I understand your frustration with the setback once summer is over. I relived that pattern every fall for many years.
I started taking 4,000 IUs of Vitamin D, in the fall of 2007, and did not have the same kind of crash as past years. Still had a drop, compared to the summer, but I was encouraged by this. This past fall, I increased to 6,000 IU's a day, after researching the safety of it. And to date, this is the best fall and winter, bar none, that I've had in a decade.
As with so many things to do with this condition, I couldn't say 100% that it's the Vit. D but ... it sure looks like it's a big factor.
I suspect that I have SAD, Seasonal Affect Disorder. Certainly the timing of most of my worst health suggests this. I'd go from good energy in summer, to a drop in September, and a worse drop in like November, and bottom out around Christmas or so. Lack of sunshine and natural Vit. D? Maybe.
Also, I have started taking ashwaghanda for adrenal support as my naturopath agrees with me that my adrenals are probably fatigued. This seems to be making a difference for me as well. Ashwaghanda, according to what I've read is not really recommended for men, it's a hormonal thing apparently. But other adaptogens might be worth looking into.
My son also has CFS and Siberian ginseng seems to help him. Some other adaptogens are rhodiola rosea, and cordyceps. I am not a doctor, don't have a medical or science background (flunked Physics in high school) so don't take my word as gospel. But you could do a websearch on these things I've mentioned and maybe find something helpful.
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I understand your frustration with the setback once summer is over. I relived that pattern every fall for many years.
I started taking 4,000 IUs of Vitamin D, in the fall of 2007, and did not have the same kind of crash as past years. Still had a drop, compared to the summer, but I was encouraged by this. This past fall, I increased to 6,000 IU's a day, after researching the safety of it. And to date, this is the best fall and winter, bar none, that I've had in a decade.
As with so many things to do with this condition, I couldn't say 100% that it's the Vit. D but ... it sure looks like it's a big factor.
I suspect that I have SAD, Seasonal Affect Disorder. Certainly the timing of most of my worst health suggests this. I'd go from good energy in summer, to a drop in September, and a worse drop in like November, and bottom out around Christmas or so. Lack of sunshine and natural Vit. D? Maybe.
Also, I have started taking ashwaghanda for adrenal support as my naturopath agrees with me that my adrenals are probably fatigued. This seems to be making a difference for me as well. Ashwaghanda, according to what I've read is not really recommended for men, it's a hormonal thing apparently. But other adaptogens might be worth looking into.
My son also has CFS and Siberian ginseng seems to help him. Some other adaptogens are rhodiola rosea, and cordyceps. I am not a doctor, don't have a medical or science background (flunked Physics in high school) so don't take my word as gospel. But you could do a websearch on these things I've mentioned and maybe find something helpful.
May 1, 2009 - 5:40pmThis Comment
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