It brings warmth, positive radiation and vitamin D to creatures everywhere and this week it's imperative to diagnose the real issue with sun exposure:
there's a serious vitamin deficiency in our country.
4 out of every 10 Americans suffer from a diagnosed vitamin D deficiency, which means an increased risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, cardiovascular deterioration, mood and sleep disruption, and decreased immune function. These issues, chronic and painful to our health, only scratch the surface! Supplements designed to replenish our natural intake of vitamin D without sunlight exposure are not readily absorbed and utilized by the body at all times, making a solution to this issue a complicated one.
What scientists know for sure, based on research and observation:
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When in doubt, check 3:
1. Am I eating at least 6 servings of leafy green vegetables a week?
Leafy green vegetables contain a multitude of vitamin D, calcium, and other essential vitamins and minerals that easily break down in the body without much energy. Spinach, baby kale, collard greens, chard, broccoli, and brussels sprouts are fantastic options.
2. Was I in the sun for at least 15 minutes today?
Science varies based on study, but 15 minutes is the average safe time a person needs to be exposed to natural sunlight a day in order to continue vitamin D production in the body. When it's not sunny outside, diet and supplement sources of vitamin D are needed.
3. Is my Vitamin D supplement food-based?
Food based vitamins are supplements made by fermenting real fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains until the singular vitamins and minerals are extracted from the original food. Traditional supplements are made in a laboratory, artificially created with molecules that were not taken from its natural state.
Find food based vitamins to ensure that your supplementation is effective. Organic Authority's list of "6 Best Food Based Vitamins and Supplements (That Actually Work)" is a fantastic place to start.