Why You Need Vitamin D, and How to Get it in the Winter

   In the Summertime, the sun is shining, bikinis are out, and all is right in the world. In these winter months, it can be a bit more difficult to feel the same way. Why is this? Living in California, I must admit am pretty spoiled about much of the world, where winters are not too harsh, and we always have a good amount of sunshine. There is still something about the warmer summer months that makes my whole aesthetic a little brighter than the winter. It turns out that the culprit here is Vitamin D. The sunshine is less a part of our daily routine, and far too often our bodies, our skin, and even our mood reflect it. What is it with the sun, anyway?  It’s important for our minds, our bods and our the smile on our face to make sure we stay close with our dear friend, Vitamin D. This can be a bit tricky, but not impossible in the winter months. 

Vitamin D is useful for Calcium absorption and supporting bone growth and dental health. Often called the “sunshine vitamin” because sun exposure is the most effective and most natural way to get adequate amounts of Vitamin D. Spending time at the beach, hiking, or basically doing anything outdoors instead of sitting inside watching New Girl reruns can expose you to Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is an effective way to fight depression; it’s no wonder beach bums have a reputation of being happier people. Now don’t think you have to quit your day job, up and move to a shack on the beach to get an appropriate amount of Vitamin D. Studies show that as little as 10 minutes a day can be all you need for your body to have a sufficient amount. If you just can’t find the time or the sunshine to get Vitamin D naturally, you may consider taking dietary supplements to make up for the lack. However, be sure to monitor your levels and not remain on it once your levels return to normal. Vitamin D can also be found naturally in many foods such as milk, salmon, and egg yolk so whipping yourself up a nice eggs benedict can also do the trick.

Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to various forms of cancer, depression, weight gain, and other illnesses from a weak immune system… staying indoors and skimping on the sunshine can have more negative effects than just losing your tan. A sufficient amount of Vitamin D can promote weight loss, so getting that beachy bikini bod you’ve always wanted can really be as simple as putting a bikini on your bod and going to the beach… who’da thunk? On the days where you are feeling blue, want to skip the gym, or you need a sick day, instead of reaching for the remote: reach for your bikini, a hammock, or a pair of shades and catch some rays. Sometimes, sunshine is the best medicine of all.

xo,