As the daylight hours get shorter and the nights get longer, getting enough Vitamin D can be a bit of a trick. Getting enough of the proper minerals and nutrients is essential during the entire year. Vitamin D, however, becomes especially hard to get during these cold winter months. Our bodies can naturally produce Vitamin D with exposure to sunlight. Without that exposure, we may not be getting enough. Vitamin D helps boost our immune system, strengthens our teeth and bones, and helps us utilize calcium. Find out how you can be sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D this winter!
The Essential Role Of Vitamin D In Our Diet
The more we learn about Vitamin D, the more we realize just how important it is for whole body functions. Every time we look at its role in our health, we discover something new. It’s long been known for its ability to strengthen our bones and teeth. It’s also essential in preventing hypertension, diabetes, rickets, osteoporosis, and other disorders of the bone. Almost half of the American population fails to get enough Vitamin D throughout the year. Even at the height of summer, these individuals need to consider doing more to stay healthy. If you’re one of them, these tips can help you ensure you get enough.
- Eat Smart – Adding some things to your diet is an easy way to ensure that you’re getting the Vitamins and Minerals you need. Eggs, mushrooms, pork, tuna, cheese, and other dairy products are all great sources of Vitamin D.
- Get Outside – Vitamin D can be obtained by spending time in the sun, even if you only get a few hours of it a day. Just half an hour spent in the sun is enough to get the Vitamin D you need for the day. Be sure you wear sunscreen to protect from melanoma, however!
- Supplements Are King – If all else fails, you can also try otc supplements to get the necessary vitamin D into your diet. There are multiple dosage levels, and many of them don’t require a prescription. They’re a great way to boost the amount of Vitamin D you’re getting, regardless of the time of year.
Vitamin D can help your health in so many ways. It just makes sense to take a little extra effort to ensure you’re getting enough of it. It can help protect your bones, boost your immune system, and even protect you from gum disease! It’s also essential in the healthy functioning of your blood vessels and plays a role in preventing heart disease.
Speak To Your Health Provider For More Tips
Don’t let yourself be one of those suffering through winter with low Vitamin D. Reach out to your physician for a consultation to determine if you need to supplement more. They’ll talk with you about your dietary choices, activity levels, and other aspects of your health. This conversation will help them figure out what steps will best help you get the Vitamin D you need!
