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      • Community Food Co-op, Downtown Store, 1220 North Forest Street at Holly StreetDowntown Store
        1220 North Forest Street at Holly Street
        Bellingham, Washington
        8 am - 9 pm
        360-734-8158
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        315 Westerly Road at Cordata Parkway
        Bellingham, Washington
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        360-734-8158
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You are here: Home / Archives for summertime blues

Dear Nutritionist: Cure for the Summertime Blues

by Lisa Samuel, Co-op News contributor

Lisa Samuel nutritionist cutting mushrooms on cutting board in kitchen with vegetables

Lisa Samuel,
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Dear Nutritionist: I’ve heard that most people who live in the Pacific Northwest don’t get enough Vitamin D. Do I still need to take Vitamin D in the summer?

Dear Member: Vitamin D helps in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can help you feel calm, relaxed, and happy. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with low mood, and it’s also associated with PMS, seasonal affective disorder, mood disorders, and depression.

While we do get Vitamin D from the sun, it can be hard for those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest to get enough sun to maintain our Vitamin D stores. Wearing clothing that covers our skin and wearing sunscreen (which you should do!) prevents Vitamin D from being synthesized. The only way to tell if you have adequate Vitamin D stores is to get a blood test. Most labs use a reference range of about 20 – 55 ng/ml for Vitamin D levels. Research suggests that levels for optimal health are much higher, about 50 – 80 ng/ml.

While the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D has been set at 600 IU, most studies suggest that you need at least 1,000 to 2,000 IU a day. The upper limit is 4,000 to 10,000 IU a day. If you take a supplement, make sure you take vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is the active form of Vitamin D. Talk to your doctor about what level is right for you.

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basket of medicinal herbs such as calendula, yarrow and clover

Grow and Forage Medicinal Herbs

Many medicinal herbs are easy to grow and do not require a lot of space to produce a decent harvest. Additionally, many common “weeds” have medicinal properties.

an iodine-rich nori wrap with smoked salmon, sprouts and mushrooms

Iodine: Are You Deficient in This Trace Mineral?

Iodine is an essential mineral needed for optimal thyroid function. It is required to make hormones which regulate growth, neurological development, metabolism, and digestion.

skin care picks: mineral sunscreen, Booda butter, MSM lotion, natural bug repellent, facial wipes for camping

Top Picks for the Body Care Sale

Summer is on its way and so are the bites, bruises, and burns that can come with it! Check out our favorite items for a safe and happy season, plus skincare essentials we can’t live without!

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DOWNTOWN STORE & DELI • map • 360-734-8158 • 8 am – 9 pm; deli service counter closes at 7 pm
CORDATA STORE & DELI • map • 360-734-8158 • 8 am – 9 pm; deli service counter closes at 7 pm

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