Vitamin D: Are you deficient?

Sep 08, 2021

Over 42% of Americans lack the vitamin D they need, and the risk is even higher for folks living in the Midwest. People living at latitudes higher than the 37th parallel cannot get adequate amounts of UVB from the sun during winter months, which for us in Wisconsin is technically between September and March. This is because during that time, the angle of the sun is too low to help our skin make vitamin D.


Thus starting in September vitamin D levels naturally begin to fall. This has many consequences, especially if stores of vitamin D from the summer were suboptimal. Normal range of vitamin D is 30-100, but optimal ranges are likely 60-80). 

Seasonal affective disorder getting you down? Vitamin D could be the answer.

As the days get shorter, some people may start to experience Seasonal Effective Disorder, or SAD, which is at least partly due to Vitamin D deficiency. Being affected by a darker mood or even depression in the winter months doesn't mean you're weak, it just means you body may not have the nutrients it needs. If you or someone you know struggle with low mood over the winter months, please consider checking a Vitamin D level and supplementing to get to the optimal range.. 


But beyond mood changes, did you know that you can improve your body's ability to fight off sickness when you have optimal amounts of Vitamin D? Or that if you do happen to get sick that having optimal levels of Vitamin D can help you lessen the symptoms? In fact, a recent study has shown that 80% of people who have had to go to the hospital with COVID were deficient in Vitamin D. For an excellent review article on this subject, read Evidence Regarding Vitamin D and Risk of COVID-19 and Its Severity.



Beyond helping with seasonal affective disorder and boosting immunity, having the right levels of Vitamin D also correlates with: 


The roll of Vitamin D in our body is critical for many processes. Yet too many Americans don't realize their health concerns or mental health issues could be simply the result of a lack of this incredibly important vitamin. Vitamin D is assisted by vitamin K2 (which directs the calcium-vitamin D complexes to the bones, rather than to soft tissue, kidney stones, arteries, etc). That is why we always recommend supplementing with a D3/K2 combination product.


We believe that testing and supplementing vitamin D, especially going into the winter, is a very important step to improving health on many levels. Therefore, to make this more accessible, we are running a OPTIMAL D special. Until October 31 2021 you can get your Vitamin D levels tested for just $47 which will cover the cost of both the test and the draw fee (regular total price is $72). That's ~33% off! Plus you'll get 20% off Vitamin D3/K2 when ordered before January 2022. 


Book your lab test appointment with our staff by October 31, 2021 to get this offer. Please mention OPTIMAL D to redeem the sale price for the lab test, and also your choice of Vitamin D3/K2 supplements (limited to 3 bottles/containers per customer; ok to mix and match if preferred).

Call 715-861-2300 to Request a Vitamin D Test
NAD Drip, Chippewa Falls
01 Dec, 2023
Want help to get ready for the holidays? Having difficulty adjusting to the time change? Consider an NAD Infusion. What are the benefits? NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that powers metabolic processes and impacts a wide variety of systems including digestion, cognition, mental clarity, aging, and overall energy levels. ​ NAD+ increases our body’s levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, and can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. NAD+ plays a role in cell health and in hundreds of cell functions such as DNA repair, circadian rhythm, metabolism, muscle function, tissue repair and cognitive function. Basically, our cells require NAD+ to quickly shuttle around electrons - keeping the cells buzzing with the electricity of life! ​ Who is it for? NAD+ is the premier IV drip for clients who want to see major improvements in brain function, energy level, overcome anxiety and depression, handle acute and chronic stress more effectively, and cope better with PTSD. ​ What's inside? We administer 250mg or 500 mg of NAD+ in an IV drip. (We always start with 250mg the very first time you try it.) ​ How often? For best results, NAD+ may need several sessions depending on personal needs. The number of sessions will be discussed during an initial encounter. The NAD+ IV drip does take longer to receive than any other IV drip. Each session may last from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the tolerance. During the infusion, an individual might feel a bit of discomfort compared to standard vitamin drips - described as a bit of a rush through the body, but this is completely normal and can be controlled by how fast the IV is set to drip and stops within a minute or two after the drip ends. ​ Our NAD+ drip can be followed by Glutathione -"Master Antioxidant " - for best results. Fall 2023 Special - 250mg is $250 and 500mg is $350. Glutathione 1g added on after the infusion is $35.00.
DIM Evail
30 Oct, 2023
Unfortunately, most of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. As of January 2022, here are some key facts about the prevalence of breast cancer in the United States: Common Cancer in Women: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, aside from skin cancer. Incidence: In 2021, it was estimated that there would be over 281,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States. Additionally, there would be around 49,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Lifetime Risk: The American Cancer Society estimates that the lifetime risk of a woman developing breast cancer is about 13%, or 1 in 8. Mortality: In 2021, it was projected that approximately 43,600 women in the United States would die from breast cancer. Age and Breast Cancer: The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women aged 55 and older. Race and Ethnicity: Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates vary by race and ethnicity. White and African American women have the highest incidence rates, while African American women have a higher mortality rate. Screening and Early Detection: Mammography, thermography and regular breast self-exams are important tools for early detection. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available, and the better the chances of survival. Survival Rates: Survival rates for breast cancer have been improving over the years, in part due to early detection and advances in treatment. The 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer is close to 100%. Genetic Factors: Some individuals, particularly those with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2), have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Preventive Measures: Lifestyle factors such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, limited alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking are associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer. As mentioned above, the BRCA gene mutation is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. For those who carry this genetic mutation, the need for effective preventive measures and early detection strategies is of paramount importance. Recent research has shed light on the potential role of DIM, a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables, in this context. ​ Diindolylmethane is a bioactive compound that has garnered attention for its health-promoting properties, particularly in cancer prevention. Our growing understanding of DIM's mechanisms and its impact on individuals with the BRCA gene mutation has opened new avenues of exploration. Here are some key aspects of how DIM could potentially benefit healthy BRCA gene carriers: Modulation of Estrogen Metabolism: DIM has been shown to influence the metabolism of estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in breast cancer development. By favoring the production of a less potent and potentially less harmful form of estrogen, DIM may help reduce the cancer-promoting effects of this hormone. Regulation of BRCA Gene Expression: Emerging research suggests that DIM might influence the expression of the BRCA genes themselves. This could have a significant impact on the way these genes function and interact with cancer development pathways. Reduction of Breast Density: High breast density is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and can also make it more challenging to detect tumors via traditional screening methods. Preliminary studies indicate that DIM may contribute to a decrease in breast density, potentially improving the effectiveness of breast cancer screening for BRCA gene carriers. There's a study that utilized DFH's DIM-Evail formula at the time. It has since been reformulated to be even more bioavailable! Pretty cool information and definitely a step in the right direction! ​ This study investigated the effect of DIM supplementation on breast density, a recognized predictive factor of breast cancer risk. Participants were 23 healthy female BRCA carriers, with the majority being post-menopausal. They were treated with oral DIM 100 mg × 1/day for 1 year. The amount of fibroglandular tissue (FGT) and background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed before and after the intervention was scored by two independent expert radiologists using the Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System. The results showed a decrease in the average score for FGT with no significant change in BPE. A group of DIM-untreated (age and menopausal status matched women) from the BRCA clinic did not show a significant change in FGT amount in a parallel year. . In conclusion, 1 year’s supplementation with DIM 100 mg × 1/day in BRCA carriers was associated with a significant decline in FGT amount on MRI. Interestingly, besides certain gene mutations, there are many other variables that have been shown to increase the risk for breast cancer. These include: · Mold Toxicity/Exposure · Radiation Exposure · Breast Implants · Heavy Metals (Including Amalgam Fillings) · Dental Infections · Toxins such as BPA, PFAS/PFOAs · Phthalates
Dr Kristie, Dr Chelsi, and Health Coach Cheryl
By Dr. Kristie Gering 03 Jul, 2023
Dr Kristie, Dr Chelsi and our health coach Cheryl recently attended a thought-provoking conference on cardiometabolic disease, where they encountered a captivating discussion on the role of uric acid in cardiovascular health. Spearheaded by renowned author and physician, Dr. David Pearlmutter, the conversation shed light on the importance of maintaining optimal uric acid levels and its impact on our overall well-being.
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