Vitamin D Foods: Uncovering the Best Sources
The government guidelines are constantly adapting to the pandemic’s impact. More specifically, thanks to the success of the vaccination programme both in the UK and around the world, from 24 October fully vaccinated passengers and most under 18s arriving in England from countries that are not on the red list (and they have not visited a red list country or territory in the ten days before arriving in England) can take a lateral flow test, instead of a PCR test, on or before day 2 of their arrival into the UK. These can be booked from 22 October.
What is a lateral flow test?
Lateral flow tests give a quick result using a device similar to a pregnancy test. This involves rubbing a long cotton bud (swab) over your tonsils (or where they would have been) and inside your nose, or inside your nose only. The test kit itself is a hand-held device with an absorbent pad at one end and a reading window at the other. Inside the device is a strip of test paper that changes colour in the presence of Covid-19 proteins (antigens). Research shows rapid tests are more than 90% accurate. This means the chance of getting a false-positive result (where the result shows as positive but is actually negative) is extremely low.
Different industry sectors and different countries use varying terminology to describe what lateral flow tests are. Common names include:
- Lateral flow test (LFT)
- Lateral flow device (LFD)
- Lateral flow assay (LFA)
- Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA)
- Lateral flow immunochromatographic assays
- Dipstick
- Express test
- Pen-side test
- Quick test
- Rapid test
- Rapid antigen test
- Test strip
Rapid antigen lateral flow tests are highly convenient with just a 15-minute turnaround time, as well as the assurance that they can pick up moderate to high viral loads. Patients will have moderate to high viral loads about three days before symptoms start until between 7 and 10 days after symptoms start.
Lateral flow tests are now accepted for travel (while many international travel destinations still require a negative PCR test to travel abroad, some countries are accepting a negative rapid antigen lateral flow test for entry into the country – providing all other conditions and stipulations are met), as well as at most schools and workplaces.
It can also put you at ease immediately if you are worried about your health or those around you. Also, around one in three people that have contracted Covid-19 do not have symptoms. Therefore, a test that rapidly detects these otherwise hidden cases is a handy additional tool for tackling the virus.
According to Reuters:
“The government and health officials have said that rapid testing, via easy-to-use lateral flow tests, is crucial for tracking the spread of COVID-19, with regular testing of those without symptoms identifying around a quarter of all cases.”
Source: www.reuters.com
Test results
Using a lateral flow test is very straightforward. Follow the simple instructions you’ll find in the kit, and after 15 minutes, you’ll get one of the following three results:
Source: www.gov.uk
- Negative result: one line next to C shows the test is negative.
- Positive result: two lines, one next to C and one next to T, even faint lines, shows the test is positive. In that case, you must report the test result to the NHS, and you will get provided with a free confirmatory NHS PCR test.
- Void: no lines, or one line next to T, means the test is void. You will need to re-take with a new test kit.
How can Effect Doctors help?
The Effect Doctors team is working hard to keep as many people safe during the Covid-19 pandemic as possible. That is why we offer a range of tests, allowing you and your loved ones to stay safe.
At Effect Doctors, after conducting thorough research, we have identified the Flowflex and Healgen Lateral Flow Rapid Antigen Tests as the best ones on the market in the UK. They are FDA authorized, considered to be the most advanced lateral flow test in the world, have full Home Test Approval Granted in the UK & EU, are UK Government validated at Porton Down Laboratories, detect New Virus Strains, have a 98.8% accuracy rate, and are CE marked and ISO certified.
The tests are suitable for general testing and pre-travel (Fit to Fly Certificate), but please check your destinations on the government website beforehand as several countries still require a PCR test. You don’t need to send lateral flow tests to the lab for testing, and your results can be obtained in 15 minutes. The fast turnaround time of the lateral flow test is highly convenient, as you won’t have to make another flight cancellation/delay.
How it works
Our lateral flow test is easy to use and provides fast and highly accurate results. All you need to do is:
- Order your lateral flow test(s) online.
- Follow the simple instructions included within the kit package to complete the test.
- Upload the results of your test to our portal.
- You will receive your doctor-signed certificate within 12 hours (or less).
If you get a positive result from these self-tests, it is extremely likely you are currently infected with Covid-19 and risk infecting others. You must follow the information in the instructions for use provided with the kit. You must report your result to the NHS through one of the methods detailed in the instructions for use. When you report your result, you will be provided with further information on the next steps to take.
We strongly advise you to isolate yourself if you feel unwell (especially if you are around a high-risk individual), even after a negative test. Call us anytime if you would like to learn more about the test, the process and/or if you have any symptoms.
Here at Effect Doctors, we have streamlined the testing process to make it as easy as possible for you to get fast and accurate results whenever you need them. Follow the simple instructions and receive a doctor’s certificate within 12 hours. Couldn’t be any easier!
Order your rapid antigen lateral flow test here.
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Egg Yolks – A Vitamin D Rich Food
Saxenda® is an injectable prescription medicine that, when used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, may help adults with obesity or overweight (excess weight) who also have weight-related medical problems
Initially approved for the treatment of diabetes, Saxenda contains the medication Liraglutide, a synthetic version of a glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone that works by slowing stomach emptying, increasing satiety, and reducing hunger.
It is delivered by once daily injections.
Weight loss from this medication was reported during trials:
- 63% lost at least 5% of body weight
- 33% lost at least 10% body weight
- 15% lost at least 15% of body weight
And 80% of participants kept the weight off at one year.
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Yoghurt – A Tasty Vitamin D-Rich Snack
This once weekly injectable medication contains, Semaglutide, a synthetic version of a glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone that affects appetite and hunger. In trials, 75% of patients lost over 10% of their body weight.
Like all GLP-1 analogues, it works by slowing stomach emptying, increasing satiety, and reducing hunger.
What’s the difference between Saxenda and Ozempic:
- Ozempic is a once weekly injection, rather than once a day.
- Ozempic has been shown to be mire effective in longer term weight management.
- At the moment, Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight loss, as it is not licenced for weight-loss (only management of diabetes)
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Cod Liver Oil – Nature's Vitamin D Supplement
Wegovy is the exciting new injectable weight loss drug, specifically targeting medical weight loss; it is a synthetic version of a glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone that affects appetite and hunger.
Wegovy is an FDA approved preparation of Semaglutide, licenced specifically for weight loss, which at present is not licenced in the UK. Approval is expected at some point in late 2022 or early 2023.
The starting dose for Wegovy, will likely be higher than Ozempic.
Like all GLP-1 analogues, it works by slowing stomach emptying, increasing satiety, and reducing hunger.
During clinical trials to evaluate the safety of Wegovy when used for treating obesity, participants without diabetes who were prescribed Wegovy lost on average, 12.4% of their initial body weight when compared to a placebo.
Ask our medical team about Wegovy today
Studies show you will lose about 5% of your body weight within 3 months
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Oily Fish – A Double Dose of Nutrients
Tuna is an affordable cupboard staple. It’s the perfect ingredient for an easy and healthy lunch and also a great source of protein and omega-3s.
Put a tasty twist on lunch with a warm tuna Nicoise salad or Lemony tuna, tomato & caper one-pot pasta.
One of the biggest challenges globally is the sustainability of tuna. Therefore, it’s essential when buying fresh or canned tuna, to look for the MSC label (which stands for the Marine Stewardship Council Fisheries Standard), so you know it’s certified sustainable. Canned sardines are also a good source of vitamin D if tuna isn’t your cup of tea.
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Fortified Cereal – A Vitamin D Boost in the Morning
According to nutrition.org, cereal and cereal products play an essential role in the diet and are a significant source of many nutrients for both children and adults. Many breakfast cereals are fortified voluntarily and, according to the national diet and nutrition survey (NDNS), these contribute 20%, 29% and 23% of the average iron intake of British adults, boys and girls, respectively. Fortified breakfast cereals also contribute 13% of the average recommended daily vitamin D intake in men and women, 20% of the average daily vitamin D intake in girls and 24% in boys.
Brands such as Quaker’s Oats, Kellogg’s Special K are fortified with vitamin D so check the label of your favourite cereal. If it isn’t vitamin-fortified, you can probably find many more brands that are.
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Ricotta Cheese – A Cheesy Delight with Vitamin D
Ricotta has more than five times the amount of Vitamin D than other cheeses. So what are you waiting for? Pass us the cannelloni…
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Mushrooms – A Unique Plant-Based Source of Vitamin D
Not liking mushrooms is incredibly common – some people don’t like the fact they are putting a fungus into their mouth. Others don’t like the slippery texture, and some people don’t like the taste. Mushrooms have developed a bad rap as grey, soggy, wet and generally flavourless food.
But before you think about leaving them off the menu entirely, you may want to consider that mushrooms are one of the most viable sources of vitamin D. Usually grown in dark environments, mushrooms are treated with UV light for exposure and produce high levels of vitamin D.
When cooked well, the flavour and texture they can bring to the table is astounding. Consider roasting them at a high temperature for a crunchier texture. If a person does not like fish, or if they are vegetarian or vegan, mushrooms are an excellent option for a meat alternative.
If you have trouble getting enough Vitamin D from food sources, you may need an iron supplement. If you suspect you suffer from low levels, we can perform a variety of tests to determine your current levels.
