I was sitting outside over the weekend in 70 degree sunshine watching the girls swim. It was only for an hour, but we managed to sunburn our shoulders.
Oops, summer is almost here!
Which reminds me, if you want to start the summer feeling pounds lighter, brighter, and full of energy, this Friday is THE LAST DAY to register for spring’s signature detox program at the early bird rate. I’d love for you to join me!
If it speaks to you, you can do that, here.
If not, that’s ok too. Today, I want to talk to you about one of the most intensely studied yet widely debated nutrients in recent years, and that’s Vitamin D. Most people are deficient in this super-vitamin, and yet a deficiency will have profound effects on your health.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to digestive issues, bone issues, weight issues, immune issues, and mood issues like anxiety and depression. But that’s not all. This underrated vitamin affects chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Wow.
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient, but difficult to get on your plate. Healthy foods that naturally supply vitamin D include: salmon, sardines, eggs, and shitake mushrooms. But, it’s nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from these foods alone.
Even “vitamin D-rich” processed products, like milk, aren’t going to be enough. You’d have to drink 10 tall glasses of fortified milk just to get minimum levels of vitamin D into your diet.
About 10 years ago, researchers discovered that people living in warmer climates with plenty of natural exposure to sunshine had less chronic disease. And studies now show that between 60 and 80% of Americans in northern climates are vitamin D deficient. These findings indicate that the only reliable way to get vitamin D is through exposure to the sun.
In order to build up your vitamin D levels, you have to go outside in the sun WITHOUT SUNSCREEN. Fifteen to twenty minutes mid-day during the summer months is enough to restore your current levels and build a supply for winter.
Just be sure you remember your sunscreen afterwards to protect your skin so you don’t burn like I did last weekend.
The best part about getting vitamin D from sunshine is that it boosts your endorphins, the happy hormones that prevent anxiety and depression.
Your Simple Action Plan:
Vitamin D is the perfect excuse to get outside and take in the sunshine. Enjoy a Vitamin D break this week. It’s free!
For the best food source of vitamin D, salmon, try my favorite recipe here:
Herb Salmon
