Increase your Vitamin D Intake

Vitamin D is essential to a balanced and healthy body. We often hear about this vitamin associated with the sun; however, Vitamin D is also found in food and supplemental form. Exposure to sunlight naturally gives our bodies Vitamin D by aiding the absorption of calcium into the body. Vitamin D, among other things, is essential for helping bones absorb calcium, keeping them strong to prevent osteoporosis.

However, as great as natural sunlight sounds to all of us, many of our lives are spent inside working, in front of a computer, or in a car. Amidst the busy schedules of life, try to incorporate ways to increase Vitamin D in your lifestyle. Moderate exposure to the sun can be beneficial without a huge time commitment. Try adding more outdoor sunshine to your life by taking a walk over your lunch break, eating dinner outside, or if possible bike to work.

Let’s be honest, some days are easier than others to get outdoors. For the harder days there are a few food sources of Vitamin D that you can focus on bringing into your diet. Salmon, tuna, sardines, eggs and fortified milk are all sources of Vitamin D. Supplemental forms of Vitamin D are also available. See your local pharmacy or vitamin store to purchase Vitamin D supplements.

Challenge yourself to increase your exposure to the sun, add Vitamin D food sources to your diet and/or take a supplement. Vitamin D will help you sustain a healthy and balanced body and life. Take the necessary steps now to prevent health issues in the future. We are naturally given Vitamin D by the sunshine- find ways to get outside and enjoy the nice weather this season.