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Looking to boost Vitamin D naturally? You’re in the right place. Known as the “sunshine vitamin.” It feel amazing to soak
it up from the sun. Yet, a surprising number of us aren’t getting enough. Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones and a healthy immune system. This guide will show you how to soak up that essential Vitamin D from the sun, food, and if needed, supplements—ensuring you’re covered, whatever the weather.
What’s the Deal with Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that we can get from the sun’s rays, certain foods, and supplements. It’s key for managing minerals like calcium and phosphate in our bodies, keeping our bones, teeth, and muscles in tip-top shape. Not getting enough can cause problems, like rickets in kids and soft bones in adults. Plus, scientists think it might even help lower the risk of tough health problems like heart disease and diabetes and might lift our mood too.
For an in-depth overview of Vitamin D’s health benefits, recommended intakes, sources, and more, the National Institutes of Health provides a thorough resource. Check out their detailed fact sheet here.
Vitamin D for Your Health
Here’s how vitamin D can be good for you:
- Bones and Muscles: It helps balance minerals that are important for keeping bones and muscles strong. Without enough, you might face osteoporosis, where your bones get weak and fragile.
- Teeth: Yep, they’re bones too! So, vitamin D keeps them strong as well.But here’s the catch – if you’ve got enough vitamin D, taking extra might not do much more for your bones, at least that’s what a recent study says.
- Immunity: There’s a buzz that vitamin D could make your immune system stronger and keep some diseases at bay.
- Mood: Some folks say… they feel less blue when their vitamin D levels are up. Research from a 2020 study suggests that getting enough vitamin D could help lift your spirits and fight off depression. You can check out the study here. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/da.23025
For a deeper look into how Vitamin D impacts health beyond just our bones, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides valuable insights into its potential for reducing cancer cell growth and controlling infections, which you can read about here.
In a nutshell, vitamin D does a lot for us, and even though we’re still figuring out all its powers, one thing’s clear – it’s super important for keeping our bodies happy and healthy. But getting your daily dose can be tough, especially in winter, when the days get shorter and we’re all wrapped up, it’s tougher to catch those much-needed sun rays for our Vitamin D.
Here’s a list of 15 radiant tips:
to help you soak up the sunshine vitamin…
Fresh Air Fixes: Why Stepping Outside Matters
Getting outside is about more than just fresh air—it’s key to your health. When you’re out in the open, you’re not just taking a break from indoor life; you’re letting your body soak up natural light. This light from the sun helps your skin make Vitamin D, an essential nutrient that keeps your bones strong and helps your body fight off germs. Plus, being out and about gets your blood moving and lifts your spirits. So before we dive into fun outdoor activities, remember: a bit of time outside each day is a big step for staying healthy and happy. Now, let’s look at some enjoyable ways to make the most of the great outdoors!
1. Greet the Sun: Taking a walk in the morning sun can brighten your day and give you a boost of Vitamin D.
2. Gardening: Digging in the dirt isn’t just therapeutic—it’s a great way to get Vitamin D.
3. Outdoor Workouts: Swap the gym for the park and let your fitness routine double as a D-gathering exercise.
4. Biking Adventures: Take a bike ride through your neighborhood or park during daylight hours to catch some rays and elevate your Vitamin D levels.
5. Sun-Kissed Meditation: Find peace (and Vitamin D) with outdoor meditation sessions.
Vitamin D-Rich Foods:
When it comes to boosting your Vitamin D through diet, nature has plenty to offer. Foods that naturally contain this essential vitamin can be a delicious part of your meals and snacks. Remember, while sunlight is a significant source of Vitamin D, these foods can help you maintain adequate levels, especially during the colder months or on days when you’re spending more time indoors.
Here 5 foods High in Vitamin D
6. Mushroom Magic: Mushrooms can synthesize Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, much like our skin. Add them
to your dishes for a delicious, earthy flavor and a healthful punch.
7. Omega 3 Oils: Enjoy the double benefits of Vitamin D and omega-3s with oily fish. Grill up some mackerel or toss sardines into a salad for a simple, savory meal.
8. Cheesy Choices: Cheese, especially those made from whole milk, can be a good source of Vitamin D. Sprinkle some over your dishes for a calcium and Vitamin D boost.
9. Egg-cellent Snacks: Snack on hard-boiled eggs for a quick and easy Vitamin D fix. Pack them for lunch or slice them up in a salad for extra nutrition.
10. Sunny Side Dishes: Incorporate more red meat and liver into your diet for their Vitamin D content. Try liver pâté as a spread or enjoy a juicy steak for dinner.
And for Vegans? Vitamin D can be tricky for vegans since it’s mostly in animal products. But don’t worry – there are plant-based options and supplements that can fill the gap…Like…
- Plant milks (like almond, soy, and oat)
- Fortified orange juice
- Some cereals
and Vegetarians…. have a wider variety of food sources for vitamin D since they can include dairy and eggs in their diet. Along with the vegan options, vegetarians can also get vitamin D from:
- Egg yolks
- Cheese
- Yogurt
Supplemental Support:
Boosting Vitamin D: “The Supplemental Route.” Sometimes, even with a healthy diet and time spent outdoors, getting enough Vitamin D can be a challenge. This is where supplements can play a vital role, especially during those long winter months or if you have limited sun exposure. Vitamin D supplements ensure that you’re getting a consistent amount every day, which helps maintain strong bones and a robust immune system.
11. Daily D Drops: Liquid Vitamin D is versatile and can be added to drinks or food, making it a convenient way to ensure you get your daily dose.
12. Pill Power: Vitamin D capsules or tablets are a straightforward approach to supplement your intake and can be easily worked into your daily routine.
13. Periodic Testing: Regularly checking your Vitamin D levels with blood tests lets you know if you’re getting enough or if you need to adjust your supplement amount.
Considering supplements and testing helps to fill any gaps in your Vitamin D intake, giving you peace of mind that you’re supporting your health year-round.
For those looking to up their Vitamin D intake:
I can’t recommend Genestra Brands – D-Mulsion 1000 IU enough. They’re a staple in my wellness routine, and I’ve noticed a real difference since I started using them. If you’re interested in giving them a try, you can find them here: https://amzn.to/3SK4mxd and if you prefer the traditional route, Naka Platinum Vitamin D (1000 IU) + Vitamin K2 (120 mcg) here: https://amzn.to/3QYShD1 are reliable and easy to take. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
Seasonal Strategies:
14. Enhance Your Vitamin D with Indoor Sunshine:
When soaking up natural sunlight isn’t possible, a UV lamp can be a solid stand-in. Not only do many of my friends swear by them, but there’s also research backing their benefits. Check out this study from the National Institutes of Health for a deep dive into how UV lamps can help with Vitamin D. And if you’re looking to try one, this UV Lamp comes highly recommended: Find Your UV Lamp Here: https://amzn.to/3MHRyU9
15. Summertime Stock-up: Take advantage of the longer days by spending more time outdoors. The summer sun is a great natural source of Vitamin D, so soak it up by engaging in outdoor activities and eating meals outside when you can.
Final thoughts on the Sunshine Vitamin….
As we wrap up, remember that getting your vitamin D can be as easy as enjoying the sunshine on a brisk walk or choosing the right foods. It’s about the small, daily choices that add up to a big impact on your health. Here’s to maintaining your vitamin D, and your well-being, with simplicity and ease…one ray of sunshine at a time!
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