Vitamin D
When I was diagnosed with BP2, my psychiatrist ordered a blood panel. Most levels came back normal, except my vitamin D level was low. Alarming low. Despite its name, vitamin D is a hormone. The body produces it from exposure to sunlight. Over the counter pills boost these levels. Lack of vitamin D correlates to sadness, which makes sense. A lack of sun can mean someone isn’t leaving the house and isolated. My summary is incomplete, and there are countless resources to learn more about vitamin D.
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Until reading the article, I did not know the harmful effects of a lack of vitamin D. My primary concern had been my mood and periods of high/lows. I suffer from many of the other side symptoms described. Poor sleep habits/feeling tired. Indigestion issues. High blood pressure. I have upped my daily vitamin D and warmer weather and longer days are soon upon us. I will make it a priority to get sunlight and increase my vitamin D further. I have been taking the lower amount of the recommended range from my doctor. It also gives me hope and confidence that significant health improvements can come from vitamin D.
Update: I just read an article that contradicts some of the advice I describe above. I can’t conclusively say which is right, but it can’t hurt to take it and get outside more. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/health/vitamin-d-deficiency-supplements.html?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email&_r=0
