If you want to get enough vitamin D, go outside more often. Sunlight is the most natural and best source of vitamin D. The human body is designed to get the required vitamin D by producing it when the bare skin is exposed to sunlight.
The energy of the sun turns the chemical in your skin into vitamin D3, which is transported to your liver and to your kidneys to transform it to active vitamin D. When a person exposes large parts of their body to the summer sun, the skin produces large quantities of vitamin D.
So, if you are planning trips to the beach or getting involved in other outdoor activities, consider the health benefits of sunlightbefore using any sunscreen products. Vitamin D is a highly essential element in maintaining a healthy immune system. Thus, exposing your skin to the sunshine for about five to thirty minutes may actually be good for your wellbeing.
How to Get Enough Vitamin D to be Healthy
By exposing the skin until barely pink allows your body to produce 10,000 to 25,000 IU of vitamin D; however, more exposure time can lead to sunburn and cancer risk. Approximately 15 minutes of sunlight per day on bare arms and legs, and not using sunscreen will generally produce sufficient vitamin D.
Though it may sound simple to get enough vitamin D, the truth is, it’s not. This is because there is a modern epidemic of vitamin D deficiency, especially in developed countries like Australia. Several factors can play a role; one of these is limited exposure to sunlight.
Other major factors include the use of sunscreens and clothing. SPF 15 sunblock can reduce the production of vitamin D in the skin by up to 99%. Also, in our modern society, most individuals spend vast amounts of their day staying indoors, and when venturing out into the sun, instead of exposing their bare arms and legs, they are often fully clothed.
On the other hand, there are factors that also contribute to the amount of vitamin D your skin can produce. Elderly people and those with darker skin will make less vitamin D from the same amount of exposure to the sun. Also, glass prevents all UVB rays from entering. That’s why, even staying behind the glass makes you feel warm while the sun is up, the sunshine will not provide the vitamin D you need to be healthy.
Other Sources of Vitamin D
In addition to sun exposure, here are some other natural sources of vitamin D:
- Oily fish such as cod, salmon, and tuna
- Egg yolks
- Beef liver
- Oysters
- Caviar
- Fortified cereals
- Fortified soy products
Get Enough Sunshine in Life!
If you think you need more sun in your life, and getting a good dose of Vitamin D, then it’s time to change your attitude about your sun exposure. How much sunlight is adequate will also depend on the time of day and time of year. Vitamin D has a significant role to play in our wellbeing, so getting accurate information about it is important. At Hinterland Chiropractic, our health professionals can also thoroughly assess your nutritional needs aside from focusing on correcting spinal misalignments.
See us today and receive a COMPLETE Consultation and Examination. Yours for ONLY $45! Call us today on 07 5527 3133 or simply book your appointment online.