Joy in Vitamin D

Hey Sunshine! Did you know there are over 70 songs about the sun (thank you, Google!)? Top of my list: Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me, Here Comes The Sun and yes, a little bit of Broadway, please, The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow. A sunny song sure makes a sunny day even better!

And how about this for more good news (we can all use a little more goodness right now)… The sun may actually help us in the fight against Covid-19. I culled through some of the news buzz and am happy to share… The sun is great for:

Improving Your Immune System;

Enhancing Your Mood; Alleviating Depression;
Relieving Stress;
Improving Sleep; and,
Maintaining Healthy Bones.

How does it all work? It’s the magic of Vitamin D! When we are exposed to sunlight, our bodies produce Vitamin D. It travels to the liver then to the kidney where it becomes an active hormone. As a hormone, it does its magic by increasing the transport of calcium from foods to maintain healthy bones and it helps in the regulation of the “inflammatory cytokine response” which causes the “acute respiratory distress syndrome” associated with Covid-19.

Early research shows that “sunny countries at lower latitudes, such as Spain and Northern Italy, had low concentrations of vitamin D and high rates of deficiency. This is also where Europe had the highest infection and death rates.”

Whereas, “the northern latitude countries of Norway, Finland and Sweden have higher vitamin D levels because supplementation is more common. These countries have lower infection and death rates.” (see full article at: https://scitechdaily.com/vitamin-d-determines-severity-in-covid-19-researchers-urge-government-to-change-advice/)

Remember, too much sun can be dangerous. Leave the baby oil in the cabinet, please. The experts advise limiting direct sunlight exposure without UVB protection to 15-20 minutes each day.

With regards to vitamin D nutrition, these northern countries enjoy a diet full of fish and cod liver oil. There are many more food sources rich in vitamin D. Especially if you’re not a big fan of cod liver oil and fishy burps like me. Be sure to add some of these goodies to your next shopping list: salmon, trout, ham, yogurt, milk (soy, almond)) orange juice, pork chops, sardines, eggs, chicken, cheddar cheese and mushrooms. Always check with your physician on taking vitamin D supplements. I like to add a powdered supplement to my daily smoothie (immediate absorption). I discovered it 12 years ago specifically for my cancer survivor son. My whole family has benefited from more well days as a result.

Take a moment to self-care, everyday. Whatever that means for you: curl up with a good book, bake some goodies, connect with a friend, pray, stretch, exercise, put on some dancing music, etc. And, get “Walking On Sunshine” as often as you can. Your physical and emotional self will thank you!

Bonus Read (click here): See my morning smoothie recipe and supplementation regime!