I decided to catch some Vitamin D today! I opened the door and stood there for a few minutes. My country is currently under a State of Emergency due to increasing infection rates, so I can't leave the house unless it is essential. I have to say that it felt so good and instantly improved my mood!
Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” because your body produces it naturally when it is directly exposed to sunlight. You can also get it through foods for example:
Oily Fish: Salmon, Sardines, Tuna, Herring and Mackerel
Red Meat
Egg Yolk
Liver
Fortified Foods such as cereal and some orange juice and milk products.
You can also get Vitamin D from dietary supplements, like Cod Liver Oil.
Generally, from the age of one to adulthood, you will need 10 micrograms of Vitamin D a day. For those who are indoors whether it is due to restrictions or health/mobility issues, as well as, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is even more important to add a high quality Vitamin D supplement to your diet. It is important to note that contrary to popular opinion, darker persons are less able to make Vitamin D than fairer persons. Some medications also cause deficiencies such as steroids, cholesterol lowering drugs and seizure management drugs.
Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body, helping to:
Absorb Calcium more efficiently.
Maintain the health of bones and teeth.
Support the health of the immune system, brain, and nervous system and promotes the reduction of inflammation.
Regulate insulin levels and aid diabetes management.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Support lung function and cardiovascular health.
Influence the expression of genes involved in cancer development.
Plays an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
Regular illness or infection.
Fatigue.
Bone and back pain.
Mood changes, for example, depression.
Impaired wound healing.
Hair loss.
Muscle weakness, aches and cramps.
Some types of cancer, such as colon, prostate and breast cancers.
Take a walk outside! Open up your windows! Get some sunlight! If you can't, then find a high quality Vitamin D supplement. It will do your body good!
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.