
- Spread out 1/4 inch thick on a wax paper lined baking dish or form into 1 inch balls.
- Freeze until firm
- Score and cut into snack sized pieces.
- Store in zip locked bags or airtight container in freezer for a quick pick me up.
Please comment and let me know what you think!
Love, Health and Joy,
Dr. Ritamarie
www.drritamarie.com
Tags: Adrenal Fatigue, chronic fatigue, fatigue symptoms, Gluten Free Diet, Living Foods, livingfoods, Raw Foods, raw foods diet, raw foods recipes, vegan foods, whole foods
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Articles, Fatigue Treatment, Living Foods, Raw Foods, Raw and Living Foods | 1 Comment »
Energizing Raw Vegan Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Written by Ritamarie Loscalzo on May 29, 2009 – -I made up this recipe this evening and had to share. My 10 year old son Kevin loved it.
Choco Coco Pudding Bliss
- 1 young thai coconut
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
- 4-5 dates, pitted
- 2 vanilla beans or 1/2 – 1 teaspoon vanilla powder or extract
- 1 tespoon spirulina (optional)
- cacao nibs and shredded coconut for decoration
Put the coconut flesh, cacao powder, vanilla and dates in blender. Add 1/2 cup coconut water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the spirulina if desired.
Top with a few cacao nibs and shredded coconut.
Oooh and Ahh with pleasure.
Please comment below and let me know what you think. Kevin’s only comment when he tasted it was “WOW”.
Love, Health and Joy,
Dr. Ritamarie
www.drritamarie.com
Tags: Living Foods, livingfoods, raw and living foods holiday recipes, Raw Foods, raw foods diet, raw foods recipes, vegan foods, whole foods
Posted in Kids Health, Living Foods, Raw Foods, Raw and Living Foods | No Comments »
Creating Vibrant Health and Energy: Overcoming Chronic Fatigue and Adrenal Exhaustion with The Help of a Mentor
Written by Ritamarie Loscalzo on May 29, 2009 – -You have a right to be healthy. Unfortunately, it seems that on every corner there is something to detour you away from that goal. The constant barrage of advertisements for nutrient depleted empty calorie foods, electromagnetic pollution, toxins in the environment, fear based news reporting, chronic stress. When will it all end.
These things are ever present and are not likely to change soon. What can and will change is your ability to make good choices in spite of it all. This can change as soon as you decide that you desire it to change and you get the support you need to make it happen.
No successful person achieves their success alone. Every competent athlete has a coach. Every prosperous business owner has mentors to advise and guide them. Just like me, you need coaches and mentors to empower you in each of the areas of your life in which you’d like to achieve success.
When you attempt to do it alone, you get bogged down by questioning the correct path, testing and retesting and ultimately settling for less that your full potential and and less than you deserve.
When I first embarked on my health journey, I felt very much alone. I had my books and tapes and a few professionals I could consult from time to time, but most of the time, I was on my own. I researched and read, tried new things and ultimately found a path that works well for me. It wasn’t easy. And it took a lot of time and money.
Now, I dedicate my life to helping others like you to unlock their inner healers and achieve vibrant health and energy with joy and loving guidance. I want for you what I wish I had back in the early years…a partner on the journey.
I am very fortunate in the life I lead today. My energy seems boundless, my health is radiant, and I’m stronger than I was when I was in my twenties. I am dedicated to sharing that with you.
How much is your lack of energy costing you in regards to your relationships, your career and your enjoyment? It’s hard to put a price on it. Satisfying relationships, a fulfilling career and joy are indeed priceless.
I’ll soon be announcing a groundbreaking program to powerfully propel you towards your seemingly elusive health and energy goals, with personal assistance form me. It will be affordable, empowering and effective because of the structure and accountability.
Stay tuned. In the meantime, take a look at the events we have coming up in the next couple of weeks.
We also have a number of products that we’ll be launching and some other people products that we endorse. These will be announced soon.
Events
For full calendar of events visit http://www.drritamarie.com/ClassesandWorkshops.php
May 29: 3 Myths about Fatigue that Every Woman Should Know is an interactive workshop to empower you as a powerful woman to experience life to your full potential. You may be experiencing full blown fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, fibromyalgia or CFS or maybe you’re just more tired than you’d like to be. The truth is you have a right to live your life to its fullest, and that means experiencing vibrant energy and joy. If you’re not, join me for this life changing workshop on Friday, May 29 from 7-9PM at Casa de Luz in Austin, Texas. Not near Austin? Sign up for the teleseminar version of 3 Myths about Fatigue on Monday June 1 at 7:30 PM Central time. Go to http://www.TheWomensFatigueExpert.com for details and registration.
May 30: Raw and Living Food Meetup and Pool Party Austin, Texas.
June 1: 3 Myths about Fatigue that Every Woman Should Know Teleseminar
June 2: Raw and Living Foods Country Barbecue Class and Full Course Meal 7:00 – 9:00 PM Austin Texas Live and all over the world on Webcast
In this 2 hour talk, Jackie and Gideon Graff will demonstrate how to prepare a Country Barbeque Meal using all fresh, whole living foods. County Line Watch out…you’re going to have some competition! You’ll be served a complete 6 course meal.
The menu will include: BBQ Nibs, BBQ Sauce, Brunswick Stew, Spicy Marinated Collard Greens, Deviled Tomatoes, Apple Pie and Nut and Dates Pie Crust.
This class is an amazing offer at only $39. Where else can you get a full 6 course living foods meal AND 2 hours of instruction.
Webcast version is only $25.
To Register CLICK HERE
June 7 – June 14 : Dr. Ritamarie’s Amazing, Life Changing Green Cleanse
In just 7 Days you can jumpstart your dragging body and start feeling more vibrant and energetic than you even realized was possible. Just in time for summer, get your body in shape and your energy fired up to enjoy vacations and outdoor fun.
June 14 Get Your Green On Class – Live in Austin, Texas and All Over the World on the webcast
12:30 – 6:30 PM
Green vegetables have many life giving properties. They strengthen the blood and immune systems, prevent cancer and fight depression naturally by supplying a plethora of nutrients needed to make neurotransmitters. The good news is that greens, when eaten in sufficient quantity on a daily basis, can give you all these and more.
I want you to have more energy, glowing skin, a strong lean body and vibrant health.
So come Get Your Green On!
Love, Health and Joy,
Dr. Ritamarie
www.drritamarie.com
Tags: Adrenal Fatigue, Cleansing Programs, detoxification programs, fatigue, fatigue symptoms, Gluten Free Diet, green smoothie, Living Foods, livingfoods, Raw Foods, raw foods recipes, vegan foods, whole foods
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Articles, Cleansing Programs, Exhaustion, Fatigue Treatment, Gluten Free Diet, Green Smoothies, Healthy Smoothies, Living Foods, Raw Foods, Raw and Living Foods | 1 Comment »
Comfort Foods Raw Vegan Style: Foods that Nourish and Energize
Written by Ritamarie Loscalzo on May 28, 2009 – -
Being tired is one of those emotional triggers that can lead you down a path of poor food choices, emotional alienation and lack of joy.
Turning to diet as part of the solution is definitely worth consideration, especially since the most common foods in America and the Western World are energy depleting and contribute to chronic fatigue and degenerative disease.
If you’re like most people, you desire the outcome that a healthy lifestyle offers, yet you crave the comfort foods of your past.
My most successful patients, students and clients are the ones who learn to recreate their favorite comfort foods in new ways…ways that support their health rather than deplete it.
As part of the Fatigue Freedom Formula that I teach, I recommend creating your healthy living toolkit. One of the “tools” in the kit is a collection of delicious and satisfying recipes. My e-books contain such recipes and many of my patients and students report that using these gluten free raw and living foods recipes has helped them to make healthier choices on a more consistent basis, and as a result overcome the fatigue issues that prevent them from fully living their lives.
Even more powerful than reading and following recipes is attending a live workshop. During my classes, participants not only watch and taste the delicious foods created right before their eyes, but they also get to participate and make foods of their own.
One of the most important food groups is greens. Including them as a large part of your daily diet not only enhances your energy and can help reverse adrenal fatigue, but protects you from cancer as well. Greens can be incorporated into a variety of comfort foods, from chips to desserts. Have you ever tried Kale Spirulina Brownies?
I am excited to be hosting a class on Tuesday June 2, 2009 with Jackie and Gideon Graff of Georgia. They’ll be preparing a 6 course meal of Country Barbecue style fare. The class will be live in Austin, Texas and will be also webcast, so you can participate from around the globe!
If you come to the live class, you’ll be rewarded with a 6 course meal! I’m excited to be hosting the Graffs. The were the owners of the Sprout Cafe in Atlanta, until they decided to take their show on the road and teach their delicious cuisine while travelling in their RV.
You can find out more about the class and the Graffs at my website on the Classes page. I’m looking forward to the experience of the Country Barbecue Living Foods Class with Gideon and Jackie Graff
.
Love, Health and Joy,
Dr. Ritamarie
Tags: Adrenal Fatigue, Cancer, chronic fatigue, fatigue, fatigue symptoms, Gluten Free Diet, green smoothie, Living Foods, livingfoods, Raw Foods, raw foods recipes
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Articles, Cancer, Chronic Stress, Exhaustion, Fatigue Treatment, Gluten Free Diet, Raw Foods, Raw and Living Foods | No Comments »
How Do YOU Protect Yourself From Cancer?
Written by Ritamarie Loscalzo on May 27, 2009 – -Cancer effects an alarming 42% of Americans, and that number is on the rise. That’s a scary statistic, isn’t it?
Would you like to be another statistic, or would you rather shift your odds in favor of cancer prevention rather than cancer promotion?
Diets high in red meat and low in green vegetables are associated with increased colon cancer risk. This according to the Journal of Carcinogenesis.
Green vegetables have been shown to have cancer protective effects when eaten regularly and in significant amounts.
In particular, broccoli sprouts have been linked to protection from just about ev
ery kind of cancer known to modern science. There are studies showing a protective effect in regards to stomach cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer. Apparently they contain a compound called sulforaphane, which protects cells from injury.
Other greens in the brassica family are also cancer protective. Cabbage has been shown to protect against breast cancer as a result of compounds called glucosinolates and an enzyme called myrosinase.
So what other benefits do greens have? Well, they are packed with nutrients, especially vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, zinc, folate, lutein, beta carotene, chlorophyll and protein. Yes, protein. Greens contain a large percentage of calories as protein. For example, broccoli is over 50% protein.
Green vegetables are the food most missing from modern diets, even those considered among the healthiest. The standard American diet is approximately 5% greens. A healthy percentage is considered to be close to 50%, which is about what chimpanzees eat.
Green vegetables have many life giving properties. In addition to cancer protection, greens strengthen the blood and immune systems, and fight depression naturally by supplying a plethora of nutrients needed to make neurotransmitters.
The fiber in raw greens help to keep the digestive tract moving, and many people report that greens are energy-giving foods, increasing mental clarity and sustaining energy. Foods in the brassica family…broccoli, kale, mustard greens, cauliflower, and cabbage, have been shown to speed the liver’s ability to detoxify ingested toxins.
Do YOU eat enough greens?
Studies show that those who eat greens daily are overall healthier than those who don’t.
Would you like to learn creative and fun ways to include more greens in your daily diet? I’ve teamed up with Chef Alicia Ojeda to bring you the most comprehensive class on greens available.
In this class we’ll teach you you many ways to include the greens in your diet, including salads, soups, dips, dressings, marinades, slaws, roll-ups, smoothies and desserts. YES DESSERTS! You CAN make delicious deserts that include greens! We’ll give you he scoop on sea vegetables, the richest mineral source of all, and show you delicious and easy ways to prepare them.
http://www.drritamarie.com/GreenClass
(One of my favorite ways to eat greens is kale chips, which we’ll teach you in this class. ) The kale brownies are amazing, too!!!.
Here’s the details.
http://www.drritamarie.com/GreenClass
This class will be presented live and in person, with a hands on sprouting segment, and broadcast over the web as well.
I hope you can join us in person on June 14, but if you can’t, sign up for the webcast and recordings.
Special pricing applies until June 1, and you’ll get access to the recordings of the webcast if you attend the live class.
Love, Health and Joy,
Dr. Ritamarie
Tags: Add new tag, Cancer, fatigue, green leafy vegetables, green smoothie, green vegetables, greens, Living Foods, Raw Foods, whole foods
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Articles, Cancer, Fatigue Treatment, Living Foods, Raw Foods, Raw and Living Foods | No Comments »
Emotional Stress and Your Health: Techniques to Transform Your Stress to Fuel
Written by Ritamarie Loscalzo on May 25, 2009 – -I’m sharing this announcement with you because the Heart Math techniques have transformed my life. I’ve been using them for the past 5 years or so myself, and I’ve taught them to hundreds of patients and clients. I became a certified Heart Math Coach about 5 years ago. and have taught teleseminars on Transforming Stress whichhave guided many people to overcoming the debilitating symptoms that chronic stress leads to.
Adrenal fatigue, chronic exhaustinon and degenerative diseases all stem from chronic stress. When combined with a diet high in raw and living foods, the heart math techniques have the ability to transform your life and magnify your energy. They has changed my life for the better. If you can fit this teleseminar into your schedule, I highly recommend it. I’ve already put it on my calendar.
A special HeartMath MicroTraining in May to benefit the nation’s service men and women will feature HeartMath medical director and author, Dr. Bruce Wilson, a prominent Wisconsin cardiologist. Dr. Wilson’s presentation is especially timely. Emotional Stress and Your Health, a one-hour Teleseminar presented by Wilson and psychologist Dr. Deborah Rozman, takes on added importance in light of a recent Gallup Poll. Representing 95% of the world’s population from 140 countries, the poll shows that positive emotions were a reliable predictor of better health and negative emotions were a reliable predictor of worse health, even when basic needs of food, shelter and safety were met.
Dr. Wilson, author of The HeartMath Approach to Managing Hypertension, has lectured about and taught HeartMath’s emotion refocusing and self-management tools for over a decade in hospitals, companies, school systems and with his own patients. He will share his story of why he got involved with HeartMath and address the beneficial effects that HeartMath methods and emotional management tools have on people with chronic diseases. Dr. Rozman, author of HeartMath’s Transforming Series books, will discuss practical ways you can reduce stress, anxiety, anger and other negative emotions in these difficult times.
Among those most in need of HeartMath’s scientifically developed tools and technology are returning combat troops and the nation’s veterans, and the Institute of HeartMath is offering this MicroTraining in their behalf.
HeartMath already has assisted a great number of military personnel and hopes to expand access to its tools to thousands more, especially those coping with the personal impact of war. All donations from those attending this May 30 Teleseminar will go directly toward the Military Appreciation Service Fund. (So we ask that if you find value in this event, please consider a contribution of $10, $25 or $35 to this fund.)
Wilson, formerly acute cardiac care director at the University of Minnesota and director of the University of Pittsburgh Heart Institute, has a private practice in Milwaukee, Wis. He is a clinical associate professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin and serves as the medical director for IHM sister company, HeartMath LLC.
Co-presenter Rozman, co-CEO of Quantum InTech Inc., is a psychologist and author of numerous books, with over 30 years of experience as a business executive, educator and researcher in the psychology of consciousness. She serves on the Institute of HeartMath’s Scientific Advisory Board and is a key spokesperson for the HeartMath System.
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (PST)
Register for This Life Changing Teleseminar
Tags: Add new tag, Adrenal Fatigue, fatigue symptoms, Living Foods, Raw Foods, Stress management
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Articles, Chronic Stress, Exhaustion | 1 Comment »
Emotional Stress and Your Health
Written by Ritamarie Loscalzo on May 22, 2009 – -I’m sharing this announcement with you because the Heart Math techniques have transformed my life. I’ve been using them for the past 5 years or so myself, and I’ve taught them to hundreds of patients and clients. I became a certified Heart Math Coach about 5 years ago. I have a product called Transforming Stress which guides you step by step through a couple of the techniques I find most helpful. It has changed my life for the better. If you can fit this teleseminar into your schedule, I highly recommend it. I’ve already put it on my calendar.
A special HeartMath MicroTraining in May to benefit the nation’s service men and women will feature HeartMath medical director and author, Dr. Bruce Wilson, a prominent Wisconsin cardiologist. Dr. Wilson’s presentation is especially timely. Emotional Stress and Your Health, a one-hour Teleseminar presented by Wilson and psychologist Dr. Deborah Rozman, takes on added importance in light of a recent Gallup Poll. Representing 95% of the world’s population from 140 countries, the poll shows that positive emotions were a reliable predictor of better health and negative emotions were a reliable predictor of worse health, even when basic needs of food, shelter and safety were met.
Dr. Wilson, author of The HeartMath Approach to Managing Hypertension, has lectured about and taught HeartMath’s emotion refocusing and self-management tools for over a decade in hospitals, companies, school systems and with his own patients. He will share his story of why he got involved with HeartMath and address the beneficial effects that HeartMath methods and emotional management tools have on people with chronic diseases. Dr. Rozman, author of HeartMath’s Transforming Series books, will discuss practical ways you can reduce stress, anxiety, anger and other negative emotions in these difficult times.
Among those most in need of HeartMath’s scientifically developed tools and technology are returning combat troops and the nation’s veterans, and the Institute of HeartMath is offering this MicroTraining in their behalf.
HeartMath already has assisted a great number of military personnel and hopes to expand access to its tools to thousands more, especially those coping with the personal impact of war. All donations from those attending this May 30 Teleseminar will go directly toward the Military Appreciation Service Fund. (So we ask that if you find value in this event, please consider a contribution of $10, $25 or $35 to this fund.)
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Wilson, formerly acute cardiac care director at the University of Minnesota and director of the University of Pittsburgh Heart Institute, has a private practice in Milwaukee, Wis. He is a clinical associate professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin and serves as the medical director for IHM sister company, HeartMath LLC. Co-presenter Rozman, co-CEO of Quantum InTech Inc., is a psychologist and author of numerous books, with over 30 years of experience as a business executive, educator and researcher in the psychology of consciousness. She serves on the Institute of HeartMath’s Scientific Advisory Board and is a key spokesperson for the HeartMath System. Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009 |
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Tags: Dr. Bruce Wilson, Dr. Deborah Rozman, emotional health, HeartMath, stress
Posted in Fatigue Treatment, Uncategorized | No Comments »
What would your life be like if you had more energy?
Written by Ritamarie Loscalzo on May 21, 2009 – -Have you ever asked yourself that question? Ever wonder what you’d do differently if you felt more alive, energetic and Healthy?
Take out a piece of paper and brainstorm. What WOULD you be doing differently? I hear it all the time, both professionally and in my private life.
“I’m so exhausted”.
“I’m too tired to go out tonight”.
“I’d love to get a better job, but I’m just so fatigued, I’m not sure I can handle it.”
“I’d like to exercise, but I just don’t have enough energy.”
Have you ever said (or thought) any of these statements?
If you’re thinking “I don’t have an energy problem. I have lots of energy.”, think again. Fatigue accounts for 80% of all doctor visits. 80% of women are expected to experience adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives. Many people are fatigued and they don’t even know it. What about you?
Take this quiz and find out your energy quotient.
- Do you need caffeine to get you started in the morning?
- Do you drink diet cola on a daily basis?
- Do you experience a dip in energy mid afternoon?
- Do you have persistent muscle pain or discomfort?
- Do you find yourself waking up unrefreshed in the morning, wishing you could sleep another hour or two?
- Do you have problems with short term memory?
- Do you frequently say no when you want to say yes to social engagements?
- Do you get less than 8 hours of sleep a night?
- Are you exposed to toxins on the job or at home (ie pesticides, chemicals, unfiltered water, non-organic food)?
- Do you feel very tired after exercise?
- Have you been under stress for a prolonged period of time?
- Do you have difficulty concentrating or with memory?
- Are you frequently moody or irritable?
- Does fatigue prevent you from doing things you’d REALLY like to do?
- Does fatigue interfere with work or family life?
- Did fatigue and other symptoms that trouble you begin after an acute illness, trauma, infection or emotional stress?
- Do you overeat on a regular basis?
- Have you been diagnosed with any of the following (please circle)
- Gulf War Syndrome
- Alzeheimer’s
- Parkinson’s
- ALS
- Autism
- ADHD
- Depression
- Bi Polar Disease
- Schizophrenia
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibomyalgia
- Chronic infections
- Anxiety
Count up all the yes answers. Score yourself as follows:
0: Congratulations. You are an energizer bunny!
1-5: You’re likely experiencing a mild loss of energy. Optimizing your diet and removing the energy zappers in your life can help restore you and prevent you from ending up with a more serious fatigue problem down the road.
5-10 You’re likely experiencing a moderate degree of fatigue or loss of energy. Restoring balance to your body, mind and spirit through diet, lifestyle and spiritual practices is a good idea to nip it in the bud and start restoring your energy reserves.
Greater than 10: You are showing signs of a severe loss of energy and fatigue and should begin to address it right away
Any surprises?
If you scored anything other than 0 on this quiz you are at risk for developing or already have a fatigue problem.
I’m here to offer my assistance to you in jumpstarting your tired body to the success and joy you deserve.
I’m excited to be offering a very special workshop that’s just right for you if you are fatigued, exhausted or just don’t have the energy to live your life the way you’d like to. It’s called, “3 Myths About Fatigue Every Woman Should Know”.
I’m offering it in Austin on May 29 and June 24. A teleseminar version of it being offered on June 1. The workshop is very interactive and experiential as well as very informative. If you can, I encourage you to attend live to get the full benefit of the workshop.
I’ve written a very detailed events page all about the workshop. Seating is limited, so register early. As an incentive for registering early, I’ve decided to give full scholarships to the first 30 people who register. Yes, you heard right! This very valuable workshop will not cost you a single dime...if you act fast. Last time I offered this I had 20 people sign up in the first hour.
http://www.TheWomensFatigueExpert.com
I encourage you to bring at least one friend who you think could benefit.
In fact, I’d love it if you would send this email message on to everyone you know who could use to have more energy. If you or someone you love is suffering from chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, adrenal exhaustion or hypothyroidism, you’ll learn tools and techniques to release them from the debilitating fatigue they experience daily.
The information needs to be spread and I’m on a mission to share what I know so that you and those you love can live a life of joy, passion and prosperity. My life has been forever changed by applying what I’ll be sharing with you in this workshop. I want you to experience the great joy and fulfillment that I experience daily. You deserve it. Don’t wait.
So go to http://www.TheWomensFatigueExpert.com to learn more and to sign up.
I am looking forward to connecting with you soon.
Love, Health and Joy,
Dr. Ritamarie
Tags: Adrenal Fatigue, depression, fatigue, fatigue symptoms, irritability, lethargic, overweight, tired
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Fatigue Treatment | No Comments »
New Findings About Vitamin D, An Often Overlooked Cause of Fatigue, Depression and Chronic Disease
Written by Ritamarie Loscalzo on May 13, 2009 – -Vitamin D is being researched more and more and deficiencies have been found to be rampant in our Western World. Vitamin D is called the Sunshine Vitamin because your body can make it when exposed to sufficient sunshine.
Vitamin D3 is actually a steroid hormone formed when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. UVB converts a cholesterol derivative in your skin into vitamin D3.
Controversy abounds about just the right amount of sunshine needed to produce adequate Vitamin D, and most experts are now recommending testing and supplementation for those that are low.
If you live in the tropics and spend most of your time outdoors, chances are good you have plenty of vitamin D. If you live in Alaska, or Seattle, chances are that you don’t. For those of us in between, how do we know?
A simple blood test can test for vitamin D levels. I’ve been recommending that you can rely on mother nature if you are exposed to sun over 25% or more of your body 20 minutes or more each day. On the days when this is not true, take a supplement. Liquid D3 seems to be the most effective.
Today I ran across an article by Dr. Joe Mercola and I was shocked at the title, which said that exposure to sunshine could decrease your vitamin D levels.
Turns out that window glass filters out the majority of UVB radiation, but it minimally filters out UVAs. Vitamin D3 is formed from exposure to UVB rays. UVA radiation destroys vitamin D.
Whoa, hold on. Being indoors not only keeps you from making the Vitamin D you need but destroys the Vitamin D you already have! Wow. This is actually a clever method that nature has to prevent Vitamin D overload. It helps destroy excess vitamin D when you’re outside a lot.
When you are outside, you get BOTH UVA and UVB, so there is a balance. When you’re exposed to sunlight through windows you get the UVA but almost no UVB. To make matters worse, UVA increases oxidative stress. So working indoors and driving in a car can lead to health challenges. All the more reason to retire to the beach.
UVA is a primary player in skin cancer. It also what causes you to tan and leads to photo aging of your skin.
Dr. Leonard Smith discovered that increasing his vitamin D levels resulted in the resolution of skin conditions such as moles and basal cell carcinoma.
Vitamin D and Showering
Another interesting tidbit about Vitamin D that Dr. Mercola wrote about was the association between Vitamin D levels and showering with soap.
It turns out that the Vitamin D3 formed on the surface of your skin does not immediately get absorbed into your bloodstream. It actually takes up to 48 hours to absorb the majority of the vitamin D you made as a result of sun exposure.
So, if you shower with soap, you’ll wash away a lot of the vitamin D3 your skin generated. Since you are not likely to want to go so long without a shower, Dr. Mercola recommends that you reserve the soap for your armpits and groin, and wash the rest of your body with plain water. I usually do that anyway, so I’m happy to hear that there’s a benefit beyond saving money on soap!
In summary, here’s how to ensure that you get adequate Vitamin D levels:
- Get safe outdoor sun exposure or use a tanning bed, 20 minutes a day. Just be careful to avoid getting sunburned.
- If you can’t or won’t get adequate sunlight, take a liquid Vitamin D3 supplement. Just be sure to get your vitamin D levels checked regularly, to be sure you are dosing porperly. You can get the testing done without a doctor’s prescription at www.directlabs.com.
- If you shower after sun exposure, avoid soaping exposed areas for for at least two days, to maximize the absorption of vitamin D in your skin.
Vitamin D needs to be taken seriously. Deficiencies can lead to many health challenges including heart disease, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, hypertension, arthritis, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, PMS, Crohns Disease, cancer, MS and other autoimmune diseases.
So go have some fun and get your vitamin D levels optimized.
Love, Health and Joy,
Dr. Ritamarie
Tags: Add new tag, Cancer, fatigue symptoms, pain and inflammation, Raw Foods, sugar, Vitamin D
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Articles, Exhaustion, Fatigue Treatment, Gluten Free Diet, Vitamins and Minerals | 3 Comments »
Greens from the WIld: The Perfect Antidote to Health and Money Deficits
Written by Ritamarie Loscalzo on May 2, 2009 – -
We were honored to have very special guest in town this week, and he shared with us information that could save your health and your bank account.
Sergei Boutenko was wonderful. He inspired attendees to step the green up a notch, and stay connected to green energy.
Here’s a sample of part of the herb walk with Sergei .
I’ll post another video and photos after I get the rest uploaded.
If you’d be interested in attending a teleseminar on the topics with Sergei, post a comment below to the blog and let me know.
Love and Green Hugs
Dr. Ritamarie
www.drritamarie.com
Posted in Articles, Living Foods | 24 Comments »
