by administrator | Feb 7, 2019 | Pain Management
Chronic pain and pain management are increasingly in the medical limelight in the United States. Recent research indicates that just over 20% of American adults, or roughly 50 million people, live with chronic pain. That is a staggering number. There are many treatment plans available for pain management, and trigger point injections are proving to be an effective choice for many patients.
Typically, medical practitioners consider someone to be in chronic pain if they report six months or more of daily or almost daily pain. Sometimes these situations arise from injuries, and the symptoms eventually subside with time.
But for many Americans, persistent pain is a way of life due to conditions such as autoimmune disorders, injuries that don’t heal properly, or joint problems related to aging. Patients who have undergone treatment for cancer may also have lingering chronic pain as a side effect from various drugs and procedures.
One study reports that pain costs the United States over $560 billion each year. Between medical visits, prescription costs, alternative therapies, mental health treatment, and lost productivity, pain takes an enormous financial toll on our society. And with an aging population and an increase in chronic conditions, that dollar amount is likely to rise.
What is a Trigger Point?
Patients who are in pain often experience trigger points. Commonly called “knots,” trigger points are hypersensitive spots where a muscle has shortened and tightened up, forming a lump. These lumps can be as small as a pea or as big as a walnut, and patients often can feel them under the skin. Pushing on these points can be very painful but can also result in some relief if the muscle releases back to its normal position.
Trigger points can be active or latent. Active trigger points not only create pain at the site, but they also cause referred pain and fatigue in other areas of the body if they push on surrounding nerves. Tension headaches, for example, are a common result of knots in the neck and shoulders pressing on nearby nerves. Tinnitus and TMJ pain also can arise from referred pain.
Latent trigger points, however, usually are asymptomatic and do not cause referred pain. Latent trigger points typically do not require treatment until they become active and cause pain.
Although they can happen in any muscle, trigger points tend to develop most frequently in the neck and shoulder area, as well as in the legs and lower back. These painful knots and lumps can come from an acute injury, overuse, or a chronic condition such as fibromyalgia. Another disorder, myofascial pain syndrome, can lead to multiple trigger points resulting from repetitive use and stress.
How Does a Trigger Point Injection Work?
When dealing with acute or chronic pain, many doctors and patients turn to over-the-counter and prescription medications. Some may try massage, acupuncture, relaxation techniques, or physical therapy as well.
When other pain management options do not bring relief, trigger point injections (TPI) can be a great choice. And for patients and who prefer to avoid medications, this course of treatment is a good alternative.
During the procedure, a doctor will palpate the area to find the precise location of the trigger point. The doctor then inserts a needle directly into the knot to try to release the muscle tension.
The needle may contain a saline solution, a steroid, a local anesthetic, or a combination of these. Sometimes the practitioner uses a dry needle technique in which there is nothing in the injection. This dry needling is often the first course of action in TPI and is also useful for patients who have allergies to medications or who prefer to avoid their use.
Depending on where the trigger point is, you may be sitting or lying down during the treatment. If you have multiple trigger points, your doctor may be able to provide injections in all of them during one session.
For otherwise healthy patients, TPI is a quick procedure with minimal side effects. Some patients have temporary redness and tenderness at the injection site, but more severe reactions are rare. After the trigger point injection, you can resume most normal activities, although it is best to wait a day to engage in any strenuous exercise.
If you are feeling ill or fighting an infection, it is best to wait until you feel well before receiving trigger point injections. Patients with bleeding issues or who are on anticoagulants should discuss treatment with their doctors to determine if TPI is safe for them.
How Effective Are Trigger Point Injections?
For trigger points that develop from an acute injury, one or two TPI treatments often bring long-term relief. When dealing with chronic pain conditions or damage resulting from repetitive motion or stress, however, more procedures may be necessary.
TPI can be a highly effective way to address ongoing pain from conditions that do not have a cure yet. Although patients are likely to need repeat injections in these situations, most prefer to do that rather than relying on opioids or other prescription painkillers.
At Camas Swale, we strive to help your body heal with a course of treatment that is minimally invasive and that avoids risky side effects whenever possible. Although prescription pain medications have a place and purpose, we recognize that opioid abuse is on the rise, and we take our responsibility for our patients’ safety very seriously. TPI is a valid treatment option for pain for many patients, and we are proud to offer it in our office.
Our doctor, Damon Armitage, MD, works to treat the whole person. Through family medicine, wellness checks, preventive care, immunizations, and specialized treatment options, we provide high-quality care to our Creswell community.
We support our patients in all stages of their lives and all areas of their health. In addition to routine healthcare, we provide support and management for endocrine and cardiovascular issues, depression and anxiety, and chronic asthma and allergies.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and being of service to you on your health and wellness journey.
by administrator | Jan 22, 2019 | Skin Care
Acne. Possibly one of the most hated words in the English language. Almost everyone has had acne at some point in their lives, but what if you have more than just a small breakout here and there? What if you constantly have to deal with the discomfort of a red, inflamed face? Having worked with people who have gone through years of different acne-taming regimens, we’re here to tell you that though it can be difficult, there are severe acne treatment options available that work.
How Do I Get Acne?
Many people believe that taking good care of their skin by eating right, drinking enough water, and washing their face at night will be enough to prevent acne. Though these methods are important and do benefit certain people, they aren’t always effective on their own.
Sadly, there seems to be stigma around acne as a symptom of someone being “unclean”. That, simply put, is false. Most people who suffer from acne – and not exclusively severe acne either – are genetically predispositioned to have it. So, when you read about or hear people recommend making a simple lifestyle change to treat your blemishes, know that:
- For many people, it’s not that easy and…
- You ARE NOT “unclean”; you just need a medically guided treatment to help you clear your skin.
In addition, men tend to be more likely to have severe acne than women during adolescence. However, women are more likely to develop adult-onset acne. Other than the face, acne is commonly located on the neck, back, or buttocks.
What Kinds of Acne Are There and How Do I Know if Mine is Severe?
Generally speaking, there are 6 kinds of acne of increasing severity which are:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Papules
- Pustules
- Nodules
- Cysts
Most people have had a blackhead or a whitehead in their time. Most people have even had a papule or pustule thrown in, much to their annoyance. However, severe acne is classified as nodulocystic acne or severe inflammatory acne. These kinds of outbreaks tend to last much longer than the average blackhead or pustule. A single pimple of this category, either nodules or cysts, can stay on your skin for weeks or months at a time.
A nodule is a hard, swollen lesion that unlike simpler pimples, develops deep within the skin and can last as long as a couple of months. A simple pimple begins when an infected hair follicle wall (commonly called a pore) ruptures. When this happens, bacteria has free access to the dermis, which is the deepest layer of the skin. That’s how your average whitehead develops.
In the case of a nodules, the follicle wall in question ruptures deep within the dermis, not just near the top. This causes the follicle bacteria to infect follicles next to it. The result is a deep, painful, hard nodule on the skin. They are often described as feeling like a knot. A nodule can be filled with pus, much like an average pimple, but the fluid will be located deep under you skin and unlikely to make a whitehead.
Nodules can last anywhere from a few weeks to months at a time. Because of the extensive underground damage, they are much more likely to scar than a regular pimple. In addition, over the counter topicals will not help this type of acne. You must see a dermatologist to prescribe you an oral medication that fights the acne from the inside.
A cyst, on the other hand, is essentially an elevated nodule blemish. Cystic acne obliterates the originally infected follicle and slowly works its way to the surface, often filled with pus or blood. These pimples can be incredibly swollen and can measure up to a couple inches long or wide. Because they are essentially a more infected nodule, they typically last longer and the likelihood of scarring is very high.
Nodule and cystic acne can only be treated by a professional and under no circumstance should you try to pop either of these kinds of blemishes.
What Are My Severe Acne Treatment Options?
For those of you who have determined that you do have severe acne, there are many medications and regimens you can try to tame your breakouts. The most effective medication on the market for severe acne treatment is Isotretinoin, more commonly known as Accutane. However, this medication requires that you have a dermatologist or doctor whose credentials allow them to prescribe it to you.
Isotretinoin is a retinoid taken orally twice a day with a meal. The treatment generally lasts 15-20 weeks, depending on the severity of your acne. This medication is highly controlled because of its lasting effects and possibly detrimental effects on the body. In fact, the only way a person can take Accutane is if they also agree to participate in a program set up by the Food and Drug Administration called iPledge.
Women and Accutane
iPledge is set up primarily for women who want to take Accutane because of the severe birth defects it can cause if the woman were to be pregnant. In fact, two months before starting the therapy, women must have two blood tests done to ensure that they are not pregnant. During the course of treatment, women must have a blood test done each month to continually ensure that they are not pregnant.
Each month, the medication must be re-prescribed only after bloodwork comes back negative and the female patient has taken an online quiz through iPledge stating that they are on at least two methods of birth control.
Men have it much easier, as they do not have to go through the process of proving that they are not with child each month.
How Accutane Works
Put simply, Accutane permanently shrinks your oil glands. Because people with acne produce more sebum than necessary, the elimination of the excess causes your skin to stay clear because your pores no longer get clogged.
The pill works from the inside and essentially dries out the body (see side effects below). While on this medication, your skin is likely to get worse before it gets better. It may not be until month two or three that you start notice a significant difference in your skin.
Because it shrinks your oil glands, a wonderful side benefit of this medication is that, even when you’re done with it, your hair will never get as greasy as fast. How nice is that?!
Common (Not Serious!) Side Effects
Now, we know this description of Accutane can scare some people. It is a serious medication! Though it’s more of a process than using a simple topical cream, the difference is that it will work as a severe acne treatment, when over the counter medications just don’t cut it.
Whether male or female, while on Isotretinoin, you’ll have to take a little better care of yourself. The most common side effects include:
- Dry skin (especially your lips)
- Nosebleeds
- Dry eyes
- Joint pain
- Sun sensitivity
Because Accutane is actively shrinking your oil glands, while taking the medication, your skin will be extremely dry. Your lips and nose in particular will be extra dry. Below, we’ve highlighted some extremely helpful products to keep your skin comfortable and moisturized.
- Aquaphor or Vaseline – exclusively!
- Most brands for dry lips actually don’t help you – including Chapstick. Aquaphor and Vaseline are essentially the ONLY brands you should trust on your precious lips.
- Non-Comedogenic Products
- Check the labels on any makeup or moisturizer you want to buy for the word “non-comedogenic”. This means that it’s specifically formulated to not clog pores and cause oil backups.
- Cetaphil or CeraVe Moisturizers/Lotions
- These brands are excellent choices for acne prone, sensitive, and extra dry skin. There are many different kinds to choose from, but these brands are guaranteed to nourish your dry skin.
Though it may sound intimidating, Isotretinoin is the most effective way to rid your skin of severe acne. Acne can is frustrating and embarrassing to deal with, and for those of you who feel like you’ve tried everything under the sun, Accutane may be the best option for you. If you have severe acne, Camas Swale Medical Clinic offers Accutane treatments. For more information, contact us here.
by administrator | Dec 13, 2018 | Community
Does it ever feel like holiday season passes in a flash? For the most part, people spend their holiday season under the stress of providing a great experience for their family, friends, and/or loved ones. So much so that some people begin to declare they “hate the holidays.” Lies. Nobody hates the holidays. But, if you forget to slow down and simply enjoy the time with good company, it makes sense why it might just feel like a whirlwind of consumerism. Setting aside time to enjoy some of the local offerings during the holiday season is a great way to spend a few special moments with each other. Here’s a look at some fun holiday events in Lane County.
Holiday Market
December 15, 16, 22, 23, 10:00am to 6:00pm | December 24, 10:00am to 4:00pm
796 W. 13th Ave., Eugene, OR
The Saturday Market’s Holiday Market is vintage Eugene. If you have a friend or family member coming to town this holiday season and you want to fully immerse them into Eugene, Oregon, take them to the Holiday Market. Aside from the endearing and sometimes comical atmosphere, it really is something to behold. There is an incredibly wide range of handmade arts and gifts ranging from fun and goofy, to practical and useful, to accessible trinkets and crafts, to enigmatic works of art. When you grow tired of walking about, the market offers an international food court made up of only local vendors and provides seating to enjoy local musical artists while they fill the room with original arrangements.
Gingerbread House Night
December 21, 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Adventure! Children’s Museum, 490 Valley River Center, Eugene, OR
Gingerbread House Night is a tradition in many households; as is the mess left behind. Adventure! Children’s Museum is graciously opening their doors so that your dwelling may remain mess free. They ask that you RSVP by December 17th so that they can prepare enough gingerbread, but there is no limit for how many can come to enjoy the workshop! House building materials cost $12 each, with hot cocoa or tea included to enjoy while you construct your ginger abode.
Winter Solstice Celebration
December 14, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1680 E. 15th Ave., Eugene, OR
Come celebrate the winter solstice celebration by journeying back into Oregon’s ice age past! The Museum of Natural and Cultural History will be hosting a meet and greet with prehistoric sloths, mammoths, and other thought-to-be-extinct freezing friends. In addition to your icy expedition will be live music and dance performances, crafts, face painting, and a gift shop stocked with locally made holiday gifts. General Admission costs $5 or is free with a non-perishable food donation (per person) to FOOD For Lane County.
Live Nativity
December 22, 23, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Friendly Street Church of God, 2290 Friendly St., Eugene, OR
A Eugene tradition unlike any other, the live nativity is put on by the Friendly Street Church of God. The event is open to all and serves complimentary hot beverages and cookies. With animals in tow, the Friendly Street Church spares no details in their portrayal of the birth of Christ. The live nativity is a rare opportunity for you and your family to experience the true meaning of Christmas.
Nutcracker at the Hult
December 21, 22, 7:30pm | December 22, 23, 2:00pm
The Hult Center, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene, OR
Everybody should see a live performance of The Nutcracker at least once. Fortunately for us, we have the added benefit of being home to the renowned Eugene Ballet, who has been performing The Nutcracker annually since 1981. This year’s performance will be accompanied by Orchestra Next. Have an enchanted evening out with a partner or friends, or bring the whole family to watch Clara and the Nutcracker in their battle to break the Mouse King’s curse. Either way, the seasonal spectacle is a great excuse to attend the ballet in your Sunday’s. Performing arts enthrallment starts at $34.00 for both evening and matinee showings.
Dickens of a Christmas
December 16, 2:30pm
The Hult Center, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene, OR
The Hult plays host to another theatrical act, A Dickens of a Christmas. This is a musical version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and is only showing once! Tickets start at $25 so snag them while you still can. The Eugene Concert Choir leaves you with this, “Christmas Past is a Renaissance Feast, Christmas Present is the mid-1800s time of Dickens, and Christmas Future is a raucous, kitschy look at the contemporary culture of today.”
Zoolights at Wildlife Safari
December 14, 15, 16, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Wildlife Safari, 1790 NW Safari Rb., Winston, OR
Join the animal kingdom in their celebration of Christmas! They’ve decked their halls, stuffed their stockings, and are ready for Santa’s visit. Speaking of Santa, how does he even determine which animals are on which list? The Wildlife Safari village has prepared a light show for you and yours to drive through and experience the wonder of the wilderness. They have “special stop” planned along the way as well as free cookies, cocoa and coffee, family photos and gingerbread house assembling at the end (or beginning). Tickets are only $5, although it is a bit of a drive.
2nd Annual Muppet Christmas Carol Sing Along
December 19, 6:30pm-Late (Minors welcome until 8:00pm)
Old Nick’s Pub, 211 Washington St., Eugene, OR
Old Nick’s Pub is putting on a free event for all! They will be playing one of their favorite Christmas movies (it’s a secret), and encourage all to sing along. Minors are welcome until 8:00pm, when they officially turn into a bar (per OLCC). Feel free to join midway through or after, Christmas cheer will be spread all evening.
Holiday Tea
December 9, 15, 16, 1:00pm, December 14th, 4:00pm
McMurphey Johnson House, 303 Willamette St., Eugene, OR
What a fun and charming way to spend a brisk afternoon. The McMurphey Johnson House runs around eight tea weekends a year as a fundraiser to keep the museum running. They often plan around holidays such as Valentines and Halloween, but December is something else altogether. Join in on the fun but reserving a space or table online. There are no physical tickets, so you’ll receive an email with confirmation. A spot costs $30 and includes tea sandwiches, scones, savories, and dessert.
Nutcracker for Kids, by Kids
December 14, 4:00pm and 6:00pm (two showings)
Eugene Public Library, 100 W. 10th Ave., Eugene, OR
A cherished Eugene tradition, the Nutcracker for Kids is put on by the Eugene Youth Ballet. The show is a child size rendition of the Eugene Ballet’s performance and is performed in the Eugene Public Library! There are only two shows, both on the same day, and are free to all ages. If the Nutcracker at the Hult Center is too tough a sell, or just not right this year, head downtown and snuggle up for a cozier, more succinct performance of the magical fairytale.
A Brassy Christmas
December 23, 3:00pm and 4:30pm
First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive St., Eugene, OR
First United Methodist gets a special visit from Oregon’s only British-style brass band. This all-volunteer ensemble includes members from around western Oregon. The group will be playing all of your Christmas favorites in unique style and tone, with instruments not often seen live. The band and audience will, of course, be marching to the tunes. The casual evening has a $10 suggested donation or allows for a non-perishable food donation to FOOD for Lane County.
The Village Green’s Holiday Lights
5:00pm to 9:00 daily until December 23
Village Green Hotel, 725 Row River Rd, Cottage Grove, OR
Cottage Grove is located 30 minutes south of Eugene, but don’t let that deter you from visiting the Village Green Hotel their annual holiday gardens. The grounds are truly a sight to behold, lighting up over half a million Christmas themed bulbs. But the drive doesn’t just come with a light show, the Hotel offers a holiday market, marshmallow roasting, live music, and a visit with Santa!
Only a grinch would come away from this list having nothing to do.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Camas Swale Medical Clinic!
by administrator | Dec 3, 2018 | Mental Health
We all struggle with worry from the constant pressures and situations we face daily. Our jobs, families, social events, and even pets can cause us stress. Did you know that your kids worry, too? Some might even deal with anxiety. That breaks our hearts, but it is common in our day.
If you’re not positive if your child shows signs of childhood anxiety or if you believe they do, but you’re not sure what to do about it, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll discuss a few symptoms that will help you pinpoint whether your child might be dealing with anxiety. In addition to that, we’ll give you a few tips on how to handle the situation.
Keep reading so that you can be better prepared to deal with any anxiety that your child might be experiencing.
Some Fears are Normal
Kids fear a lot of things, including the dark, the dentist, getting bitten by a dog, or making new friends at school. It’s also normal for children to worry about getting punished or getting a bad grade on a test. These fears and worries are reasonable and to be expected.
What isn’t normal is when a child is plagued with fears and stress so much that it affects their bodies, their emotions, or their behavior consistently regarding the same things over and over, again. These kinds of anxieties don’t make it so that the child cannot function on a regular basis, but there are specific behaviors and emotions of a child who is struggling with anxiety that will be affected continuously. Fears become abnormal when they influence a child’s grades, friendships, sleep, or moods. We’ll discuss many examples below.
Behavioral Anxiety
If you believe that your child’s behavior does not match your other children’s responses that they had at his age, or it doesn’t match his peers, then he or she could have childhood anxiety. Here are some common behavioral tendencies to look for when trying to determine if your child has anxiety:
- When he is away from those closest to him like family or close friends, he acts out in anger, sadness, crying, or clinging.
- Rather than joining children at recess or on the playground, she chooses to isolate herself in her classroom away from other children.
- When he must participate in activities with peers, he decides to be silent or says he cannot succeed, without any legitimate reason.
- May have tantrums or meltdowns over going to public places including school, sports practice, or other activities outside of the home.
To summarize, if your child is dealing with behavioral anxiety, he or she typically despises being in social settings and hates to be away from what is comforting and reassuring to him or her, like familiar loved ones.
Bodily Anxiety
Another way to help you determine if your child is struggling with an abnormal amount of stress or fear is through his body movements. These can be expressed in a variety of ways such as the following:
- Constant headaches
- Persistent stomach pains
- Rejecting food in public
- Shaking, sweating, or fidgeting
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Warm face, clammy hands
Children, just like adults, encounter the “fight or flight” response when they sense something is going to happen that is scary or stressful. They can experience any of the above bodily reactions to those situations and even things that you, as their parent, cannot see. These would include feelings such as an uncontrollable heartbeat, feeling like it’s difficult to breathe, and affected nerves and digestion.
Although the “fight or flight” response is supposed to keep us from harmful situations, with anxious children, it occurs when there is no genuine danger for the child. The threat is just in their head, but their body is acting out against it through anxiety. Bodily anxiety can also be directly related to emotions.
Emotional Anxiety
Emotional anxiety can be hard to comprehend as a parent since you cannot see it like bodily or behavioral anxiety and you cannot feel what your child is feeling. However, many times, a child’s anxious emotions are displayed daily and continuously and don’t exactly seem healthy when compared to other children.
Emotional anxiety can also be closely linked to behavior and body anxiety. For example, if your child is overcome with worry being in social situations (emotional anxiety), it can lead to clinging and crying (behavior anxiety) and can head to shaking or sweating (bodily anxiety). Below we’ve listed a few more examples to help you in this process of identifying emotional anxiety:
- Recurring panic attacks and nightmares about being alone or losing a loved one
- Phobias over minor things such as insects or animals
- Crying constantly
- Has an extremely sensitive disposition
- Cannot control anger or is grumpy often
- Worries about the future
It’s essential for you as the parent to be in tune with your child’s emotions, but at times it can be tough to identify, and it can be very emotional for you to handle alone. That’s why we encourage you to find help for you and your child if you believe your child has signs of childhood anxiety.
How to Help When You Find Signs of Childhood Anxiety
As parents, we don’t want to admit that there might be something “wrong” with our child. We may tell ourselves that our child is merely going through a behavioral phase or an emotional time and that he will grow out of it soon. Growing out of it may be possible, however, if the tantrums or the fear of socializing or the headaches persist for weeks, then it is highly encouraged to have your child checked out by a specialist.
If you think your child might have childhood anxiety, call to schedule an appointment, and we can talk about all your options. We care about finding resolutions for children and families in all situations, including anxiety.
by administrator | Nov 14, 2018 | Healthy, Skin Care
Several generations ago it was common for parents to lay their undressed infants out in the sunshine every day for good health. Our modern minds tend to think, “That’s crazy! Did they slather on sunscreen first?” Although it may not be how we would go about it today, in reality, these parents helped their children get proper vitamin D amounts.
Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic in the United States; estimates have it affecting as many as 90% of some American adult populations. This is a serious health problem that needs to be addressed.
What Does Vitamin D Do?
Actually considered a hormone, vitamin D is different from the majority of other vitamins since our bodies can make most of what we need, rather than having to rely on food to receive enough of it.
Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” since it is made when our bodies change sunlight into chemicals to be used by the body. When UVB rays hit our skin, a substance in our skin changes into D3 which then moves through the bloodstream into our kidneys and liver.
Vitamin D is fat-soluble and resides in the body’s fatty tissues and the liver. It is an essential nutrient for overall health, and research suggests that deficiency can lead to brittle bones, breast cancer, colon cancer, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
How Do We Get Vitamin D?
Exposure to sunlight is the primary way our bodies make vitamin D, and with proper exposure, we can make adequate amounts. However, with the rise in skin cancer over the past decades, many people now wear sunscreen, limiting the opportunity for the skin to do its incredible sunlight conversion.
Balancing the need to get enough vitamin D with the need to protect our skin from damage is tricky. And there isn’t a precise amount of sunlight that doctors can point to as the ideal amount for vitamin D production because it can vary from person to person. In general, experts suggest 10-20 minutes of sun exposure each day, but even this is highly variable depending on the person and their location.
People with darker skin make less of the nutrient than those with fair skin. Young people produce more than older people. And those in the United States who live north of Atlanta will find it almost impossible to get enough UVB exposure during the winter, regardless of how willing they are to go without sunscreen.
5 Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
Blood work ordered by your doctor is the only way to diagnose low vitamin D levels, but here are some signs to watch for and to discuss with your provider:
- Frequent illnesses and infections. We have vitamin D receptors throughout our bodies, including on our immune cells. One of vitamin D’s primary roles is to help our bodies fight off infections. If you find that you are very susceptible to colds, cases of flu, and respiratory infections, you may be low on this vital nutrient.
- Muscle and bone pain. Vitamin D is well known for its role in preventing osteoporosis, as it helps with the absorption of calcium. But it also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties as well. If you are battling chronic bone, back, or muscle pain, you may need to boost your D levels.
- Chronic fatigue. It is easy for adults to ignore their constant feeling of tiredness and chalk it up to being older and busier. And even when patients pursue the cause of their chronic fatigue, vitamin D deficiency is often overlooked. But research shows that extremely low levels of this nutrient lead to chronic fatigue and tiredness.
- Hair loss. This is a symptom that many people quickly attribute to stress. While it’s true that stress can be a cause of hair loss, vitamin D deficiency is worth consideration. Low levels are linked to the autoimmune disorder of alopecia areata in which patients experience extreme hair loss over the whole body.
- Depression. There are vitamin D receptors in the part of the brain that impacts the development of depression, so a deficiency in the nutrient may lead to this mental health disorder. Research in countries such as Norway and Sweden suggests a strong link between low levels of D and depression.
5 Foods That Are High in Vitamin D
Since most of us are unable or unwilling to have adequate unprotected time in the sun for vitamin D production, that leaves food sources as the next option. Here are five foods that will boost your levels:
- Fatty fish. Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it requires some fat to be usable. Fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, and sardines are excellent sources of vitamin D. As a bonus, these fish are full of protein and healthy fats, too.
- Beef Liver. Although organ meat usually is not high on many people’s lists of favorite foods, it is incredibly nutrient-rich, and a fantastic source of vitamin D. In addition to providing high levels of D, beef liver is also rich in iron, making it a powerhouse, nutritionally.
- Egg yolks. Eggs get high praise as being good sources of protein, but they also hold a great source of vitamin D in their yolks. Sadly, egg yolks spent a lot of undeserved time on the western world’s naughty list of foods, due to concerns over cholesterol. Fortunately, that phase has passed, and we now recognize the tremendous health and nutritional benefits of eggs.
- Fortified foods. Many foods such as cereals, oatmeal, milk, and orange juice are fortified with vitamin D. Although these items are not as efficient at delivering the nutrient as other food sources, they are helpful in addressing deficiencies in the population, especially among children.
- Shellfish. Shrimp and oysters are both low-calorie sources of vitamin D, making them a great part of a healthy diet. Oysters have the bonus of being rich in B12 as well.
At Camas Swale we are committed to helping you live the healthiest life possible. If you are noticing any of the above symptoms, contact us today to schedule a time to come in for a visit. We will work to get you back on the road to vitality and good health.
