One of the biggest challenges in the last six weeks, since we started self isolating, has been getting our vitamin D! Staying indoors can affect your mental and physical well being, which is why it’s so important to get your body moving and nourish it with the right foods. How does vitamin D come into this equation? Vitamin D isn’t only just for supporting healthy bone growth, but it also regulates the immune system and the neuromuscular system. Vitamin D plays major roles in the life cycle of human cells, which is why getting an efficient amount each day is so important.
Growing up we were all told to drink a glass of dairy milk because it has vitamin D, which will help you grow strong healthy bones! But you can get vitamin D from a variety of things and the sun is one of them! It’s definitely hard balancing the social-distancing with the need for vitamin D…
Being cooped up in your house all day isn’t healthy, we all knew that! But why? Because you aren’t receiving vitamin D from the sun’s rays! When sunlight penetrates your skin it initiates a reaction within the body that triggers vitamin D production. When your body is constantly producing vitamin D, it ensures that you have a strong healthy immune system! Having a strong immune system is so important, especially right now since we are in the middle of a pandemic. The more you nourish your body with the right vitamins and nutrients, the less susceptible you are to getting sick.
The sunlight isn’t only good for vitamin D, but it’s also good for your mental health. Staying inside can lead to depression, especially if you’re consuming the news right now. The sun boosts your serotonin which is a “feel good” chemical in your brain. That’s why they say the more you expose yourself to the outdoors and nature, the better you feel!
Now we know that leaving the house isn’t an option for many of us right now, but stepping outside for a few minutes a day, and absorbing sunlight can be very beneficial for you. So turn the TV off and get outside, even if it’s just for five minutes it will make a difference.
Food is another great way to increase your vitamin D!
Fatty fish and seafood are among the richest natural food sources of vitamin D. Tuna, mackerel, oysters, shrimp, sardines and anchovies have high amounts of vitamin D, and these can act as a great source of protein as well. Egg yolks are also found to be rich in vitamin D, so scramble your eggs, boil them or have them sunny side up more often!
If you are on a plant-based diet, eat more mushrooms! Just like humans mushrooms can make their own vitamin D when they are exposed to UV light. Believe it or not but orange juice and plant-based milks also have tons of vitamin D, so it’s a myth that you can only get vitamin D from cow’s milk.
Last but certainly not the least, vitamin D supplements are another way to go! Being that we are in quarantine and our time outside is very limited, you can definitely add a vitamin D supplement to your regiment. Just be sure to check with your doctor before starting any supplement!
So now that you are well aware of how to improve your vitamin D intake, which method would you prefer? Let us know!