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Vitamin D is a very important nutrient that we need to stay healthy. We can get Vitamin D from the sun, food, and supplements. But, the sun is still the best way to get vitamin D and this blog will look at some of the benefits that you can gain from it. That's why getting outside daily is an easy and free way to support your health!
What is all the hype around vitamin D you may ask? Vitamin D helps in regulating the immune system and it helps to protect skin cells from damage by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It also helps to regulate blood pressure and it is also needed for normal muscle function.
The sun has many benefits, including reducing the risk of diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and even some cancers. More reasons to get optimal vitamin D:
- Vitamin D can have a positive impact on your mental health
- Vitamin D can help you to lose weight
- Vitamin D can have a positive impact on your skin and teeth
- Vitamin D can help you to maintain a healthy heart
- Vitamin D can boost the overall immune system
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means that it is absorbed with other fats in the diet and stored in the body’s fat tissue and liver. Fat-soluble vitamins play an important role in our vision, bone health, and immune function.
Some deficiency symptoms of vitamin D include fatigue, depression, poor sleep, osteoporosis, hair loss, and getting sick more often.
On the other hand, extremely high levels of vitamin D can also be very harmful. These symptoms include nausea, confusion, vomiting, and more. Always check with your doctor to make sure you need vitamin D before supplementing with it.
Vitamin D - found naturally in food
The foods highest in vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, canned fish like herring and sardines, mushrooms, and egg yolks.
Where you live also plays a factor in how much vitamin D you need. If you live farther away from the equator (northern United States or Europe), you need more time in the sun than someone who lives closer to the equator. If you don’t get enough sunlight in the cold winter months, this would be a time to supplement. Again, always check with your doctor to make sure before supplementing.
3 easy tips to get more vitamin D:
- Get sunlight exposure every day
- Eat foods high in vitamin D
- Supplement when necessary
Vitamin D is usually called the "sunshine vitamin" for a reason, without the sun, you wouldn't be able to make vitamin D at all.
Supplementing with vitamin D
There are times when it is necessary to supplement with vitamin D. During those cold winter months it can be really hard to get enough sunlight to have sufficient amounts of vitamin D. But, Vitamin D is not a supplement you want to overdose on. Make sure you consult with your doctor and get your levels tested before supplementing.
With any supplement, it's important to make sure you are getting the best quality for your money. I always make sure my supplements are organic and third-party tested.
Why should supplements be third-party tested? Because the manufacturer of the supplement has to send it to an outside, unbiased lab for testing. This makes sure that low-quality supplements are not approved. Sadly, third-party testing is not required for manufacturers to make sure their product is safe and effective.
Here are some of my favorite Vitamin D supplements:
If you've been experiencing any of these symptoms or notice a difference in your moods during the winter months, getting your vitamin D levels tested is a great place to start. Listen to your body and do what's best for YOU!
