Vitamin D & Autoimmune Diseases

Life has been a bit hectic for me lately. The truth is, not only have I been crazy busy raising a family, working full time, and dealing with my daughter’s Type 1 Diabetes, but I’ve been dealing with my own health issues. I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroid disease, which is a form of Hypothyroidism. It’s another Autoimmune disease, and for those who follow this blog, they tend to run rampant in my family. Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid and I exhibited every symptom in the book. From sluggishness to confusion, from weight gain to a worse-than-usual memory, from a non-existent libido to a puffy face. You name it, I had it. Of course, I wrote it off as being a mom to a new baby, working full-time while still maintaining a household, and not eating as well as I should have. Luckily, I had my yearly physical that proved it wasn’t all in my head. In fact, it was all in my thyroid and hormones.

Since I started my hormone therapy my physician and I have found the right formula for medication and I’m feeling much better. But, it’s also come to my attention, that not only am I deficient in thyroid hormone, but I'm deficient in several important vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, B12, and iron. Come to find out, studies are finding Vitamin D isn’t just for our skin and bones; Vitamin D may, in fact, play a crucial role with fighting autoimmune diseases and some cancers. Because of my Celiac Disease, my body doesn’t absorb vitamins as well as some others’, which is why I’m now having to load up on vitamins to get my body back in 100% running order. It also doesn't help that I live in Michigan and studies show that most people living in Michigan tend to have a Vitamin D deficiency as a result of very few sunny days.

I encourage everyone to get a yearly physical and seek out information from your family physician. Know your family health history. Know if you have autoimmunes in your lineage. Know if you have a history of certain cancers, diabetes, or other diseases. Get regular blood tests that include cholesterol, vitamin and mineral levels, and any others your physician may suggest depending on family history. Preventative medicine costs far less than the alternative, so do us all a favor and take care of the body you have while it’s in working condition! Be proactive in your own health. You’re the only one who can take control.