Get Some Sunshine, Even If It's Raining

I'm in here writing and outside it's raining. Wishful thinking isn't the only reason that I'm writing about the sunshine vitamin.  We've gotten into the habit of slathering ourselves, our children and our babies with sunblock, even when the sun isn't shining. After all, those dangerous rays can go through the clouds and wreck havoc on our skin. Skin cancer is a serious concern and we should do whatever we can to protect ourselves.  But by blocking the sun from our skin we may be also blocking vitamin D. This is a vitamin that the body makes from sunlight.  It is also found in fortified milk and cereal, eggs, salmon, tuna and mackerel.  Unfortunately the amount we get from food sources is way below what we need to be and stay healthy.  The amount of vitamin D we need has increased since 2005 from 400 IU to 100 IU to 2000 IU.  What does vitamin D do? It works in calcium absorption, which means that it makes bones strong. This is especially important to women  and seniors. Recently it has been linked to the reduction of  some serious diseases such as breast cancer and kidney disease.  Unfortunately about half of all adults and children have less than optimum levels of vitamin D. What can you do to increase vitamin D? Get 15 minutes of sun on your skin everyday.  Babies benefit from having 20 minutes of sun on their checks. If you are concerned that your vitamin D levels are low, get them checked. Until the sun comes out again (and even when it does) take a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D3 is the most easily absorbed. To learn more about your individual vitamin and nutritional needs call me for a consultation. I have a special this month so there are no excuses!

              Here's to good health. Come rain or shine. ~ Laura