Are You Missing the Sun? How to Get More Vitamin D
By Genevieve Cunningham
The winter months can be fun. Snow, fires, cozy sweaters. There's a lot to love. But even if you're a winter lover, it can get daunting. You may find yourself missing the bright sun and warm rays. If so, you're definitely not alone! Part of what you're missing is indeed the warmth, but it's also possible that your body is craving a very important vitamin -- Vitamin D. So how can we get more of this vitamin while we wait for spring? It's easier than you think. If you need to add some Vitamin D to your life this winter, take a look at these little habits you can start right now.
You Can Drink Milk
Milk is fortified with Vitamin D. While it shouldn't be your sole source of this vitamin, it's a great way to get a little extra. Milk is also a great source of calcium, and Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb the calcium so that we can experience the benefits of both. If you enjoy milk, just add a cup of cold milk to your routine. If you're not a fan of milk, consider adding it to a smoothie so that you get the benefit without the obvious taste.
You Can Take a Supplement
One sure way to get Vitamin D into your life is to take a supplement. Supplements come in multiple forms, so you can take just a small amount, or it can be much greater. If you're curious just how much you need, your doctor can perform a blood test to determine your current level of Vitamin D, and then they can make a recommendation. You can also stay conservative and take a multivitamin containing Vitamin D for a moderate amount -- plus lots of other necessary nutrients along with it.
Eat Some Yolk
Eggs are delicious. They contain both protein and fat -- both of which you need in your diet. But if you eat the yolk, you'll also get a healthy dose of Vitamin D. This can't be your only source of Vitamin D; you'll need a lot more than that. But it's an excellent way to get a small boost of this vitamin on a regular basis.
The body needs Vitamin D. We need it for strong bones, healthy minds, and good sleep. We literally can't live without it! But without the sun, it's hard to get enough. Use these resources to get a little bit more Vitamin D into your life, and improve your health through the winter and beyond.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Collins, Colo.