Did you know that almost half of the country is vitamin D deficient?
Did you also know vitamin D functions like a hormone? Every single cell in your body has a receptor for it and your body makes it from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D can also be found in certain foods such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, though it’s very difficult to get enough from diet alone. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is around 600–800 IU although some experts recommend even more than that.
Vitamin D has many important roles but one of the most important is keeping your immune system strong so you’re able to fight off viruses and bacteria that cause illness. It also improves your body’s absorption of calcium for stronger bones.
Through various studies it has been known that giving vitamin D to people who are deficient helps improve depression, including seasonal depression, along with anxiety and other mental disorders.
Some signs of being Vitamin D deficient:
1. Being sick or getting infections often
2. Fatigue
3. Bone pain
4. Depression & Anxiety
5. Muscle Pain
The signs of vitamin D are very subtle so the sure fire way to know if you are deficient is to get your annual bloodwork done. If you are vitamin D deficient then your doctor will most likely recommend supplements and vitamin D rich diet.
My favorite way to receive vitamin D is to be outside as much as possible. Sitting next to a window will boost your serotonin but will not increase your vitamin D. The UVB rays cannot penetrate through glass.
Exposure to the sun through your skin is important in receiving vitamin D but it’s also important to protect your skin. Cover up with suitable clothing including wearing a hat and wraparound sunglasses. Spend time in the shade, particularly from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the the strongest. Apply at least SPF15 sunscreen to your body 30 minutes prior to going out into the sun.
We have become an “inside society” and this is not good for our health! So put down your phone. Turn off Netflix. Walk away from your computer. Open the door, walk outside, and let the sun give you a big vitamin D hug! #ahealthynhappyu
