If you’re within the nation’s sensible majority, you’ve probably spent a lot of the last couple of months within the four walls of your home. The days of picnics in the park and lazy days at the beach seem like a distant memory.
Although doing this helped to keep the nation safe, you may have found that it has come with some consequences for your health. Maybe you’ve been feeling lethargic, achy, depressed or irritable? The common denominator of these symptoms? Vitamin D! The sunshine vitamin. And if there’s one thing lockdown lacks, it’s the sun.
The human body is not capable of synthesising vitamin D by itself, it can only be done through exposure to the sun, which converts a chemical in the skin into vitamin D3. In the UK, the sun is only strong enough for this chemical reaction between the months of April and October, between the hours of 11am and 3pm. Only 15 daily minutes in the direct sunlight is enough to create the vitamin D needed, but clothes and sunscreen will lower the effect, so it is hard to get enough whilst still staying sun-safe.
What effect can vitamin D deficiency have? A whole host of symptoms can be caused by low levels, the most common being depression, fatigue, aches and pains. In the winter, it is linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder, which incorporates these symptoms along with anxiety, low immune system and digestive disorders. In the long term, the effects can be as far-reaching as hair loss, low bone mineral density, and higher susceptibility to conditions such as bowel and breast cancer and diabetes.
Although vitamin D can be found in small amounts in food, such as eggs and fortified cereals/dairy/soy products, it is not enough to meet the recommended daily amount. The best route of administration is now by supplementation in the form of sublingual sprays, capsules or tablets.
A usual dose of supplementation can be anywhere from 800iu-4000iu, depending on the current levels in your body, your age and your lifestyle. To determine the optimal dose, it is recommended to have a vitamin d3 blood test. We can offer this test at Elegant Aesthetic, either by itself or as a package checking your general nutrition and wellbeing. Then a qualified clinician can interpret the results for you to find your ideal dose. They can even prescribe the supplements for you, along with other vitamins and minerals that may be beneficial.
Meet Shikha Rishi
I am a highly experienced Aesthetics Pharmacist and have a number of years training under the world-renowned Dr. Katie Goldie in Harley Street, London and Dr Tim Pearce at SkinViva, Manchester. My own clinic is based in my home town of Bournemouth. I am a conscientious practitioner. I want to understand your aims and expectations and together we will come to a joint treatment plan. This is proven to give a much more natural and longer-lasting result than a “one size fits all” approach to Botox and fillers. I only use the most advanced techniques and products in my consultations including the well-established Botox and Juvederm ranges.
I look forward to welcoming you into the clinic and to begin our journey together, revealing a more elegant you.
CONTACT
T. 07817 594092
LOCATION
Bournemouth, Poole and Southampton
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