Fun in the Sun: The Best Way to Get Your Vitamin
It’s summertime! There’s lot’s of sun–maybe a bit too much lately with the heat and drought already this year. So there is no need to fear a vitamin D deficiency epidemic, right?We can’t be any more wrong.
According to this post deficiencies in vitamin D are at an all time high–this post were stats in 2014, so we can expect them to be at least that or higher.
According to the CDC 32% of children and adults were vitamin D deficient
- The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that 50 percent of children aged one to five years, and 70 percent of children between the ages of six and 11, are deficient or insufficient in vitamin D
- Researchers such as Dr. Holick estimate that 50 percent of the general population is at risk of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency
Even eating vitamin D fortified foods are not as helpful in receiving and processing vitamin D as the sun is. But they do help, so don’t not continue to consume these foods or supplement! Any little bit helps, but always remember the sun is the best!
What Does vitamin D Do for Me?
One of the most commonly known things it is known for is promoting bone health and the processing of calcium in the body. This process of the body helps prevent soft bones, osteoporosis, and rickets.
Another big advantage is that it aids in the prevention of disease and boosts the immune system. This essential vitamin helps the body ward off cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive problems, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer.
For more benefits and sources for this article check out:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/vitamin-d-deficiency
Common Signs Your are Vitamin D Deficient/Insufficient You’re feeling blue: If you are feeling depressed and/or anxious, you may just need to step outside for at least 5-15 minutes and get a little sun. I can tell you this from first hand experience.
Fatigue: If you are feeling tired and having a hard time concentrating seemingly out of nowhere, having some time in the sun will also help.
Your bones and joints ache
You seem to “catch everything”: Vitamin D not only helps with autoimmune disease, but it helps with keeping viruses and bacteria at bay by boosting the immune system. If you are already taking plenty of vitamin C and still having trouble staying well try checking out your vitamin D.
Gut Trouble: It appears that probiotics are not the catch all/end all for your overall gut health. Combining some sun exposure with your probiotic or gut health regimen. It may just be what the Great Physician ordered!
Where Do I Find Vitamin D
The first and best choice is the sun as we have mentioned. Our bodies were created to absorb light since we are made in God’s image, and He created the sun which is much like basking in his presence. Some of the foods that are naturally rich in vitamin D: egg yolks, fish, and fish liver oils. Other foods have been fortified in vitamin D: grain and dairy products. Of course natural vitamin D supplements and multivitamins like Reliv are other great places.
Avoid Too Much of a Good Thing
It goes without saying that you can spend to much time in the sun. Everything has its proper balance. If you haven’t been out in the sun in a while, try building up your exposure time.
To Your health,
Jenay Green
Thanks to Amanda Taylor with Soaring Eagle Publications for this article!
