How Nature Saved Me: The Hidden Cost of Deficiency

For many people, a simple deficiency in vitamin D- caused by a lack of sunshine—can spiral into a cascade of health problems, medications, side effects from the medications and the continued Vitamin D deficiency. But what if something as basic as sun, proper nutrition and other lifestyle habits could have prevented or corrected this? WHAT IF!

Several years ago, I found myself battling hyperthyroidism and then hypothyroidism, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, herniated discs, Ehlers-Danlos,...you name it (I like to do it right!). Oh yeah, I forgot to mention an enlarged liver after COVID and a chronic fat lip from a ridiculous reaction to mold in my home which helped me realize what MCAS was.  If you’re not aware, it’s a so-called chronic condition where mast cells (a type of immune cell) release excessive or inappropriate amounts of chemicals like histamine, prostaglandins, and cytokines, causing widespread inflammation and allergic-type symptoms. In other words, loads of FUN.

I was on in my mid 40’s when some of these issues began (just in time for peri-menopause) on the brink of getting caught up in the medical system—prescribed multiple prescriptions (took a few at first), seeing specialist after specialist—feeling worse, not better. It wasn’t until I started reconnecting with the natural world that everything changed. Note, I thought that I already WAS connected to nature.

You would think that being a dietitian would have helped me avoid a VITAMIN DEFICIENCY  of all things! I did improve my vitamin D with supplementation but it wasn’t enough... the number in my blood rose but the symptoms didn’t respond.  I hit the books, watched countless videos and consulted my favorite holistic health practitioner. I rediscovered nutrition and nature.  Had to let go of what I thought that I knew.  I changed my nutrition and designed a daily lifestyle protocol, the Blank Slate Diet and the R.E.S.T.—a framework that prioritizes food and nature basics on a quantum level (not just macros and calories) including: Respiration (not just breathing but proper blood-health), Electrons, Sunshine, and various Therapies.

This shift didn’t just make me feel better—it helped me reverse the autoimmune fire inside my body. My labs improved. My symptoms lifted. My mind became clear. My pain subsided. My weight regulated. My energy returned. The quantum healing principles I employed—were foundational. One of the things that I did was that I stopped fearing the sun. And, reversed my indoctrination about what healthy food actually means.

As much as I want to say that you can just take vitamin D via a supplement or eat better, I can’t.  I had been doing that for years but it wasn’t enough. Here’s why...

The Sun: A Master Regulator

Sunlight plays multiple vital roles in regulating human biology—far beyond just helping us make vitamin D in our body...AND THAT’S A BIGGIE!

First, UVB rays on the skin trigger the creation of vitamin D3 (FYI: hormone-like compound essential for bone strength, immune balance, blood sugar control, blood pressure regulation, and mood and hormonal stability). Without adequate sun exposure, this foundational support system collapses...imagine all of the drugs I could be prescribed over time! NOTE: we need adequate cholesterol for this to occur along with adequate skin exposure to the sun.  Yes, EXPOSURE.  There are ways to do it safely.

Second, sunlight sets your internal biological clock. Morning light through the eyes helps reset the circadian rhythm, improving sleep, reducing fatigue, and optimizing the timing of critical hormones like melatonin, cortisol, and insulin. The result? More energy, mental clarity, emotional resilience and SO MUCH MORE which all permit high quality living and the energy and wherewithal to make better choices.

Third, sunlight directly lifts mood by increasing production of serotonin and endorphins, which helps reduce the need for antidepressants, sleep medications, or stimulants. This natural emotional support plays a major role in mental wellness, circadian health and, again,  SO MUCH MORE. Talk about higher quality living.

Fourth, sunshine helps lower blood pressure. It does this by stimulating nitric oxide release from the skin, which relaxes blood vessels and leads to improved circulation—without needing pharmaceutical intervention (over time; didn’t does mean you don’t need medication for high blood pressure!). Overtime, though, one might be able to decrease or discontinue it depending on their situation.*  I did.  That hyperthyroid did me in for a while! I never thought that I’d get off of Atenolol even after I regained my thyroid health. But, I freaking did it!  *NOTE: do not go off your medication; speak to your healthcare team.

Finally, sunlight enhances both metabolic and immune function. It improves insulin sensitivity, helps regulate autoimmune responses (yey me), and dampens systemic inflammation.

For those suffering from chronic fatigue, metabolic dysfunction, or immune dysregulation, sunlight is often the missing link. It was for me...even though I live in the sunshine capital of the United States! Hey, I like air-conditioning. My needing to stay comfortable made me so not comfortable.

I used the word “finally” above but I didn’t touch the surface of how the sun impacts our mitochondria and metabolism...talk about better than Ozempic!”

WHAT IF?

What if I didn’t know better? What if I followed the system... the doctors' recommendations of one pill after another. Where would I be today?  Would I still be here?

The Cascade: What Happens When the Sun is Missing (don’t get me started on Bill Gates)

When sunlight is absent and vitamin D levels drop, the body starts to break down- and the medical system steps in with medications. Here’s a brief look at just some of the common medications prescribed to manage these conditions and their side effects. Note that I am not a pharmacist or doctor. But I elect my right to speak about these as they are offered regularly for these issues. Most were to me:

➤ Bone Health

Bisphosphonates → esophageal irritation, jaw necrosis

Prolia (denosumab) → rebound bone loss, hypocalcemia

➤ Autoimmune & Inflammatory

Corticosteroids → osteoporosis, weight gain, adrenal suppression

Methotrexate → liver toxicity, immune suppression

Biologics (TNF/IL inhibitors) → infections, cancer risk

➤ Mental Health

SSRIs/SNRIs → emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction

Bupropion → insomnia, seizure risk (high dose)

Sedatives or sleep aids → dependency, memory issues

➤ Cardiometabolic

Statins → muscle pain, liver strain, increased diabetes risk

Beta-blockers → fatigue, bradycardia, depression

ACE/ARB inhibitors → hyperkalemia, dizziness

GLP-1 agonists → nausea, malnutrition, pancreatitis (rare)

SGLT2 inhibitors → dehydration, infections, ketoacidosis

Insulin → weight gain, hypoglycemia swings

➤ Pain & Neurological

Gabapentin/Pregabalin → sedation, dependency

NSAIDs → GI bleeding, kidney injury

Triptans → rebound headaches, cardiovascular strain

➤ Common Add-Ons to Manage Medication Side Effects

PPIs (omeprazole) → nutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis

Diuretics → electrolyte imbalance, gout

Anti-nausea meds → QT prolongation, sedation

These treatments can be lifesaving, but they also come with a price. Over time, the side effects of the meds often require new meds to manage, creating a never-ending spiral.

Never-Ending Web Spirals

Realistic Scenarios (see these every day via my clients) The web image I desire to make can go on on and on for pages!

CASE A:

Low D → Fatigue → SSRI → Sexual dysfunction → Bupropion added → Insomnia → Sleep aid added → Daytime fatigue → Stimulants → Anxiety → Benzodiazepine → Dependency

CASE B:

Low D → Bone loss → Bisphosphonates → GI issues → PPI → B12/magnesium deficiency → Muscle cramps → NSAIDs → Ulcers → More PPIs → Kidney stress

CASE C:

Low D → Inflammation → Statin → Muscle pain → Gabapentin → Sedation → Weight gain → Diabetes meds → Hypoglycemia → Insulin → Weight gain → More inflammation

CASE D:

Low D → Autoimmunity → Steroids → Blood sugar spike → Metformin → GI upset → Antidiarrheals → Constipation → Laxatives → Electrolyte imbalance → ER visit

CASE E:

Low D → Anxiety/insomnia → Benzodiazepines → Tolerance → Dose increase → Withdrawal issues → Added SSRI → Emotional flatness → Loss of joy → Social withdrawal

Each thread leads to another. And, they are not mutually exclusive. Without addressing the true deficiency, the web tightens, and the person becomes trapped in symptom management until the end.

Again, I am not telling anyone to go off their medications. This is just educational. I am a strong believer in INFORMED CONSENT. No one told me about my options or the consequences of the drugs I was offered.  I consider it my fault. The medical system is a medicine-system. I knew that.  Not everyone does. Luckily, there are other options.

The True Cost of Deficiency

Personal Cost:

·         Chronic fatigue, brain fog, inflammation

·         Emotional distress, lost joy, medical trauma

·         Diet restrictions, isolation, fear of the future...early decline

·         Low health span and potentially life-span

Financial Cost:

·         $10,000–30,000+/year per person in out-of-pocket expenses

·         Personal time and work time lost to doctor visits, side effects, medication juggling…

Systemic Cost:

·         $30+ billion in adverse drug events annually

·         Billions spent treating preventable chronic diseases

All for what began as a silent, fixable issue: lack of sunlight.  So, while Bill Gates talks about shielding us from the sun, I’m soaking it in.

An Alternative Path

Regular, safe sun exposure with a personalized Blank Slate Diet (to use the sun appropriately) & the R.E.S.T.) can:

·         Boost natural vitamin D,  serotonin, melatonin, and more

·         Help you use your cholesterol appropriately

·         Help you regulate your sex hormones

·         Prevent the cascade of prescriptions, treatments and traumas

·         Save thousands of dollars annually

·         Preserve or improve energy, strength, mental clarity & quality of life.

Sunshine is not optional. It is medicine. It is life.

A few minutes of early am sunshine may do more to reset your health than most typical treatments can.*

Want help designing your healing plan? Visit WellnessClarified.com’s Services tab to learn how to sync your biology with the sun and restore your health and wellness. But, if you don’t do anything but one thing...learn about the healing aspects of the sun and how to use it responsibly.

* Again, this is not an anti-medication article. It’s anti- lack of full disclosure information. Don’t wait for the information. Get informed. Empower yourself today.

Very sincerely, Diane Kopelakis, MS, RD