Dr. Tracy McAlvanah's Wellness Blog

Move over vitamin C. When it comes to warding off the flu virus and colds, studies shows vitamin D trumps vitamin C. But are you getting enough vitamin D from sunlight and diet alone? Studies link low vitamin D levels with flu virus Compelling evidence links low vitamin D levels with illness. One study showed vitamin D-deficient subjects were 36 percent more likely to report an upper respiratory infection than those with higher levels. That rate jumped significantly for those with asthma. Another study found children taking vitamin D supplements suffered almost half as many incidences of the flu virus than the children not taking vitamin D. Also, vitamin D levels were found to be lower in children who died of swine flu than in those who survived. Vitamin D benefits go beyond fighting the flu Vitamin D does so much more than fight the flu. Sufficient vitamin D lowers the risk of cancer, autoimmune disease, gum disease, heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and weak bones. Are you ...

Question I’m tired frequently and I have some chronic health issues I can’t seem to resolve. Answer Although multiple factors can cause both tiredness and chronic health issues, anemia should always be investigated. Unresolved anemia will thwart your journey to better health. Anemia prevents normal function Blood delivers oxygen to cells in the body and brain so they can function normally. Anemia starves the blood of oxygen. As a consequence function, maintenance, regeneration, and healing in the body is impaired. Iron-deficiency anemia More than 400 types of anemia exist, however the most common form is iron-deficient anemia. This often is due to inadequate diet or poor absorption of nutrients caused by compromised intestinal health (leaky gut)—often seen in those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. Other causes are uterine fibroids, internal bleeding, chronic disease, liver disease, or genetic disorders. B-12 anemia Another common form of anemia is B-12 anemia due to inadequ...