I’m sure we’ve all noticed (and are probably lamenting) the shorter days as we make the transition from what felt like endless summer suddenly grinding to a halt. For those of us working office hours, it can feel like the sun has barely poked its head out when we leave in the morning and we’re heading back home to darkness.
Unfortunately shorter days mean we have less time to soak up the sunshine and top up our Vitamin D levels.
You may not realise it, but Vitamin D plays several vital roles in our overall health, not the least regulating our mood, which goes a long way to explaining the winter blues! Concerningly, one in four Aussies are Vitamin D deficient! Let’s take a closer look at what Vitamin D does for us and how we can make the most of it.
Vitamin D:
- Protects our bones by promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphorous in our gut
- Increases muscle strength
- Can regulate mood and help ward off depression
- Promotes cardiovascular (heart) health
- According to research by Harvard University,* “ laboratory studies show that Vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation.”
- There are currently multiple studies looking at Vitamin D’s role in preventing or lessening autoimmune diseases and supporting healthy immune system function.
Vitamin D deficiency is more likely in people with vegan diets, those with lower exposure to the sun’s rays and people with serious digestive issues. If you’ve undergone gastric banding or bypass surgery, keeping an eye on your vitamin D absorption is also recommended.
The good news is that if your sun exposure has decreased you can consume Vitamin D in fortified milk, egg yolks and fatty fish. However optimal absorption is directly from the sun's rays, so even in winter, try and make it your mission to find a sunny spot for 15-20 minutes a day.
When will you get your Vitamin D? Heading out for a walk at lunch? With your 10am coffee? Make Vitamin D part of your routine. Your body, digestive system and bones will thank you for it!
*https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/
