Vitamin D

VITAMIN D is a fat soluble micronutrient (it can be stored in your body) that is necessary for hundreds of key functions.

If you're feeling a little low this time of year, it could be due to lower levels of Vitamin D, which our bodies naturally synthesize using sunlight absorbed through the skin. Our bodies use Vitamin D to support production of happy hormones serotonin and dopamine. It can be a challenge to get enough natural Vitamin D during the short days of Winter in the Northeast.

Try This: If you see the sun is shining in the morning, even if it's chilly, get outside, and get some sunshine on your face. If you can manage it without sunglasses, even better. The skin on your face can absorb sunlight at a higher rate because it is typically thinner. This will set your body clock, boost your natural happy hormones, and could just get your day off to a better start!

Vitamin D Facts You Need to Know, and WHY!

☀️ It is classified as a vitamin, but is technically a STEROID HORMONE that is produced from a reaction between sunlight exposure and cholesterol in your skin.

🧬Almost every single cell in the body has Vitamin D Receptors (VDRs). When the active form of Vitamin D (calcitriol) binds to the VDRs, it turns genes on or off, leading to changes in your cells.

🧲 It also promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from your gut to maintain bone 🦴 strength and skeletal integrity. 

According to recent studies, at least 40% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D Deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies and has been associated with depression and other mood disorders due to its essential role in hormone production.

❤️ Studies also indicate that people with low levels have a much greater risk of heart disease, diabetes (types 1 and 2), cancer, dementia, and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

 Very few food sources of Vitamin D exist, the most readily available and highest concentration comes from cod liver oil (one tablespoon contains almost twice the recommended daily intake). Salmon and egg yolks also contain some Vitamin D. Some dairy products are fortified with the vitamin to reduce deficiency rates among the population.

💊Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for children over age 1 through adults up to age 70 is 600IU (15mcg) per day. Supplementation may be at higher doses until optimal serum (blood) levels are achieved.

​Try This: If you see the sun is shining in the morning, even if it's chilly, get outside, and get some sunshine on your face. If you can manage it without sunglasses, even better. The skin on your face can absorb sunlight at a higher rate because it is typically thinner. This will set your body clock, boost your natural happy hormones, and could just get your day off to a better start!

👙 Spending just 10 minutes in the sun per day (without sunscreen and not behind glass) with arms and legs exposed to sun can produce enough Vitamin D to begin increasing levels.

🧴 Apply sunscreen after 10 to 30 minutes, depending on sun sensitivity and for the remainder of sun exposure to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancers.

Before considering supplements, remember that nutrients are best absorbed by a healthy gut.

Want the scoop on the best gut-healing and brain-boosting system to support a healthy microbiome?  For a high quality Vitamin D Supplement, check this out. 

Have other questions about essential nutrients, and how to get them? Send us a note, or drop a comment on the post!

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