An unexpected twist - vitamins

A few weeks ago, a heartfelt chat with a soul-sister led to an astonishing discovery. After years of exhaustion and being brushed off with “you just need more sleep” by her family doctor, a visit to a physician friend of mine at a holistic clinic changed everything.

Upon thorough testing, what we thought were possible hormonal imbalances turned out to be nutritional deficiencies. With high dose vitamins, she’s transformed, feeling more energized and alive than she has in years.

Why is this revelation crucial for us in midlife? Amidst the whirlwind of symptoms that accompany this time of life, distinguishing the root cause can be complex. 

My soul-sister, despite her mostly whole-foods diet and shelf full of supplements (which she was only taking sporadically thinking her diet was sufficient), was unknowingly battling severe nutritional gaps. It’s an oversight that, as a health and wellness coach, left me stunned.

This incident has driven me to share our story and shed light on an issue that’s far too common yet often overlooked. So here, I’m sharing a piece of her experience, along with vital insights that could very well be the missing piece in your wellness puzzle.

Let’s begin…

Hormones Or Nutritional Deficiency?

The spotlight on hormones is well-deserved, but did you know that nutritional deficiencies often display or worsen most menopausal symptoms? Let’s delve into three key ones today:

  1. Vitamin D Deficiency: 
    Key for bone health and mood regulation, a shortfall can lead to mood swings, depression, and bone density loss. Our skin’s decreased ability to synthesize Vitamin D as we age makes this deficiency particularly relevant for us in midlife and beyond.
  2. Iron Deficiency:
    Essential for oxygen transport in your blood, its lack can mimic menopausal fatigue, weakness and brain fog. It’s particularly relevant for those with heavy periods.
  3. B Vitamins Deficiency (Especially B12 and Folate): 
    These nutrients are critical for energy, mood, nerve function, and cognition. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, irritability, low mood and cognitive difficulties. Further, they also support cardiovascular health and can be impacted by changes in diet and absorption rates as we age.

Addressing these deficiencies with thorough testing, mindful dieting, and strategic supplementation can significantly improve our health and quality of life, and ease the confusing and often painful symptoms of midlife. This approach is particularly crucial as the decrease in estrogen and progesterone during this time can exacerbate nearly all above symptoms, highlighting the importance of a holistic health strategy in our midlife journey.

This insight is not just about nutrition; it’s about recognizing the nuanced needs of our bodies, especially as we navigate the complex terrain of midlife.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore 3 more hidden nutritional culprits.