Vitamin D and K Work Together for Better Bone and Heart Health
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 20, 2014 -- Dr. Connie Casad, a Dallas area gynecologist and Bioidentical Hormone specialist, has for several years encouraged all of her patients to boost their immune system with vitamin D. Now, she is adding vitamin K to create a new regimen for patients.
Over the past ten years, vast amounts of research have proven the critical role vitamin D plays in human health. Now, new studies are also showing that vitamin K may be as important as D3 and that almost everyone lacks what they need of both vitamins for good health.
"We have supportive medical evidence that D3 turns off and on the genes that can accelerate or prevent many diseases. Basic problems like cancer, autism, obesity, heart disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s and migraines are just a few of the very long list of health issues that can be helped by the proper access to vitamin D," said Dr. Casad. "The vitamin K story is much more complex as there are several forms of vitamin K. Food sourced K is not a dependable part of most American diets, so supplements are a logical way to go. What is interesting, and important to know, is the part vitamins K and D play together. Vitamin K helps the body use vitamin D for proper bone strength. But what we now know is that without proper levels of vitamin K, vitamin D can adversely affect your coronary arteries instead of helping your bones."
It is estimated that as much as 85 percent of the American population suffers from chronic vitamin D deficiency. There is, however, a simple solution: get in the sun.
“We have demonized sun exposure to the point that fear of skin cancer has contributed to if not caused this epidemic. If you can't get in the sun, then take vitamin D3 orally. There is a simple and affordable blood test to determine if you are deficient," Dr. Casad explained. "Once you know what is needed, getting back to healthy levels is an easy and inexpensive process, and the health benefits are huge."
Dr. Casad recommends planning a strategy from several angles. Patients should optimize vitamin D from the sun and take supplements where needed. Eating foods rich in vitamin K is also beneficial, and patients should talk to a trained physician on how much to supplement the diet. Other recommendations from Dr. Casad include doing weight bearing exercises; eating fresh, locally grown organic vegetables, seeds, nuts, eggs and organic meats; removing sugar from diets; taking fish oil for omega-3; getting plenty of sleep and managing the daily stress of life.
"I know it sounds complicated, but it really just requires a little knowledge and personal dedication to lifestyle change,” said Dr. Casad. “It's what we advise our patients every single day. I take my own advice and have altered my diet and exercise regimen. It has made a significant difference in how I look and feel and my own personal experience is part of what makes me so confident this is what is right for everyone."
About the practice:
Dr. Connie Casad is the medical director of a restorative wellness practice based in Dallas, TX, offering personalized attention and care that patients will not always find at other medical practices. Dr. Casad focuses on improving the health and wellness of women using Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). She specializes in creating integrated, comprehensive and individualized programs for her patients to resolve age-related diseases in addition to stress and weight management issues. Focusing on prevention, Dr. Casad encourages her patients to preserve and promote long-term wellness by taking proactive measures towards achieving health and beauty from the inside out. For more information, visit http://www.bio-identicaldoctors.com/.
Carmen Tidwell, Dr. Connie Casad, http://www.bio-identicaldoctors.com, 972-234-4448, [email protected]
Share this article