Are you feeling deprived of the sun? Most Americans are deficient in Vitamin D and more and more studies are revealing it's vital importance. Have you heard that Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin"? Did you know that Vitamin D helps to prevent osteoporosis, depression, cancer, diabetes, obesity and more! But, I bet many of you did not know that Vitamin D is actually not a vitamin, but rather a hormone produced by the body in the skin from a photolytic reaction with ultraviolet light.
How do you get enough Vitamin D?
Your body makes it when sunlight touches your skin. By going outside during the sunny days, taking a walk or a run, before the heat of the day will increase your body's production of Vitamin D. And definately, do not burn! Vitamin D production is already maximized before your skin turns pink and further exposure does increase levels of Vitamin D, but also may increase your risk of skin cancer.
Many foods that we eat, for example, dairy products, are fortified with Vitamin D. Other plants and animal sources contain small amounts of the non-biologically active form of Vitamin D.
Vitamin supplementation should be consulted with your doctor, as there are many different optimal ranges that are being recommended.
Always, whenever possible, keep to the basic concepts, eat fresh whole foods, not too little, not too much- just the right balance.
