MID WEEK HARMONY IN FEBRUARY

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE.  I will rejoice and be glad in it. Making a personal decision to look for the blessings in life and praise God from whom all blessings flow.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

You know, sometimes life doesn't seem to be going very well and I do not believe we should ignore the issues causing problems, but we have to be a cheerleader at times and look for scripture that helps us put things in perspective and keep our chins up knowing that the problems shall pass.  Paraphrasing.  What was meant for evil will be turned into good to those who love the LORD and are called according to HIS purpose.  

My lab results were in my health portal.  Welp as I suspected, I am low in iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.  Waiting to hear what my HUBBY's levels are.  He's asleep right now so I am waiting for him to read his results.

The way I am presently feeling indicated that I needed to have some labs done and I'm not surprised that I am LOW on all of these.  I won't be surprised if HUBBY is as well.  We both have NO THYROID due to cancer.  It is a new thing for me to know that because we have no thyroid that the body does not absorb nutrients as it needs to.

I did not learn this from my ENDOCRINOLOGIST CONNECTIONS.  I now know that we should keep a close eye on our levels which means I have to have labs done more frequent than once a year.  This is a JOKE to me.  Once a year isn't enough.  As I find out which labs to have ran, I will continue to study up on health issues.

Also aging, certain meds, stress, poor diet are causes for the body to not absorb nutrients.

I had stopped getting vitamin B12 shots last July.  I'll be starting back up on these.  Vitamin D supplements and iron supplements as well.  Back to taking daily vitamins and minerals.  Daily Apple Cider Vinegar, Co-Q10 and Ceylon Cinnamon.  Selenium, Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium.

Issues that come from having a poor diet are magnified by eating foods that have been grown in poor soil.  Also the quality of the food plays a huge part in poor nutrition.  No fake meats or eating insects for me.

RED MEAT from cattle that are grass feed is a good source for building up one's blood.
Drinking some orange juice when taking iron supplements compliments the iron supplement.  I'll be going to get some orange juice today and sip some each day.  I did purchase some prune juice to assist with constipation.  Yummers.  Think I'll sip on it for an afternoon snack.  Who would have ever thunk it that I'd be having an afternoon JUICE BREAK of prune juice?  Not I.

I mustn't ignore that I am very human and can develop health issues because of poor nutrition, poor habits and poor decisions.  I am not a Super Hero and I know that I am not suppose to ignore healthy living.  Keeping a balance of what is good for me involves nutrition, less stress, exercise, prayer, trusting in GOD, and clean living.  Watching television programs and watching TOXIC movies and being around poor influences is a bad formula for a healthy LIFESTYLE. 

It's not just about taking supplements.  
We need to be concerned about absorption
AND CONVERSION. 

VITAMIN D info...

Spoiler ALERT:  Vitamin D is actually a HORMONE
and not a vitamin at all.

To optimize vitamin D absorption and conversion, 

take supplements with the largest meal of the day containing healthy fats (e.g., avocado, nuts, eggs, olive oil). Ensure the supplement is Vitamin D3, as it is more effective than D2. Regular, brief sun exposure and adequate magnesium intake also significantly boost conversion into the active form. 

Key Strategies for Maximum Vitamin D Conversion:

• Pair with Fat (Crucial): Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning it requires fat to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Always take supplements with meals containing healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, or fatty fish.
• Take Vitamin D3: Choose supplements containing D3 (cholecalciferol) over D2, as it is more bioavailable and better at raising overall levels.
• Boost Magnesium Intake: Magnesium helps convert vitamin D into its active form. Ensure you are getting enough through diet or supplements.
• Optimize Sun Exposure: Get 5–30 minutes of sun exposure on large areas of skin (arms, legs) several times a week, ideally around midday.
• Improve Gut Health: A healthy digestive system is crucial for nutrient absorption.
• Take with a Meal: It does not matter if it is morning or night, but taking it with food improves absorption.
• Maintain Healthy Weight: Body fat can sequester vitamin D, so maintaining a healthy weight helps improve its bioavailability. 

Foods that Enhance Absorption:
Combine supplements with foods rich in healthy fats, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, egg yolks, avocado, or nuts. 

1) VITAMIN D3 should be taken with K2 and fatty food.
2) Optimize midday sun exposure to large parts of the body without sunscreen for at least 5 minutes each day.  30 would be better.

I here by will be wiser about choices
and call upon the LORD for help and direction.

God BLESS you,
~d