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Happy Monday!

Today we’ll learn about the link between low Vitamin D levels and autoimmune disease. We’ll also learn if there’s a link between RA and heart disease and what to do about it. Plus I’ll give you some tips on choosing the best supplements for your body.

So settle in with your favorite beverage and let’s get to it.

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The Link Between Low Vitamin D And Autoimmune Diseases

Multiple peer-reviewed studies over recent years have uncovered some striking correlations between low vitamin D status and autoimmune diagnosis or symptom severity. For example:

– Multiple sclerosis: Research found developing MS 2-3x more likely if you have deficient Vitamin D levels​
– Type 1 diabetes: Babies with deficiency at birth had higher type 1 diabetes rates later on
– Rheumatoid arthritis: 75% of RA patients are severely vitamin D deficient
– Lupus: An inverse relationship is seen—the lower the Vitamin D, the higher the lupus activity

The million-dollar question remains—are vitamin D losses causing more aggressive autoimmune disease? Or is low vitamin D a byproduct of underlying inflammation? Either way, optimizing levels correlates with better patient-reported symptom scores according to several Gold Standard randomized controlled studies​

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Why Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Heart Problems?

Chronic inflammation is the root cause of the link between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. Inflammatory compounds called cytokines are like jet fuel for joint destruction with RA and blood vessel damage with heart disease.

Plaque can build up in your arteries causing blood vessels to narrow and block blood flow which can ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke.

​Research has shown that those of us with RA have heart risks similar to people with diabetes and a 50% increase risk of heart attack plus twice the risk of heart failure as those without RA.

But, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are some easy diet and lifestyle changes you can make to cut down your risk of cardio issues.

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3 Things To Consider When Choosing A Supplement

1 Who are you right now? Your supplement choice(s) must be based on your current health, your current nutrition choices, and your current health goals. Your better supplement choices are the ones that help your body run better today!

2 What form works better for you? A tablet isn't your better option if you can’t swallow a pill. Today, there are so many options – chews, gummies, sprays, liquids, powders, and capsules to choose from. Your better supplement is the one you will take more often.

3 Are the ingredients going to give your body something better: It’s ok to enjoy junk food, but it’s not better to take a junk food supplement. Supplements are a choice we make to give our body what it needs to run better. If you make organic and non-GMO food choices, do the same for your supplements.

Avoid artificial colors, sweeteners, and chemical isolates as supplements, they won’t help your body run better.

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Well, that's a wrap for this week. I hope you found the info in this newsletter helpful. See you next time. Take care!

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Susan

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P.S. When you're ready, here are some ways I can help you:

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Need a hand with that health journey? My upcoming monthly membership, Thrive Beyond Inflammation is like the secret sauce you've been craving! Hop on the waitlist to be the VIP in the know when it opens up. Find out more here and get ready to level up your wellness game

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