Hi,
I thought we could all post here our vitamin D levels to compare notes.

My oldest son's vitamin D levels were 17 about 6 months ago. I've been giving him 5,000 ius of D when ever I can catch him. He's 21 and always "out with his friends" He eats out as well. But his D levels are now 29 so they're coming up.     Problem was this time he's anemic so I have to give him iron. (genetic issue)

I haven't gotten my levels checked yet..I've been taking 5,000 ius.  I will shortly.

Quoted from Mayflowers

Hi,
I thought we could all post here our vitamin D levels to compare notes.

My oldest son's vitamin D levels were 17 about 6 months ago. I've been giving him 5,000 ius of D when ever I can catch him. He's 21 and always "out with his friends" He eats out as well. But his D levels are now 29 so they're coming up.     Problem was this time he's anemic so I have to give him iron. (genetic issue)

I haven't gotten my levels checked yet..I've been taking 5,000 ius.  I will shortly.

I don't know what mine were pre vitamin D3 supplementation, but I take 5,000 IU daily and my last test was 60...I was very happy and my doctor who thought I was taking too much, upped his dose when he saw my results...

Good job getting your son's D levels up, MF...That's progress

Haven't been tested since March but it was 67 then.  So given it was winter and I had received
no sunlight for a long while, taking 5,000 iu per day all winter kept me at a very good number.
Some days I take none....other days 10,000 but I average about 5,000 iu.  I'm doing this for
about 3+ years.

Mine last year were 33, after I'd been taking 3000-5,000 iu daily for years. My MD told me to take 10,000 iu per day, but I went over that. (The habit of taking a handful of pills never quite left me, even when I switched from 1,000 iu to 5,000 iu pills.) Then, in March, they were up to 83, and my MD told me to drop down to 1,000 iu per day. I ignored her advice, not wanting to become deficient again. I stopped taking it altogether for about a week, and  I'm now taking 5,000 iu per day, when I remember.   I probably take it about 5 days a week.

My Mom just got her blood levels checked, and she's at 30, which HER doctor says is perfectly fine.  

Thanks Chloe! Thanks for the 5,000 ius suggestion.  

Quoted Text

My Mom just got her blood levels checked, and she's at 30, which HER doctor says is perfectly fine

That's just wrong. My doctor said 32 is normal as well. The range is 32-100 that is normal..Hello?!!
You and Chloe could still be deficient!  I'd like to get mine to up in the 80's.
My level was 25 and I have osteopenia..so that should tell you something. (But could it also be from those years trying to eat low carb?)

Mine is 50 and I take cod liver oil.

What I've read online is that 50-80 is a healthy level, putting 83 above the healthy range. My labwork stated 30-80 as the healthy range, fortunately my doctor knew better and told me to supplement when my levels came up as 33 (although,  by the time her office staff called to tell me to supplement, she'd forgotten I got that low level taking 5,000 iu a day and told me to take 2,000 iu per day! Only with a repeat phone call did she recomend the 10,000 iu per day.) She did tell me to cut back when it was over 80, which matches what I read online.

I was incredibly frustrated when I researched at that time- even the Vitamin D council listed "theoretical dangers of vitamin D overdose" but never gave a range of lab tests to worry about- just lots and lots of articles about what oral dose could or couldn't become an overdose.

My Mom's lab listed the "healthy range" as 30-100. Now that I see at least one lab listing 100 as the upper limit, I'm thinking I was never in any kind of danger at 83.

Fortunately, she's very comfortable taking supplements, so if I pick up some Vitamin D pills for her, she'll add it to her daily routine. She seemed to think that she was already getting enough, since a few different supplements each provide 100% of the daily value for D, but I explained to her that 800-1200 iu isn't all that much, and I was deficient while taking several thousand iu a day.

Quoted from ruthiegirl

My Mom's lab listed the "healthy range" as 30-100. Now that I see at least one lab listing 100 as the upper limit, I'm thinking I was never in any kind of danger at 83.

That's what I just said..    100 is considered normal So by ND standards..is 67 or 83 still low?

Oh, and before I forget: is there a quick, simple link to explain to my Mom about the dangers of low vitamin D levels? She's aware of its affect on bone density, but seems to think her vitamin D levels are "fine" because her latest bone density scan showed no problems. I know it can affect other parts of the body, but I've forgotten what.

And where did you get the info that 100 is a "normal" level?

Quoted from ruthiegirl

And where did you get the info that 100 is a "normal" level?

On my lab report. It listed the normal levels and then it lists my level.

If I keep up my supplemental vitamin D intake to its present level and get some real sun rays this summer, my number should go up.  My D level has been steadily rising...I would like to reach at least 80 but my doctor was happy with 67......said my levels were way higher than his other patients. Most everyone is way too low and many doctors don't even measure D.  Especially growing children.

From here: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/

"take 5,000 IU per day for 2–3 months, then obtain a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test. Adjust your dosage so that blood levels are between 50–80 ng/mL (or 125–200 nM/L) year-round.

And there is a table on this next page. I hope it's ok to post links??

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/02/23/vitamin-d-deficiency-part-one.aspx

The problem with links to Mercola's website is that you have to register to read anything, and then they spam me with "newsletters" after I log in, and then when I unsubscribe from the "newsletters" I'm no longer able to read anything on the website again. No thanks. I'll get my information from other sources.

Quoted from ruthiegirl

The problem with links to Mercola's website is that you have to register to read anything, and then they spam me with "newsletters" after I log in, and then when I unsubscribe from the "newsletters" I'm no longer able to read anything on the website again. No thanks. I'll get my information from other sources.

Yeah that's a pain...that was what came up when I googled optimum level...How is your healing from fibromyalgia going. Do you have problems with your thyroid?

The only time I ever had a diagnosed low thyroid was when I was on a medication that suppresses thyroid function (as a side effect)- when I got off that medication, I was able to get off the synthroid as well. Now I'm sure to eat plenty of iodine in the form of sea vegetables (most of which are diamond or beneficial on SWAMI.)

I've been more tired and sore the past couple of months- the combination of stress and some poor food choices as a result of that stress. I'm slowly rebuilding. I jumped back into SWAMI-recomended portion sizes and frequency, as well as exercise recomendations, two weeks ago, and I overdid things. I forgot all about how I need to ease into things, or the fibro can flare up again. This week I cut my exercise in half (which is still more than I'd been doing before) and today I ate more frequently than I'd been doing the past two weeks.

Quoted from ruthiegirl

The only time I ever had a diagnosed low thyroid was when I was on a medication that suppresses thyroid function (as a side effect)- when I got off that medication, I was able to get off the synthroid as well. Now I'm sure to eat plenty of iodine in the form of sea vegetables (most of which are diamond or beneficial on SWAMI.)

I've been more tired and sore the past couple of months- the combination of stress and some poor food choices as a result of that stress. I'm slowly rebuilding. I jumped back into SWAMI-recomended portion sizes and frequency, as well as exercise recomendations, two weeks ago, and I overdid things. I forgot all about how I need to ease into things, or the fibro can flare up again. This week I cut my exercise in half (which is still more than I'd been doing before) and today I ate more frequently than I'd been doing the past two weeks.

The reason I ask is because I heard there might be a connection between low thyroid and fibromyalgia. Good that you are off of those meds...and rebuilding!! It definitely take times to heal...I guess the days just get better and better. Can I ask how you eat your sea vegetables. I can have dulse, spirulina and wakame but really have a hard time getting it down, right now I'm taking an iodine supplement but want to stop that...and have to find a palatable way to eat them...

I just munch my sea veggies as a snack. It's definitely an aquired taste, but it's one that I've aquired. I've also been adding them to veggie/bean soups, as DD2 won't take any supplements regularly and I want to make sure she's getting enough iodine.

I like the roasted nori snacks. I get them at the Asian store usually. My Chinese/Thai boss turned me on to them. Sea's Gift Korean Nori. This brand adds canola oil. Some brands use avoid oils like corn oil so you have to read the labels. They are very tasty.. like eating chips.

I'm thinking I didn't get the stomach virus my sons had last month because my D levels are up there.
Maybe I'll get tested this weekend.

Interesting comment about vitamin D and staying healthy. DS has had a cough for over a week, and has been under the weather, but not really SICK. I'm doing my best to keep him off sugar and eating plenty of fruits and veggies and beneficial foods, but this cough is still lingering.

Maybe he needs some more vitamin D. I don't think I've given any of the kids D since before Passover, when I re-arranged the kitchen cabinets and moved the supplements. I figured he was probably getting plenty of D, being a redhead who plays outside a lot, but maybe he needs another squirt of vitamin D (I have a dropper bottle with olive oil and D3 that I gave the kids over the winter.)

Quoted from ruthiegirl

Maybe he needs some more vitamin D. I don't think I've given any of the kids D since before Passover, when I re-arranged the kitchen cabinets and moved the supplements. I figured he was probably getting plenty of D, being a redhead who plays outside a lot, but maybe he needs another squirt of vitamin D (I have a dropper bottle with olive oil and D3 that I gave the kids over the winter.)

It's a good idea to have the D levels checked twice a year. Then you won't be wondering.
My son Niki is due for a check. His levels were 25 in Basic.

He's not due for a visit with the pediatrician until the summer- I plan to ask about vitamin D checks for all 3 of them when I bring them in. I've been getting mine checked 4X a year, but I only started that in the fall, after the kids had seen their doctor.

I was just talking to a psychologist in my division about my spring allergies and itchy eyes. I usually get them pretty bad every year..for about 2 weeks in the begining of May. This year I got them at the end of April and I hardly had any itching. I few days I used Rx and then it went away! I said to her I bet it's because my D levels are back up again. She agreed. Vitamin D is very subtle on how it improves the immune system. The bones are next to be built back up..  

She also told me she had a patient who's level was 5 !  OMG!

Quoted from Mayflowers

I was just talking to a psychologist in my division about my spring allergies and itchy eyes. I usually get them pretty bad every year..for about 2 weeks in the begining of May. This year I got them at the end of April and I hardly had any itching. I few days I used Rx and then it went away! I said to her I bet it's because my D levels are back up again. She agreed. Vitamin D is very subtle on how it improves the immune system. The bones are next to be built back up..  

She also told me she had a patient who's level was 5 !  OMG!

We've noticed that we haven't had a cold or flu or anything in a few years now, since taking 5,000 IU a day...

Quoted from 14428

We've noticed that we haven't had a cold or flu or anything in a few years now, since taking 5,000 IU a day...

My son managed to NOT contract mono from his ex girlfriend...I'm happy to say his immune system is working much better with his levels up to 29.  I give him 5,000 a day if I can catch him. I just gave him a capsule today so I'm happy.  (along with a multi, 2 irons and 2 C 500)  Mind you he's 6'4"  He could probably take 2 multis or 3 .  

I'm shooting for my level to be 100...along with my sons.

ruthie, Chloe, NHG and others,  

Curious.  What differences have you noticed with your increased D levels?

It's hard to say, with all the other stuff going on in my life right now. I've felt pretty lousy since my Dad died in March, and I'm not sure how much is stress and how much is a physical reaction to some "bad" foods I ate as a result of that stress. So, overall, I'm feeling pretty lousy these days, in spite of my increased vitamin D levels.

I think my immune system against viruses has improved. As I said, both my sons had a 48 hour stomach virus a couple of weeks ago, and I didn't get it. Usually I'm pretty susceptible to viruses.
Another thing is bone density. I hope I can reverse the osteopenia.

Quoted from Mayflowers

I think my immune system against viruses has improved. As I said, both my sons had a 48 hour stomach virus a couple of weeks ago, and I didn't get it. Usually I'm pretty susceptible to viruses.
Another thing is bone density. I hope I can reverse the osteopenia.

Same here...I forgot about the osteopenia, mine was secondary to gluten...grrrrr....other than my food issues, I haven't had a cold, flu, virus, nothing, and that in spite of a persistent low white cell count too...

Quoted from ruthiegirl

It's hard to say, with all the other stuff going on in my life right now. I've felt pretty lousy since my Dad died in March, and I'm not sure how much is stress and how much is a physical reaction to some "bad" foods I ate as a result of that stress. So, overall, I'm feeling pretty lousy these days, in spite of my increased vitamin D levels.

Feel better Ruthie...eat ghee, that makes me feel great!! I think I'm addicted...

Really sorry about your Dad...

Are most people deficient in Vit D? How much sun does a body need to get in order to maintain their levels? Is Vit D3 found in many foods?

Also, I'm thinking of trying to get my levels checked, but I don't have health insurance (hence no primary doctor). What do I ask for when setting up an appt?

Here is a link with some information that might help:
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-to-get-your-vitamin-d/vitamin-d-supplementation/

Quoted from 14428

Here is a link with some information that might help:
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-to-get-your-vitamin-d/vitamin-d-supplementation/

Thanks for the link!

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16850115

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?id=7227

I can tell when I need to "up" my D because fibromyalgia symptoms return.  Even though my D
level is higher than most...I still feel it's too low.

Drea,  I just go there and ask the doctor to check my vitamin D levels. If he laughs at you just say you want to know for your own information.   They draw blood at my primary office. They have their own lab there but send out tests like D levels.

Quoted from Chloe

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16850115

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?id=7227

I can tell when I need to "up" my D because fibromyalgia symptoms return.  Even though my D
level is higher than most...I still feel it's too low.

Still taking 5,000?

hormesis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1Yx-CpYrM0

might be worth looking into as well.......a term Dr D used
helps some form of absorption

how much is too much and how little is too little.......that is the question

Quoted from Mayflowers

Still taking 5,000?

About that.....some days a little more....but I average 5,000 most days.  I muscle test to see if
I need more.  (I know...not everyone is into muscle testing, but this is how I determine which
supplements I need).

Quoted from Chloe

About that.....some days a little more....but I average 5,000 most days.  I muscle test to see if
I need more.  (I know...not everyone is into muscle testing, but this is how I determine which
supplements I need).

Can you explain how you muscle test, I am interested...

Quoted from Chloe

I can tell when I need to "up" my D because fibromyalgia symptoms return.  Even though my D level is higher than most...I still feel it's too low.

I'm so glad I read this just now! My fibro symptoms have returned, and I wasn't sure why. Last night and this morning, I was truly in pain- that all over muscle soreness that I haven't really experienced in a good long while.

I've been blaming it on the stress of my Dad's death, but maybe it's the vitamin D. When I had my last recheck, my doctor told me my levels were too high and needed to be brought down (and nowhere could I find the info that 83 was still within a safe range) so I stopped taking any D for about a week and then I restarted it at much lower levels. I know this was around the time my Dad died because I remember thinking "OK, I'll resume the D when shiva (the weeklong period of most intense mourning) ends."

I just took 10,000 iu of D3, instead of the 5,000 iu I'd been taking 5-6 days a week. I think I'll resume the 10,000 a  day and stick with that level indefintiely.

WOW. 10,000 IU a day. The latest bottle of D3 I bought is only 1000 IU, and I've been taking 2-3 caps per day. When this bottle is finished, I'll look for something with a higher dose per capsule. I do have some liquid D3 that is 5000 per dropperful, but I don't like just putting it on my tongue, and forget to add it to my meals.

For people with fibromyalgia (as Ruthie and I have), it appears that we feel better when our D level
is high... I was feeling rather rotten for the past week and upped my D to 10,000 iu today.  Will stay with it for another week to see if I bounce back.  The typical fibromyalgia trigger points start to ache
when I'm not getting enough D.  Also if I don't spray enough magnesium oil on my body in the
morning, I start getting achy and my mood changes.

Some people might do fine on lower doses of D but those with fibromyalgia really need to be taking
optimum doses.

I'd been forgetting to do the mag oil last week too. It's often a choice between doing the mag oil in the morning or getting another half hour of sleep. I did it Sunday morning, sunday night, Monday morning, and this morning, but I'd neglected it for about a week prior to that.

I'd cut back on the D in the mistaken beleif that my levels were too high and needed to come down a little. I see now that I was mistaken, and that I need to take way more than 5,000 iu per day to prevent problems. I think I'll keep on taking 10,000 iu per day (two 5,000 iu capsules) all year long in spite of what my doctor keeps saying.

Quoted from ruthiegirl

I'd been forgetting to do the mag oil last week too. It's often a choice between doing the mag oil in the morning or getting another half hour of sleep. I did it Sunday morning, sunday night, Monday morning, and this morning, but I'd neglected it for about a week prior to that.

I'd cut back on the D in the mistaken beleif that my levels were too high and needed to come down a little. I see now that I was mistaken, and that I need to take way more than 5,000 iu per day to prevent problems. I think I'll keep on taking 10,000 iu per day (two 5,000 iu capsules) all year long in spite of what my doctor keeps saying.

Ruthie, when I get up to go to the bathroom around 7 pm even if I'm not ready to get up for
the day, I go into the bathroom, spray 8 pumps into my hand and rub it on one leg...do
the same for the other leg and do the same for each arm...Takes about 30 seconds and then
i go back to bed for another 45 minutes or more.   Then, I can shower because my magnesium been absorbed by then.

But then I get that salty magnesium stuff into my sheets, which makes my bed less comfortable and I'll have trouble falling asleep at night. I have a lot of issues with going to sleep, and keeping my bed comfortable can mean the difference between falling asleep the first time I go to bed, or not falling asleep, and getting up to read for a few hours,

Quoted from ruthiegirl

But then I get that salty magnesium stuff into my sheets, which makes my bed less comfortable and I'll have trouble falling asleep at night. I have a lot of issues with going to sleep, and keeping my bed comfortable can mean the difference between falling asleep the first time I go to bed, or not falling asleep, and getting up to read for a few hours,

OK....how about your wrap a plain top sheet around your body after spraying yourself, then lie back down in bed -- protecting your bed sheet.

Quoted from Chloe

OK....how about your wrap a plain top sheet around your body after spraying yourself, then lie back down in bed -- protecting your bed sheet.

I spray at night.  If I did that in the morning, I would never be able to go back to sleep.  I noticed that it stings a little when I spray the magnesium oil and sometimes I will itch for a bit.  I do use the swansons magnesium oil.  Either of you feel like that when you put the oil on?

Quoted from Kim

I spray at night.  If I did that in the morning, I would never be able to go back to sleep.  I noticed that it stings a little when I spray the magnesium oil and sometimes I will itch for a bit.  I do use the swansons magnesium oil.  Either of you feel like that when you put the oil on?

Do you use it at night because it relaxes you so much?  I don't feel tired from spraying it.
32 sprays when I wake up.

I find the spray itches in various places on my body.  Like behind my legs....but not in front of
them....on my torso but not on my arms.   And if I stop using it for a few days, when I go back
to it, I itch all over.  I use the Swanson's mag oil too.  Cheapest and oil comes from the same location as the more expensive brands.  The Zechstein sea bed.

This is interesting...the relationship of D to magnesium

http://evitamind.com/taking-magnesium-with-vitamin-d/

How much mag. do you get from 32 sprays?

I just spray it on and massage it in.  I can't say I have ever paid attention to how many sprays I use.  I pretty much itch just about everywhere I spray.

I have a hard time going back to sleep if something really wakes me up, that is it for sleeping.  I have chronic fatigue and fibro too.

Quoted from Victoria

How much mag. do you get from 32 sprays?

8 sprays provides 960mg of Magnesium Chloride (about 100mg of pure elemental
Magnesium)

The only time my D levels go up is when I get out in the sun for a bit in the summer.  I have gotten them up to the 70's in the summer but even with taking large amounts in the winter 8,000 iu, I plummet to the 30's.  

Quoted from Chloe

About that.....some days a little more....but I average 5,000 most days.  I muscle test to see if
I need more.  (I know...not everyone is into muscle testing, but this is how I determine which
supplements I need).

But, if the fibromalaygia is acting up again, then the muscle testing is not reliable...

Quoted from ruthiegirl

When I had my last recheck, my doctor told me my levels were too high and needed to be brought down (and nowhere could I find the info that 83 was still within a safe range) so I stopped taking any D for about a week and then I restarted it at much lower levels. .

You know I don't think they really know because I just looked at my Lab Corp results again and
it says the range is  32-100 and then right under it, it says:
"Recent studies consider the lower limit of 32 to be the threshold for optimal health"  
Uh,...what? Now why would they have a "range" of 32-100 if they think 32 is perfect? Now what do we do?   Anyone ask Dr. D at the Conference?

I don't think I ever feel well when my D levels are in the 30's.  Maybe in the summer when my levels are up, it might be sitting in the sun that makes me feel better or the fact that my levels are so much higher.  

My doctor thinks that somewhere in the middle of those lab values is a good place to shoot for.

Quoted from Kim

I don't think I ever feel well when my D levels are in the 30's.  

When my levels were low 32, I was still picking up every virus. And at 25, I had osteopenia. I'm feeling good now so I'll check them this week if I'm not busy.

Quoted from Mayflowers

But, if the fibromalaygia is acting up again, then the muscle testing is not reliable...

I guess I wasn't clear.  Yes, if I was muscle testing every day and taking more or less D
according to my results, I'd probably be taking exactly the right amount..but I tend to
test a few days in a row....go back down to 5,000 iu (without testing) because although I feel generally confident that taking a high amount is safe, long term I can't be 100% certain this much is REALLY safe without getting to see blood results of my D levels very often...so I tend to go up and down between 5,000 iu and 10,000 iu like a wave....(believing it's a safer way
to do this) and don't test every single day.....I honestly think I would do best on 10,000 iu per day and am going to keep that up for awhile......at least until I can get some D from natural sunshine.....

And D has to be in balance with magnesium for optimum results.  Often it's not just low D that
causes fibromyalgia pain.....it's low magnesium along with it.  And when I spray mag oil every single morning, diligently, I usually feel pretty okay.  But it's not a guarantee.

Fibromyalgia has so many components...It's feeling tired, worn out, depressed, achy...irritable,
and for me, a lot of high anxiety.  It's a tough balancing act especially when life situations get in the way.  At the moment, I'm stressed because my sister is  struggling with her health.  Stress is really bad for fibro......causes muscular tension...adrenal problems.

So much balancing to do. I eat as optimally well as I can...My immune system appears to be
strong.  Haven't had bad allergies or even a cold for the longest time.   So even with pretty
good D levels....emotional health is also a huge part of feeling really well.

Life goes on!

Quoted from 14428

Can you explain how you muscle test, I am interested...

One way to do it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USJHqxxIC7Y

Quoted from Chloe

I guess I wasn't clear.  Yes, if I was muscle testing every day and taking more or less D according to my results, And D has to be in balance with magnesium for optimum results.  Often

Why do you have to muscle test all the time? Why can't you just muscle test once and be done with it for the optimum amount of vitamin D to take each day? Not for anything but that sounds kind of OCD to me.  

It almost always  tingles/itches when I use it. There were some links in the maagnesium thread about that- how it seems to tingle more when the body is low, and tingle less when the body doesn't need so much.

For a while I was using the mag oil twice a day, but that got too cumbersome. Now I use it once a day, although I forgot it several times last week. I'm now trying to get back into a routine with the mag oil and the D and I've also re-introduced the cal/mag/zinc supplement, but only one a day. That provides 500 mg calcium and 250 mg mag (and I forget how much zinc) because I'm afraid of making my minerals imbalanced if I only use the mag oil, and don't  get much calcium. If I was regularly consuming fish bones or bone broth, I wouldn't take the supps, but I haven't been doing that consistently.

The biochemist that works in my office just told me the new recommendations are 4,000 ius a day.  

Looks like Dr. D was ahead of the game as usual. He recommends 4,000 ius a day.

I take a lot of magnesium to keep things moving, but I also know I don't absorb anything well that goes into my digestive system.  I am using the magnesium oil but it itches something fierce.  If that means I am low in magnesium, it sure makes it hard to use it more often when you itch like that.

If the itching is REALLY uncomfortable, you could dilute some with water in a spray bottle. You won't get as much mag per spray, but it will be gentler on your skin.

My guess is that you're REALLY deficient, from not absorbing mag from food or supplements.

Quoted from Kim

I take a lot of magnesium to keep things moving, but I also know I don't absorb anything well that goes into my digestive system.  I am using the magnesium oil but it itches something fierce.  If that means I am low in magnesium, it sure makes it hard to use it more often when you itch like that.

Do you leave it on 20 mins then rinse it off and it still itches?  I haven't tried it yet and I have sensitive skin.. I'm leery..  Have you tried it on the soles of your feet ?

Quoted from Mayflowers

Do you leave it on 20 mins then rinse it off and it still itches?  I haven't tried it yet and I have sensitive skin.. I'm leery..  Have you tried it on the soles of your feet ?

I haven't rinsed it off, am I supposed to?  I have not tried it on the soles of my feet.  I do sleep better when I spray liberally at night, that is after the itching stops.

Quoted from Mayflowers

Do you leave it on 20 mins then rinse it off and it still itches?  I haven't tried it yet and I have sensitive skin.. I'm leery..  Have you tried it on the soles of your feet ?

Newbies who are magnesium deficient are going to itch....It's not like you're going to be jumping out of your skin, but it does feel pretty itchy at times.  I've done a foot soak which is what I recommend if you don't want to try the mag oil in a concentrated form.  Pour an ounce
of mag oil into a pan of warm water and let it cover your feet.  You don't need a lot of water...
it doesn't have to be deep.  Soak for 20 minutes then rinse your feet in clear water.  You will
accomplish the same thing....It's just one way to do it.  Not everyone has time to sit down
to a foot bath.  You can also buy the magnesium chloride in a dry granular form. (crystals/flakes)  
Pour some into warm water and soak your feet or soak in a tub....It's just going to take a lot of
flakes when you combine it with a full bathtub of water.

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU495/ItemDetail

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/health-library/products/barbara-hendel-magnesium-oil.html

Quoted from Mayflowers

Do you leave it on 20 mins then rinse it off and it still itches?  I haven't tried it yet and I have sensitive skin.. I'm leery..  Have you tried it on the soles of your feet ?

Yes, Chloe said she sprays it on and waits 20 mins and then takes a shower. It only takes 20 mins for the magnesium to absorb into the skin..then you wash it off. I would do the same on the soles of your feet as well..  I haven't tried it period because I'm leery of my sensitive skin.

I haven't been doing it on my feet because I don't want to sit around doing nothing while the mag oil sits for 20 minutes, and I'm afraid of slipping if the bottoms of my feet are damp, or, alternatively, the mag oil going into the carpet instead of my body. So I cover from my ankles to my neck and the top half of my arms. The last time I did my lower arms and hands, my lower arms were painful- like a sunburn, and it didn't fully heal when I rinsed it off. It's also a hassle having mag oil on my hands and wrists, as then I can't put away dishes, hand wash anything that needs to be washed, prep food, etc, during that time. It works best for me if my hands and feet are clear so I can be productive during those 20-25 minutes.

Quoted from Mayflowers

Yes, Chloe said she sprays it on and waits 20 mins and then takes a shower. It only takes 20 mins for the magnesium to absorb into the skin..then you wash it off. I would do the same on the soles of your feet as well..  I haven't tried it period because I'm leery of my sensitive skin.

MF, look at my post above.....a less irritating alternative would be adding magnesium flakes
to a bathtub for a 20 minute soak or to a foot bath for same.  You could actually just put some
flakes or oil into some water...place your hands in it and see how it feels....The magnesium will
be absorbed no matter where on your skin you put it.  If it doesn't itch on your palms or tops
of your hands, you could next try it on one arm...diluted of course.

I've decided to use my extra $ on NAP supps instead of a Vit D test, and start (regularly) taking 5000 IU of Vit D per day for the next 90 days. By then, I'll send away for the home Vit D test and see where I'm at.

Quoted from Chloe

MF, look at my post above.....a less irritating alternative would be adding magnesium flakes
to a bathtub for.

Yes, I know, I saw it Chloe.  We were discussing Magnesium oil, that's why I didn't mention the epsom salt baths.  But thanks for the tips.

Drea, where is there an "at home vitamin D test?"  I pay a $15 co pay to have it done at my primary.
I searched and found some sites that charge from $65-$135 for the test.. I'll stick with my primary.

ruthie, the soles of the feet is a possible not irritating place to apply it for those people who have reactions every where else. It might be worth it to "do nothing" for 20 mins instead of burning and itching on your arms.  I got a rash just from dry brushing.

Quoted from Drea

(regularly) taking 5000 IU of Vit D per day for the next 90 days. By then, I'll send away for the home Vit D test and see where I'm at.

I don't think 90 days is going to show much of an increase.  It took 4 months to get mine up from 25 to 29 taking 5-10,000 a day. It takes a long time.  Chloe said she took 5-10,000 for 6 months a day to get it up to 50

Quoted from Mayflowers

Yes, I know, I saw it Chloe.  We were discussing Magnesium oil, that's why I didn't mention the epsom salt baths.  But thanks for the tips.

I'm confused about your post.  This isn't epsom salts .  It's magnesium chloride.  Magnesium sulfate is
epsom salts.  Two different things.

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU495/ItemDetail

Magnesium chloride flakes sold on SWANSON'S is just a different form of the same formula. It's concentrated magnesium oil in a flake form/crystal form.  Exactly the same when rehydrated with water as the stuff purchased as a magnesium oil spray.  Just an easier way of application for those who want to put it in a tub or foot bath.  Also it can be made into a spray by just adding water.  It comes from Zechstein sea bed.  Just different processing..

Quoted from Chloe

I'm confused about your post.  This isn't epsom salts

They are both magnesium.  The body would absorb maginesium just as well from epsom salts.. which are way cheaper.  I wouldn't spend money on magnesium oil flakes.

Something else I read said you could use magnesium oil or epsom salts and get the same results.

I'm still confused.

The Swanson's product is not magnesium sulfate. It's magnesium chloride.  This is what magnesium
oil is and this is what the flake form they sell is.  Not epsom salts.

OK...you need to understand the difference between the two forms of magnesium.  As a transdermal
form, magnesium chloride is preferred.

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/health-library/products/barbara-hendel-magnesium-oil.html

Read my post. I updated it.  

Preferred by who?

Quoted from Mayflowers

Preferred by who?

http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=953261

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16259379

I just read that both forms of magnesium are required by the body, and that the chloride is used for detoxing.

Yeah, your first link, is all over the place. One guy.  But I like the pubmed link

I do detox baths with epsom salts and baking soda.

Quoted from Kim

I do detox baths with epsom salts and baking soda.

I like your idea.. a lot cheaper.. I remember my mother telling me that after soaking in epsom salts, you have to shower because it would cause itching. So it seems to do the same thing to the skin as the chloride.

http://www.ehow.com/list_5910934_magnesium-sulphate-side-effects.html

http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=23699
(scroll down to warnings)

contains aluminum

I realize they're talking about injection of magnesium sulphate but being used transdermally, it's absorbed into
the body just the same.

Quoted from Mayflowers

I like your idea.. a lot cheaper.. I remember my mother telling me that after soaking in epsom salts, you have to shower because it would cause itching. So it seems to do the same thing to the skin as the chloride.

I don't itch after using the epsom salts and baking soda.  I do not wash it off.  After a bath in this, I sleep much better.

Hey Kim check this out!  

http://www.wzzm13.com/life/local/programming/take_five/165468/42/Chemical-Kim-Making-Bath-Bombs


This is a good websiste! I have to buy more salts!
http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/about_better_health_through_soaking.htm

Quoted from Mayflowers

Hey Kim check this out!  

http://www.wzzm13.com/life/local/programming/take_five/165468/42/Chemical-Kim-Making-Bath-Bombs


This is a good websiste! I have to buy more salts!
http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/about_better_health_through_soaking.htm

Cool!  I buy the big box of epsom salts from Costco. They also have a ginormous bag of baking soda in the spice isle.  

I got this from the Epsom salt facebook page..

Quoted Text

Epsom Salt, I love you. I wish I had met you sooner. You are so wonderful at easing my Fibromyalgia symptoms after I clean my house like a madwoman.

Thanks Kim.. I have a BJ's membership.. I'll have to see if they have epsom salts there in bulk..

Quoted from Mayflowers

I got this from the Epsom salt facebook page..



Thanks Kim.. I have a BJ's membership.. I'll have to see if they have epsom salts there in bulk..

I hope soaking in them helps you.  At the end of the day, my muscles are so tight that it is very difficult to even get to the place where I can relax and go to sleep.  I try to do this detox bath three times a week.  In the winter time, I do it more often because I am always cold.  It really helps the pain level and relaxes me enough so that I can at least go to sleep.  Staying asleep is another issue.  

I found some D3 5000 IU in a "under the tongue" tablets (sorry I can't remember the correct term and I have Otto laying on my lap and I don't want to move him to look at the bottle). It will be easy to to double the dose, if I so choose.

Quoted from Drea

I found some D3 5000 IU in a "under the tongue" tablets (sorry I can't remember the correct term and I have Otto laying on my lap and I don't want to move him to look at the bottle). It will be easy to to double the dose, if I so choose.

sublingual

Mayflowers,

I know it is as easy as pie, I tried to quote the part of the post I wanted to quote but sometimes "little things" such as making a quote which almost everyone on this board knows how to do (and I couldn't even find it in help or search    (big sigh)

Anyway, I know this whole thread is about Vitamin D levels and such.  I've been currently taking 5,000 mg a day and may up it.  I do want to know what my level is and as you said it takes some time to find out.  

I wanted to comment though on your mentioning that "dry brushing caused a rash.  When dry brushing was first mentioned it certainly worked for alot of people here.  I got the recommended brush and perhaps I was brushing a tad too much.  But I did develop an itching patch on my left ankle.  Actually that's the same ankle/calf I've been dealing with for the last six months.  I'm not saying that it caused anything I just wanted to comment.

Joy

Joy, did you see the link that someone posted regarding a home test to check for Vit D levels? It's $65, but may be worth it if you don't have health insurance (I don't).

Well, I seem to be having an "out of mind" experience today because I tried to delete l post.


Today has been "one of those days"  I had a few  other "faux pas" earlier in the day.

"Beam Me Up Scotty"!!!!!


Joy

Drea,

Yes, I did see that about the home test.  I have insurance but I don't know for how long.

I may invest in that.  Thanks.

Joy

Quoted from Drea

I found some D3 5000 IU in a "under the tongue" tablets (sorry I can't remember the correct term and I have Otto laying on my lap and I don't want to move him to look at the bottle). It will be easy to to double the dose, if I so choose.

Drea...what brand are the sublingual D's you take?

Quoted from Kim

I hope soaking in them helps you.  At the end of the day, my muscles are so tight that it is very difficult to even get to the place where I can relax and go to sleep.  

I also recommend the shiatsu massage pillow or chair pad that Sharper Image makes. All my stress usually goes into my back or shoulders and when I strained my back, I bought the pillow.. about $49 at Macy's because they didn't have any chair pads and immediately I fell the stress and knots in my back losening up and after a week using it 15 mins before bedtime.. it feels so good.. and it relaxes me, my back is all better now    It has vibration, massage, heat .  I'm going to get the chair pad when it goes on sale. This is better than getting a massage because at least you get the same massage every time.

Quoted from Mayflowers

I also recommend the shiatsu massage pillow or chair pad that Sharper Image makes. All my stress usually goes into my back or shoulders and when I strained my back, I bought the pillow.. about $49 at Macy's because they didn't have any chair pads and immediately I fell the stress and knots in my back losening up and after a week using it 15 mins before bedtime.. it feels so good.. and it relaxes me, my back is all better now    It has vibration, massage, heat .  I'm going to get the chair pad when it goes on sale. This is better than getting a massage because at least you get the same massage every time.

I have herniated discs up and down my entire spine.  I am not sure that the shiatsu won't aggravate that.  I will watch for the sales on that.  

Quoted from Joy

I know it is as easy as pie, I tried to quote the part of the post
Anyway, I know this whole thread is about Vitamin D levels and such.  I've been currently taking 5,000 mg a day and may up it.  I do want to know what my level is and as you said it takes some time to find out.  

I wanted to comment though on your mentioning that "dry brushing caused a rash.  When dry brushing was first mentioned it certainly worked for alot of people here.  I got the recommended brush and perhaps I was brushing a tad too much.  But I did develop an itching patch on my left ankle.  Actually that's the same ankle/calf I've been dealing with for the last six months.  I'm not saying that it caused anything I just wanted to comment.Joy

Hi Joy,  
That's a great name..  Just click on "Quote" above the post you want to quote and type underneath the quoted message ...after you see the [/quote] then you can type underneath.
As far as vitamin D, I go to my doctor's office and they draw the blood there and I get the results in 7 days. Not too bad. Drea doesn't have health insurance so she's thinking of spending a lot to have a test mailed out. I don't know how accurate they are but .. it's an option.

Yeah, the dry brushing. A lot of members here do it. I did it for about a month and I started breaking out in a rash from it.. I didn't think I was brushing too hard, but in the GenoType Diet book Dr. D recommends it for Nomads specifically...If I remember correctly. So, I think other blood types can be too sensitive for it, but Lola swears by it and she's an O. I seem to do best with a body scrub in the shower but the body brushing is supposed to make the lymphatic system healthy.. perhaps if we don't brush too hard and really clean the brush..maybe it would work for A's.

Quoted from Kim

I have herniated discs up and down my entire spine.  I am not sure that the shiatsu won't aggravate that.  I will watch for the sales on that.  

One way to do it is to try one of those chairs at Brookstone in the malls. You can sit in it and try it for free.  Funny, one time I sat in the chair pad but I felt awkward because it was in the store and my back hurt a little the next day.. It might have been because I tensed up feeling like everyone was watching me.. But having the pillow at home, it was like getting a massage and I can move the pillow up or down to fit the areas.. maybe that's why..

Chloe had a massage cane that she bought to do a self massage, which gave me an idea but I wanted to not have to use my arms, that's why I decided to get the pillow so I can just relax  and sit in bed and turn it on..

http://www.sharperimage.com/si/view/product/Shiatsu-Massage-Pillow/100292?question=massage pillow

This is the one I have.

Sharper Imagine still exists?   Didn't they close all their retail stores?  Don't see them in malls
anymore.  I have a really old Sharper Imagine massage chair.....Like the pillow but it's a chair
and the massaging mechanism goes up and down your back.  It vibrates but doesn't have heat.

Oh, I have a theracane....which is really cool if you can't carry your great big chair around...
http://www.amazon.com/Thera-Ca.....306530779&sr=8-1

Quoted from Mayflowers

Yeah, the dry brushing. A lot of members here do it. I did it for about a month and I started breaking out in a rash from it.. I didn't think I was brushing too hard, but in the GenoType Diet book Dr. D recommends it for Nomads specifically...If I remember correctly. So, I think other blood types can be too sensitive for it, but Lola swears by it and she's an O. I seem to do best with a body scrub in the shower but the body brushing is supposed to make the lymphatic system healthy.. perhaps if we don't brush too hard and really clean the brush..maybe it would work for A's.

Well, I certainly want to thank you "MF".  

I really would like to know my Vit. D levels.  I'm not sure how I'm going to accomplish that at this time because at present I will be having gum surgery in about two weeks and I also found out I need a root canal.  Thank God I also have dental insurance at this time.

I do believe that dry brushing is good for a lot of people.  I also feel that my skin is very sensitive may be because of being an A blood type.  Not sure about that.  But the brushing didn't work for me.  I understand that rebounding is good for the lymph system.  I've been sporatic in using it and when I did a few days ago I broke a spring.  Boing!!!  Need a new one that folds up.  There's never enough storage space in my opinion.

I read that you have one of those shiatsu pillows and will consider getting a chair.  Every time I go into the local Bed, Bath, and Beyond I sit for a few minutes in their demo massage chairs.
The only consideration with the chair is, for me at least, there doesn't seem to be enough padding between the person and the mechanism.  But, after a few minutes I do feel my back relax a little.

We all have to figure out what works best for us it seems.

Joy

Quoted from Kim

Drea...what brand are the sublingual D's you take?

Superior Source. I also saw that same brand at another store that was 10,000 IU per tab.

Quoted from Chloe

Sharper Imagine still exists?   Didn't they close all their retail stores?  Don't see them in malls

Yes, they're still selling on line even though they closed the stores.  The new massage chair pad has shiatsu balls that go up and down and it feels like someone using their fingers to kneed your muscles. omg it feels so good. I went to the mall and had a oriental girl massage me and she made it worse! She was pushing on my shoulder and pulling on my joints!     I was so annoyed and when you try to tell them to stop, they don't understand or they already did the damage. I won't go back to them again. I'd rather just have the massage pad. At least I know what to expect from it.

Quoted from Joy

I read that you have one of those shiatsu pillows and will consider getting a chair.  Every time I go into the local Bed, Bath, and Beyond I sit for a few minutes in their demo massage chairs.
The only consideration with the chair is, for me at least, there doesn't seem to be enough padding between the person and the mechanism.  But, after a few minutes I do feel my back relax a little.

You're welcome   The pillow has more padding than the chair pad so it might be better. What I liked about the pad was the massage rollers went all the way up to my neck almost so I don't have to re position it like the pillow.  I also would like to see how long this pillow lasts before it breaks.. lol..

I had my vitamin D levels checked. After taking 5,000 ius and sometimes 10,000 ius of Now brand vitamin D3, since June of 2010, my level is now.... 40  WT...?  
My level came up faster when I was taking Rx D2.   I wonder if I'd do better on that because it's not an animal form of D..?  This is disappointing. I was expecting at least 60-70.    Either that or it takes a heck of a long time to get your levels back up once you're deficient.  Plus the fact that I'm now allergic to the Now brand. I broke out in a rash from it.