Vitamin D: Part 1
Did you know that more than 50% of the population is deficient in Vitamin D? And, if you are a senior citizen the rate jumps to as high as 95%!!
Even though it is called a "vitamin",  vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone precursor. It is primarily delivered to your body from the sun, not the foods you eat. With the increase in use of sunscreen and less time spent outdoors the amount of people deficient in this important "vitamin" is on the rise.
Very few foods, even those "fortified with vitamin D", have levels high enough to support the bodies requirement. There are some signs you may be deficient, but it is best to have a inexpensive blood test run to find your exact level. I had mine checked and was shocked that I was extremely deficient. It happens to the best of us!!

Signs you could be deficient in Vitamin D include:
1)You feel down. Depression is linked to low vitamin D levels.
2)You are over age 50. As we age our skin does not make as much vitamin D in response to the sun exposure. Your kidneys also are less able to convert the vitamin D to the usable form.
3)You have darker skin. Dark skin acts as a natural sunscreen. African Americans may need up to 10times more sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D as a pale person.
4)You are overweight or obese. Vitamin D is a fat soluble substance. This means your fat cells will just collect it, it will not be usable by the body. This means you will need a higher intake of vitamin D than a slim person.
5)Your bones ache. Many people will be misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia when really they are deficient in Vitamin D.
6)You have gut problems. If you have GI problems like leaky gut, crohn's disease, celiac and non-celiac gluten sensitivity you will not be absorbing fats properly and therefore not absorbing your Vitamin D.

Get your blood work tested. I am happy to order this simple test for you. Just call me at 314-459-0935 or email me at cainchiro@gmail.com

I just discovered the most amazing way to prepare brussels sprouts! I made them for dinner last night and just may have to have them again tonight! They are that good!
Super easy too, which I like!
Here is the recipe:

Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:
*1 pound fresh brussels sprouts
*3 tablespoons olive oil
*3 tablespoons soy sauce(you can use coconut aminos, or fish sauce)
*2 tablespoons maple syrup
*2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice(1/2 a large lemon)
                                                         *1 garlic clove, minced
                                                         *1 tablespoon hot sauce
                                                         *pinch of black pepper
                                                         *pinch of salt

Instructions:
1)Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and set rack on very top.
2)Prepare the brussels sprouts by cutting off the base of each sprout, slicing them in half from top to bottom and remove the excess of loose leaves.
3)Cover a large rimmed baking sheet with foil(easier to clean)
4)generously drizzle the brussles with the oil and sprinkle with salt. Stir with your hands to ensure all are well oiled and salted.
5)Place in the oven on the top rack for 50-60mins. After 20 and 40 minutes stir the brussels to ensure all sides get crispy.
6)During the last 5-10  mins of cooking, reduce remaining ingredients(soy sauce,lemon juice, hot sauce and black pepper)in a saute pan over medium high heat until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.
7)Remove the brussels from the oven once nice and crispy.
8)Place them in a bowl and toss with some of the reduced sauce. Do this a little at a time as you don't want the brussels to be soaked in sauce so they retain their crispy texture. You may have a little left over sauce.

Enjoy!