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1. Note From Anita

2. Featured Article: The Importance of Vitamin D

3. Inspiration of the Month

4. Having trouble reaching your health goals?

Thanks for sticking with me through this change in my newsletter. If you didn't know, my newsletter used to be called Home Body Health and covered health issues for the whole family. I want The Fibro Hope Messenger to provide you with valuable info to get you on the road to recovery, whether it's fibromyalgia alone or many health problems combined. Believe me, you can get better! Let's get started.

Recent research is really getting interesting. They are finding that a lack of vitamin D causes joints and muscles to ache. Recognize that feeling?

Researchers are stating that fibromyalgia may be misdiagnosed, really being a deficiency of Vitamin D.

As I say on my website, FibromyalgiaHope.com, your muscle pain can be caused by a number of deficiencies, but Vitamin D is certainly a good place to start looking.

Your body makes Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. A person who is 75 years old absorbs only 25% of the Vitamin D through the skin when exposed to sunlight compared with a person who is 20 years old. As you age, your body needs more Vitamin D, too.

The use of sunscreen actually decreases our Vitamin D levels in the body. To solve this, try to get in a quick walk without sunscreen in the early morning or late in the day, to build up your Vitamin D levels, three times/week. These times of the day will reduce your risk of skin cancer. You only need to be exposed about 1/4 of the time it takes to turn pink, to make enough Vitamin D.

People with darker skin and people in the northern latitudes (if you're in the northern hemisphere, I guess) are more suseptible to lack of Vitamin D because it is harder to acquire through exposure to the sunlight. But studies show the elderly often have deficiencies, even in August.

Dermatologists recommend supplementing with Vitamin D instead of increasing your sun exposure. I guess they don't want you to go nuts in the sun. And they're right, you shouldn't.

But don't worry too much. The most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma, is not related to sun exposure; it's usually found in non-exposed areas of the skin.

Personally, that warm feeling of the sun on my face and body is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Ask me about getting this feeling in a sauna that helps you detoxify, too.

Does your mood lift when the sun hits your face in the spring? Mine does. Yes, I think seasonal depression can be related to Vitamin D, too.

Researchers are considering raising the Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin D from 400IU to 1000IU. This is a big jump, especially considering there's only 100 IU in a glass of milk. It may take 10-15 years for this RDA change to actually go into effect. So, you can definitely increase your intake of Vitamin D, just don't go over 10,000-20,000IU. At these levels, Vitamin D is toxic.

Vitamin D is also fortified in milk, some orange juices, and other newly fortified foods, like bread. I don't know how bioavailable the Vitamin D is in these foods.

Here's the list of diseases that a lack of Vitamin D may play a role in: type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, obesity, schizophrenia, colon and breast cancer, and of course, our favorite, fibromyalgia.

To be sure you are getting enough Vitamin D, look for a supplement with Vitamin D3. This is Vitamin D as cholecalciferol. It's 4-5 times as effectively absorbed (bioavailable) as Vitamin D2 which is ergocalciferol.

You also want all the other stuff that your body needs to have in order to make use of Vitamin D. Look for a supplement with Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Boron.

Yes, it's a lot, but all of these nutrients are necessary for your muscles and your bones. Added benefit: You may find that you sleep better, because you can relax. Now that's needed! (I have to take a lot of my calcium supplement before bed, but oh, it's so nice to dream again!)

I don't want to get too religious and I mean this inspiration for anyone who believes in a higher power, but this phrase keeps going through my head, so I have to put it down:

"God helps those who help themselves."

So, don't wait for a miracle cure to drop in your lap. Actively seek to improve your health and you shall receive.

We all find it hard to change. What's one thing stopping you? Your Gremlin. This is that voice in your head that says, "I knew it wouldn't work", "it's no use, I'll never stop eating junk food", or "I'll never get better, anyway, so why try".

What does your Gremlin say? If you are aware of your Gremlin (or whatever you want to name it), your Gremlin will have less power.

Having trouble sticking to changes you want to make, habits that could affect your health? Consider Professional Health Coaching. It can help you realize your obstacles to wellness and allow you to establish the lifestyle that you really want, one that will benefit your health.

May your health be with you! (Sorry, I just saw Star Wars.)

That's all for now,

Anita

Check out new information about Fibromyalgia and Nutrition at www.FibromyalgiaHope.com

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Health Disclaimer These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any diseases. The information here is not provided by medical professionals and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.