One of the biggest health concerns you may face during the cold winter months is how to get enough Vitamin D. While ensuring you get the right vitamins and minerals is important at any time of year; Vitamin D can be tricky to come by during the winter. During the cold winter months, the sun is hidden from view much of the time. It also doesn’t have as many hours above the horizon as it does at other times of the year. What’s this have to do with getting enough Vitamin D? Our body can use the sun to generate its own Vitamin D. Without it, we have to find other sources.
Why You Need Vitamin D
Vitamin performs a great many functions in the human body. It used to be believed that the important role of Vitamin D was restrained to helping us use calcium in building strong teeth and bones. More research has revealed it has a role to play in our immune system, nerves, and even the health of our muscles. Without sufficient Vitamin D, you may begin to develop osteoporosis, rickets, hypertension, diabetes, and other bone disorders. Nearly 41% of all the people in America fail to get enough Vitamin D in their diet. This means, even during the height of Summer, there’s a decent likelihood you’re not getting enough. Consider following these tips to get more vitamin D throughout the winter and the rest of the year.
- Eat Smart – There are plenty of foods out there that can provide you with the Vitamin D you need. Fatty fish like tuna, pork, mushrooms, eggs, cheese, and of course yogurt and milk are all high in Vitamin D.
- Get Outside – Even in the darkest days of winter, you can get Vitamin D by spending time in the available sun. Just 15-30 minutes a day in full sunlight is enough to generate all the vitamin D you need. Just do this a few days a week for the best effect.’
- Supplements Are King – There are plenty of over-the-counter supplements you can take to get more vitamin D in your diet. They come in multiple doses and don’t require a prescription. Just take care to meticulously follow the instructions.
In addition to all the abundant wonderful things that Vitamin D can do, it’s also capable of protecting your oral health in amazing ways. It can keep gum disease at bay, fight bacteria in your veins, and much more. It really is an incredible little nutrient that never stops working to protect your health.
Speak To Your Health Provider For More Tips
Many people don’t get enough Vitamin D in their diet, but you don’t have to be one of them. You can call for a consultation with your physician to find out if you need to focus on getting more vitamin D in your diet. They’ll go over your daily activities, your dietary choices, and other aspects of your health to help you take steps to get back on track.
