Vitamin D

As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, we look forward to cozy nights by the fire, festive parties, and memorable ski trips with friends. But, along with everything we celebrate throughout the season, there are a few things we’d rather skip. Namely, the dreaded flu season and those sneaky winter blues.

So how is it that sickness and depression can often creep up on us during a time when our mugs of hot cocoa are overflowing? There answer is simple one that most of us forget: we are not getting enough Vitamin D.

When we are exposed to UVB rays from the sun, our bodies naturally produce Vitamin D. This “sunshine vitamin” is crucial to our health and has been shown to prevent several illnesses such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and depression. Every cell in our body has a receptor for Vitamin D, which allows it to prevent against illness and strengthen our immune system while also balancing our moods to fight against depression. What’s more, Vitamin D is one of the easiest vitamins to get. That is, if the weather’s nice.

All it takes is 10-20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to your arms, legs, and face at least three times a week to absorb the recommended amount.

All it takes is 10-20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to your arms, legs, and face at least three times a week to absorb the recommended amount. Most of us, however, don’t live in locations where we’re able to step outside without a coat, hat, and gloves during the winter. And, even if you are brave enough to step out into the chilly air in a sundress for the name of health, the days are too short and the sun is at too low an angle during these months to provide you with a sufficient amount of Vitamin D.

You can also pile your plate with the few Vitamin D-rich foods nature provides like fatty fish (salmon or trout), egg yolks, mushrooms or cod liver oil to get it straight from the source.

This means it is crucial to do some research and find some other ways to get your Vitamin D. Of course, you could pick it up or order it as a supplement. Dr. Steven Gundry does recommend upping your intake of Vitamin D for at least three to four days when you feel a cold coming on. You can also pile your plate with the few Vitamin D-rich foods nature provides like fatty fish (salmon or trout), egg yolks, mushrooms or cod liver oil to get it straight from the source.

Also consider taking some time off during the winter to soak up the sun in a tropical location. Travel to that exotic Caribbean island you’ve been dreaming of or look into cruises that bring you to several different locations for a faster paced vacation. Plenty of health professionals also lead inspiring retreats to sunny locations across the globe that combine yoga, whole foods, and other health practices for a well-rounded wellness experience.

Switch out some of your light bulbs for UVB lights or invest in a UVB lamp to sit in front of for a few minutes each day.

Can’t get away? Simply switch out some of your lightbulbs for UVB lights or invest in a UVB lamp to sit in front of for a few minutes each day. Studies have shown that your body will be able to use these UVB rays to produce Vitamin D just as well as rays from the sun. ‘Luminotherapy’ lamps have even been shown to help overcome depression when the days get shorter although the long term effects are still being researched. (Find it HERE) Still, we’ll let you make the call if sipping on a tropical smoothie and playing some ocean tunes is the next best thing to really being at the beach.

One thing we do know is that Vitamin D can act as a secret defense against illness and depression during the winter months. So, however you choose to take it in, rest assured that you are getting enough Vitamin D to celebrate a healthy season spent with friends and family rather than in bed with the sniffles.