Monday, November 08, 2004
Vitamin D - read an article in the October 9 "Science News" - turns out Vitamin D is more important than people think. Among other things, very important to leg strength. Many of us with heart failure worry that every leg cramp we get may mean we're potassium-depleted, but it can be other things. People living up north, not getting much sunlight, and not taking daily vitamins, may not be getting enough D.
Vitamin D also appears to provide some protection against MS, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes. If you're one of the people who has CHF as a side effect of diabetes, maybe more D could help both?
Also, too little vitamin D can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
While this stuff isn't directly CHF-related, anything that helps our overall health, reduces stress on our hearts. So if you aren't already getting 600 IU of vitamin D daily, start!! Vitamin pills, a little more sunshine, and fruit juices fortified with calcium and Vitamin D are all good ways to get there.
Vitamin D also appears to provide some protection against MS, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes. If you're one of the people who has CHF as a side effect of diabetes, maybe more D could help both?
Also, too little vitamin D can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
While this stuff isn't directly CHF-related, anything that helps our overall health, reduces stress on our hearts. So if you aren't already getting 600 IU of vitamin D daily, start!! Vitamin pills, a little more sunshine, and fruit juices fortified with calcium and Vitamin D are all good ways to get there.
