Friday, May 11, 2012

Day 52 (May 10): Vitamin D

Breakfast: trail mix
Lunch bacon, ham, eggs, tomatoes
Dinner: Grilled steak, asparagus
some dark chocolate and coconut ice cream

Okay so today is the day I explain why I go to tanning beds. During college and university, I experienced bouts of depression. I was thrown on anti depressants and was always getting my meds changed. I hated them and would often stop taking them when I thought I was feeling better.  It would come and go and it drove me crazy.  Finally I met with an amazing man that told me about  Seasonal Affective Disorder and vitamin D deficiency. A form of depression that occurs during the winter months, when there is less sunlight.  When I was diagnosed with this, I attempted meds again, but hated the way they made me feel, so I asked about alternative methods. This is when I found out about light therapy. Basically, by spending an astronomical amount of money on a little lamp that produces light similar to sunlight. Of course this type of therapy isn't covered by benefits,
The winter after I was diagnosed, I began researching what was similar and I came across information regarding tanning beds. I know how it may sound and I was hesitant at first, but I was open to trying anything so I went in a spend 10 minutes in a bed and instantly felt re energized.  The more I went in the winter, the better I felt and less depressed. I don't go in the beds in the summer months because it's not needed. I go outside and play or swim in the lake/beaches.
I also take vitamin D supplements to support the deficiency I have, which helps alot too.
I feel it is important to get that sunlight and not keep our children inside when it's a beautiful day. Precaution is good, but the sun is good to us and we need to acknowledge and be thankful to it!

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