There is so much controversy about what to take and when and how, it makes you not want to take anything. But you really need to. The vitamins sold at Walmart, Sams Club, or even Walgreens and CVS are not regulated or standardized.  Always get your vitamins from your health care practitioner, who generally will carry lines of Pharmaceutical grade vitamins. The others can have a bunch of fillers, yeast, dyes, and things you don’t need in your body!

Bottom line …. You need supplements unless you are getting at least 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.  Who really eats like that?  No one, except maybe Dr. Oz.

I invite you to come get a scan at my office in Bryan, Texas to find out if the vitamins you take, are really doing the job.  Otherwise, we need to put you on something that we know will really help you!

Dr. Nancy Scheinost
Rheumatology of Brazos Valley

Take Lysine in the dose of 500mg twice daily and increase it to three times daily when you have an infection.

Lysine stops the growth of bacteria and viruses and is very helpful in making the Immune system healthier!

Dr. Nancy Scheinost
Rheumatology of Brazos Valley

Are you on aspirin or blood thinners for your heart?  Then you need to know this:

Vitamin C–this vitamin improves the strength of your blood vessels and decreases bruising. How much do you take? 2,000 mg a day. You can take it in divided doses of 1,000mg twice daily or 500mg twice daily and work up to 1,000mg twice daily. It will also improve your immune system and make you less likely to catch colds.

Arnica Montana

This supplement is for more severe bruising, and to decrease the swelling and inflammation on an acute need. Let’s say you have a party to attend on the weekend and you have some unsightly bruises. Take the Arnica about 5 days before and you will be amazed at the results. You can also use Arnica cream on a fairly regular basis..you get it at a Vitamin or Health Food shop. In short, there are ways to improve your skin without drugs!

Dr. Nancy Scheinost
Rheumatology of Brazos Valley

Here are some things good Vitamin D levels do for you:

• Boost your immune system
• Improve fatigue
• Reduce your “spare tire” around your middle
• Improve your sleep
• Reduce your risk of cancer
• Make your bones strong
• Reduce your risk of breaking a bone
• Reduce depression symptoms

And the list goes on and on….

How much do I need to take?

The average person needs about 5,000 IU’s a day. If your levels are below 20, then you need 10,000 IU’s a day. Otherwise, 5,000 is a good place to start. You should have your levels rechecked in about 8 weeks. It is very difficult to become toxic on Vitamin D. You should also have your Calcium  levels monitored. If you have kidney disease you should check with your nephrologist to get a green light from them.

You will be amazed what it can do!

Dr. Nancy Scheinost
Rheumatology of Brazos Valley

Where you live in the country makes a difference in how much Vitamin D you are exposed to. You may only get enough Vitamin D exposure from May to October. The darker your skin is, the longer you need to be exposed to the sun to make enough Vitamin D.

If you were an SPF of 15 or higher, you will not be able to get any Vitamin D from the sun.  The experts are saying that the Parabens in sun block can cause cancer, so look for a Paraben free sunscreen or just use your common sense on how long to stay out in the sun. Broad brim hats and light layers can help avoid the need for sunscreen.

You need to be out in the sun long enough for your skin to turn lightly pink. This depends on your skin tone, your age, and how much of your skin is exposed. Some people say that you would have to be in your birthday suit on the Equator at high noon to get enough sun. The best way to know is get your levels tested in your blood, and ask your health care practitioner how much you need to take to replete your levels. The average person needs between 4,000-5,000 IU a day or maybe more. I have to take 10,000 IUs a day to maintain normal levels. You should get your Vitamin D levels rechecked about 8-12 weeks after starting your Vitamin D.

Stayed tuned….in my next post I will wrap up my Vitamin D update!

Dr. Nancy Scheinost
Rheumatology of Brazos Valley

Vitamin D deficiency has become a world wide problem!  Vitamin D is responsible for many complicated functions in our bodies and a shortage of it can cause many problems. Vitamin D is a very important in keeping your Immune System healthy and working right.

A deficiency of Vitamin D can cause:

• Autoimmune disease
• High blood pressure
• Increased risk of a heart attack
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Joint pain
• Insomnia
• Weight gain
• The list goes on and on…

You should ask your health care practitioner to check your Vitamin D level at your next office visit. If you don’t have a visit scheduled, you need one.

In my next post I will talk about how much Vitamin D you need to take and where to get it.

Dr. Nancy Scheinost
Rheumatology of Brazos Valley

Look no farther than your kitchen pantry for the cause. Gluten is very likely the cause. Gluten is a complex protein that is found in wheat, oats, and barley and it is very inflammatory!

Why you may ask? Gluten cannot be digested by humans. So the body looks at it as a “foreign invader” and creates an inflammatory reaction that can cause anything from an arthritis flare to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, (IBS).

Gluten contains a component called Wheat Germ Agglutinin that causes inflammation throughout the body, but especially likes cartilage in the joints.

So the next time you think about going for the bread, think again. Also think about your waistline. The average person eats approximately 500 calories of bread and butter just while waiting for their meal.

Dr. Nancy Scheinost
Rheumatology of Brazos Valley

• 1 bunch kale cut or torn into chip size pieces
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toss all ingredients and heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 6-8 minutes. Watch closely as they burn very easily. You can add your own seasonings to the kale as well, some cayenne pepper or cumin for example. Enjoy!

Dr. Nancy Scheinost
Rheumatology of Brazos Valley

Leave your shoes at the door.  Having a pair of “indoor only” shoes or slippers will cut down on the toxins, dirt, and grime you and your loved ones track into the house.

Also make it a habit to wipe your four legged friends’ paws after a walk before entering the house. This will also cut back on floor scrubbing time.

Dr. Nancy Scheinost
Rheumatology of Brazos Valley

Get out your pedometer or go and get one. Wear and find out how much you move each day. You may be pleasantly surprised or this may be a wake up call. In any case here are some goals:

Week 1

Goal: 2,500 steps per day

Week 2-3

Goal:5,000 steps per day

Week 4

Goal: 10,000 steps per day

Post your results instead of thinking you can remember them. Then you can track yourself.

Move it or Lose it!

Dr. Nancy Scheinost
Rheumatology of Brazos Valley