Are You Getting Enough of the Sunshine Vitamin?

Vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin. It’s likely you haven’t given it much thought and its role in healthier living. Few of us get enough Vitamin D, especially during the winter months, unless you live in one of the warmer clients. 

Our bodies naturally make Vitamin D through our skin, when we are exposed to sunlight. However, shorter days in the winter, and sunscreen use in the summer, most of us do not get enough Vitamin D the natural way.

We need Vitamin D for stronger bones, and to boost our immune system. Our body actually has 200 different cell types that have receptors for Vitamin D, which work at not only building a strong immune system but also repairing cells that have become damaged. It plays a key role in the response of your immune system, including the production of more than 200 antimicrobial peptides that help to find off infection.

A Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, depression, weight gain, heart disease, and other conditions. That in itself should make you want to ensure you are getting adequate levels of Vitamin D a day. 

Vitamin D is also a steroid hormone, which influences almost every cell in the body. Research has shown that it is also a powerful cancer fighting agent. Vitamin D influences more than 3,000 of your genes.  So you can see how important this one vitamin is to your overall health. 

How to Ensure You Get Adequate Vitamin D

If you live in a sunnier climate, you can easily get the necessary 5000-10,000 IU of Vitamin D daily through the Sun., as long as you have skin that is exposed and has no sunscreen on it. Otherwise, you should be taking a Vitamin D supplement. The best form is liquid as you receive maximum absorption, but you can get it in pill form or chewables too. Don’t rely on food sources because it is very difficult to get adequate Vitamin D this way. 

Get Your Vitamin D Levels Checked

If you are not sure if your body has adequate Vitamin D, just ask your doctor to run a blood test for you. It’s quick and easy and you will know exactly where you stand.

Vitamin D is key to your overall health and longevity. It is one of the most important vitamins for your body, so always make sure that you are getting as much Vitamin D as you should!
