Tag Archives: Vitamin D

The Benefits of Sunlight!

benefits of sun

Spring is a time of renewal, and we are able to get outside so much more and enjoy the benefits of sunshine and fresh air! I would add to the list below, that sunshine can help with depression, children thrive and grow more in the Summer, our hair grows faster, sunlight kills bacteria, and benefits skin disorders such as eczema, acne, and fungal infections. It is especially beneficial to get outside in the mornings for sleep, because this sets our circadian rhythm, our internal body clock which tells us when to sleep, rise, eat, and go to bed.

I always sleep better in the Summer and on days when I am outside more. I have had my Vitamin D levels checked twice a year for several years, and I don’t have to supplement in the Summertime, because my levels go up due to the increased sunshine!!! I’m living proof straight from the lab that we absorb Vitamin D from the sun. My hair definitely grows faster in the Summer. Does yours? My children have all had big growth spurts in the Summer and always go back to school looking healthier, with rosy cheeks and a glow to their skin!

Remember to wear your sunscreen and spend no more than 15 minutes in the sun without it. Enjoy the benefits of our beautiful Sun!

Have a super day!

Sandra

Benefits of Vitamin D and Deficiency

61624725 - foods rich in vitamin d. top view

Vitamin D deficiency is high, especially in the winter months. It is estimated 50% of people are deficient. I have my vitamin D levels tested every year. There are three ways to get vitamin D…..UV light (sunlight), food, and supplements. My levels go up during the Summer, because I am outdoors so much, and they also gets very low in the winter months, so my doctor has me take a supplement. It is a good idea to get your vitamin D levels tested by your doctor, include foods rich in Vitamin D in your diet, and supplement if needed with Vitamin D3. You should not do this on your own, because you can get too much Vitamin D. Vitamin D is supportive to our immune systems, aids calcium absorption, and cardiovascular health. It is a hormone, not a vitamin, and is necessary for our immune systems to function properly. The top food sources in order are, maitake mushrooms, swordfish, sockeye salmon, chanterelle mushrooms, canned tuna fish, fortified orange juice, milk and egg yolks. Learn more in this detailed research article on the best Vitamin D supplements by reviews.com here. Reviews.com gives you information on how to get tested, the importance of third party testing when choosing a supplement, and their top picks.

Here are some recipes to get in some Vitamin D rich foods as well!

Greek Salad with Salmon Skewers

Honey Drizzled Wild Salmon on a Bed of Butternut Topped with Spinach

Egg, Parsnip and Celeriac Hash Brown Skillet

Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Happy Healthy Winter!
Sandra Shields, Certified Health Coach

I do not get paid to give this advice on Vitamin D.

Disclaimer: This medical information is not advice and should not be treated as such. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements or vitamins. The medical information on this website is provided without any representations or warranties, express or implied. You must not rely on the information on my website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.

Ming Hibernates

I know dogs technically don’t hibernate, and people don’t either, but sometimes we kinda do. With the shorter days of winter and colder weather here on the East Coast, Ming sleeps a lot more. She likes to find a patch of sunlight coming in through a window and camp out in the sunshine. Maybe she innately knows she needs her Vitamin D. She has a favorite blanket also. It is this red one. It came with her as a puppy. Did I mention she was a Christmas gift from my husband Doug? She is the first pet gift I had ever received. I can’t imagine not having Ming Ming, she has become such an important part of our family.

Ming does quite a few tricks now, but never if you don’t have a treat in your hand. She will sit, shake, lie down, roll over and dance! Often, this is in succession in a wild frenetic attempt to obtain her treat. You have to see her dance! I have tried to fool her into thinking I have a treat in my hand and get her to do tricks, but she is too smart, I can’t fool her. You see, the way to Ming’s heart is through food, although she also enjoys a good scratch and a warm lap to sit in. That is not the way with all dogs, or pugs, even though they are known to be gluts. Our black pug, Lily, responds to praise and body contact. She will press against you tightly and close her eyes in ecstasy, no food involved. But for Ming, it is food. That is her love language.

So Ming continues to enjoy a relaxing winter, with a daily walk outside, good food to eat, good company, a patch of sunshine, and her blanket. Spring will be here soon. We will Spring ahead in a few weeks, and she will come out of her hibernation mode.