Lung tissue and cells from the blood vessels that pass through the lungs derived from people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) produced fewer vitamin D receptors (VDRs) than normal, a study shows. Treating PAH patient-derived blood vessel cells with calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, reduced VDR deficiency…

Last month I struggled with my mental health more than usual. My anxiety was out of control. I recognized that I needed more help and went to see a psychiatrist my primary care physician had suggested a few times. She ordered a few medications at a low dose. But…

The mechanics of pulmonary hypertension (PH) create a cascade of events that affect the cardiovascular system, kidneys, respiratory system, and digestive system.  Though symptoms, which persist over time, primarily lead to changes in breathing…

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for everyone, but for those living with a chronic lung condition, it is even more important to eat well. The food and drinks we consume can help us achieve better overall health and the nutrients can help protect the lungs against infection. MORE: …

Vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins for our health, and is also one of the most common vitamins people are deficient in. Anyone with a chronic disease should have their vitamin D levels checked by their doctor and take supplements if they are found to be deficient.

Most of us have probably been reminded to take our vitamins, or pushed to eat something because it’s “full of vitamins”—and it’s true, getting vitamins is incredibly important. Especially during the winter when some people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can be impacted by low levels of vitamin D. But that’s not…

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” mostly because we can get it naturally when the sun’s UV rays interact with our skin, which triggers the vitamin’s synthesis. The VIP vitamin aids our body’s absorption of calcium to keep our bones strong and encourage healthy cells to grow.  Here are a few more health benefits of…