Vitamin K

Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables and is needed for healthy blood clotting. It is often prescribed when blood thinners have compromised the body’s natural ability to stop bleeding. It is also essential for efficient Calcium uptake into the cells.

We often take Calcium supplements to promote bone density and strength and to avoid osteoporosis however, recent scientific evidence suggests that elevated consumption of calcium supplements can raise the risk for heart disease and can be connected to accelerated deposit of calcium in blood vessel walls and soft tissues.

Vitamin K2  improves arterial elasticity and inhibits arterial calcification thus, lowering the risk of calcium-associated diseases.

Other possible benefits of supplemental Vitamin K include:

• increased bone strength with less risk of fracture as we age

• improved athletic performance

• less risk for breast cancer

• reduced risk for stroke and heart attack

• lower risk of cataract

• better fat digestion

• less depression

• better blood sugar control

• healthier liver

• reduced risk of prostate cancer

• less joint swelling in arthritis

• reduced rosacea

• better wound healing generally

Vitamin K tends to be omitted in most annual blood work ups however if you feel that you bruise easily, suffer from gum bleeding or nose bleeds, have very heavy menstrual periods or blood in your stool you may want your doctor to check your Vitamin K levels. Oral supplementation is easy.

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written by Marjolein Brugman

Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch the small steps lead to big changes. Eat smart, stay active, and you’ll live to feel a lighter life."