Vitamin D: Time to think about it

Essential to our diet. Why? It isn’t found in most foods with only a few exceptions such as salmon and mackerel.  Furthermore, it’s known as a fundamental life-giving hormone because  it’s naturally derived from sunshine!

As the days grow shorter, now is time to think about increasing your intake of Vitamin D. Especially if you live in the colder climates, it’s important to be mindful of the amount of Vitamin D you are taking in. As winter approaches, we are wearing long sleeves and indoors. This greatly decreases the amount of Vitamin D that we receive through the sun, so it’s necessary to add a supplement. While many cereals and other packaged foods are fortified with vitamins and minerals, it may not be enough to prevent specific illnesses.

Vitamin D can aid in the prevention of Heart Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, High Blood Pressure, Influenza and Depression to name just a few. Keep in mind as the sunlight per day decreases, our moods can be affected. In an effort to keep smiling and stay healthy, grab a bottle of Vitamin D3 on your next shopping trip. Each bottle of may vary in regards to potency, but many physicians recommend no more than 10,000IU’s per day. It is a fat soluble vitamin, and it is enriched in many of the food we eat, so don’t overdo it! If you are taking more than the recommended dosage, you should consult your physician. 

Sometimes we need to checkout...

Life doesn’t always make time for us to slow down, but sometimes it’s inevitable.  If we demand too much of ourselves by continuing to move full steam ahead then eventually it catches up and life come to a screeching halt!

We need to remind ourselves that life is a journey, not a destination. We will have our laundry list of household chores, commitments to social engagements, obligations to our career and precious moments to spend with our family. It’s essential for us to listen to our body when it’s asking us to slow down.  As the season is changing from summer to fall, we are seeing reminders everywhere to get our flu shot, and cold medicine commercials are in full swing as we gear up to strengthen our immune system in an effort to prevent the drudgery of not feeling well.

Start by making sure you’re taking a multi-vitamin every day. With the hours of daylight decreasing, it might be necessary for you to add Vitamin D into your daily regimen as well. Make sure you’re moving throughout the day- it’s a perfect time of year to keep a pair of sneakers in your trunk. Take 20 minutes at lunch, after work or whenever available to go for a walk. Keep your hands clean by keeping sanitizer available for when you need it. Doing all of this provides excellent prevention, but if you do become under the weather, then take time to go to the doctor if necessary, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. It’s a busy world out there and we have to be healthy to enjoy it!