Could one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and slow recovery be hiding in plain sight?
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein and co-host Dr. Dacre Knight sit down with integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff to unpack why Vitamin D may be one of the most important, misunderstood, and cost-effective interventions in modern medicine.
But this conversation goes far beyond bone health.
Dr. Plotnikoff explains why Vitamin D functions more like a hormone than a vitamin, influencing over 2,000 genes tied to immune function, mood, sleep, inflammation, muscle health, and pain regulation. Together, they explore why profound deficiencies are shockingly common, even in sunny climates, and how low levels may contribute to chronic musculoskeletal pain, tendinopathies, stress fractures, fatigue, and complex chronic illness.
The discussion also dives into practical, foundational medicine for patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), chronic pain, and other multisystem conditions, including the “Top 5” lab tests Dr. Plotnikoff believes are essential for understanding the bigger picture of health.
If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” while still feeling awful, this episode may change how you think about chronic illness and foundational health.
Takeaways:
• Vitamin D is actually a hormone that regulates gene expression affecting pain, sleep, energy, immunity, and bone health.
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain, stress fractures, and tendon problems may sometimes be linked to severe Vitamin D deficiency.
• Many people remain profoundly deficient despite living in sunny climates because Vitamin D synthesis is blocked by glass, sunscreen, clothing, and indoor lifestyles.
• Vitamin D dosing is often weight-dependent, meaning some individuals require significantly higher doses to reach adequate levels.
• Dr. Plotnikoff’s “Top 5” foundational labs for complex chronic illness include:
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Want more Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff?
www.MNpersonalizedmedicine.com
Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center?
For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org
UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic
UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq
UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.
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Chapters:
00:00 Think Beyond One Diagnosis
00:30 Meet the Hosts and Guest
02:36 Vitamin D as a Hormone
04:13 Deficiency Is Everywhere
06:12 Pain Clues and Early Cases
10:33 Unforgettable Recovery Story
11:57 Test It Don’t Guess
13:50 The Right Lab and Coverage
16:39 Sunlight Rules and Latitude
22:31 Skin Cancer Balance and Supplements
26:19 Dosing Myths and Better Data
31:57 Target Levels and Genetics
34:25 Break and Back to Athletes
35:39 Vitamin D for Performers
37:13 Injury Risk Evidence
41:02 Toxicity and Calcium
45:21 Magnesium and Vitamin K
50:29 Partnering and Lab Panel
59:47 Dosing Tips and Wrap-Up
