Add Sunshine to Your Life with Vitamin D
Originally discovered as a remedy for rickets, a bone-weakening disease, vitamin D continues to be a hero for our health in many more ways than scientists could have imagined.
November 22, 2024
Vitamin D earned its nickname, "The Sunshine Vitamin," because it’s one of the rare nutrients that our bodies can produce naturally, all thanks to sunlight. Originally discovered as a remedy for rickets, a bone-weakening disease, vitamin D continues to be a hero for our health in many more ways than scientists could have imagined.
The Many Benefits of Vitamin D
As research continues, the list of health benefits associated with vitamin D only grows. Here are three key ways vitamin D supports a healthy body and mind:
1. Bone Building
Along with calcium, magnesium and other heavy hitters, vitamin D promotes stronger bones. It regulates the body’s absorption of calcium and phosphorus, thereby helping these minerals reinforce bones and teeth. D is especially important for anyone concerned about bone strength, including women who may experience bone loss as estrogen levels drop.
2. Immune Boosting
Vitamin D jumpstarts immune response in both the innate and adaptive branches of this system. It also helps with the production and function of lymphocytes, cytokines and macrophages – specialized immune cells that help your body kick germs to the curb.
Adaptive – Recognizes germs as invaders and targets them for destruction. It creates an “antigen memory” of each unfriendly invader, so it can react faster the next time it encounters that same bad actor.
3. Mood Managing
Getting plenty of vitamin D can lift your spirits and help regulate mood. Experts say to shoot for 2,000+ IU per day for mood support.
- One study of more than 7,500 people found that taking vitamin D helped improve negative emotions.
- A separate study showed that having low levels of vitamin D can increase the risk of both joint discomfort and mood issues.
Getting Enough Vitamin D – Without the Cod Liver Oil
Luckily, you don’t have to eat fish liver to get all the benefits of D. Foods like eggs, tuna, salmon, mushrooms and nutrient-fortified dairy products and cereal offer a daily dose of this master nutrient. And supplements are an easy option.
The Sunshine Factor
Where you live makes a difference in your health. Those in cloudy climates, high latitudes, hot deserts or anywhere it’s challenging to be in the sun for 15+ minutes a day should be sure to supplement with vitamin D, and turn up the sunshine.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-vitamin-d#may-regulate-mood
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