Health benefits of vitamin D
Boosting the immune system, regulating absorption of calcium and phosphorus, enhancing mood and reducing feelings of depression, and promoting the development of teeth and bones are just some of the health benefits of vitamin D.
Vitamin D, pretty please!
Vitamin D is also called “the sunshine vitamin” because it is produced through melanin in your skin in response to sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet – or UVB rays use cholesterol in the skin cells, to provide energy for vitamin D synthesis to occur. Too technical? Well, the point is, the health benefits of vitamin D are very important.
When the fall months approach, absorbing vitamin D becomes more difficult. In actual fact, exposure time post summer months is simply not enough! As a result of where we live – on this big blob of green and blue – we must supplement vitamin D through the fall and winter months.
Here are some things you can do to make sure that your health benefits from vitamin D are optimal:
Test and supplement
Get your current level of vitamin D tested! This is the only way to find out exactly how much, or if we need to supplement. Supplementing won’t be necessary for everyone, but if it is required, the amount each of us needs will also vary greatly from one another. Connect with your healthcare professional to confirm if you are deficient. It’s an imbalance that can be corrected and one that will help your body function better overall.
Eat it!
Of course we can get our vitamins and minerals from food! At Vitalife we think this is actually the best way to do it. As long as your digestive system is running well (if it’s not – that’s a discussion for another day), getting our nutrients from food is one of the most direct ways to do so. Foods such as salmon, sardines, egg yolk, and dark leafy greens, are all solid go to options for Vitamin D absorption. For more vitamin D health benefits in food, read here…
Vitamin D in winter months
Although not all of us can go south in the winter months, we should take advantage of sunny winter days. Even though it’s cold, try to get outside and soak up some of those sunny rays! While there may not be enough UVB to boost your vitamin D levels, at least getting outside in the winter sun will get you moving, enhance your energy levels, and enjoy a bit of sun kissing your face!
