With the shorter, colder days of Winter upon us, obviously our bodies are getting less sunlight than during the warmer, Summer months.
And while many enjoy the warmer months and those long Summer days under the sun, sunshine is actually more than just another indulgence. ‘
Our bodies need a certain amount of sunshine as a source of much needed Vitamin D.
So what exactly is vitamin D and why do we need it?
Vitamin D serves several key roles in our body, including, and maybe most importantly, the absorption of calcium and phosphate and maintaining the body’s immune system.
Without enough Vitamin D, our bones can become soft and brittle. In fact conditions like osteoporosis may be brought on by a deficiency in the body’s vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D helps the body in other ways too, including reducing your risk of multiple sclerosis, heart disease and even the flu virus!
Ever wonder why we get so many colds and illnesses over Winter as compared to Summer. In part it’s because our body’s receive less Vitamin D and as a result, our weakened immune systems become more susceptible to whatever illnesses are going around.
Vitamin D can also have an effect on our psychology as well as our physiology.
Research has shown Vitamin D is effective in regulating mood and reducing depression. This might explain why so many people feel depressed over Winter and suffer from the ‘Winter blues’!
There’s one other way Vitamin D can be helpful, and given the time of year, especially with the traditional setting of New Years resolutions, Vitamin D can actually assist with weight loss!
So, if you’ve considered starting a weight loss program like our Ideal Protein System, as part of your New Years resolution, Vitamin D might help you accelerate your results.
So how do you get more Vitamin D into your body when the sunshine route simply isn’t cooperating?
One way is thru taking a Vitamin D supplement.
While nothing quite replicates the natural benefits of Vitamin D from the sun, a good supplement can really help maintain the body’s Vitamin D requirements. We carry a great one at the Medicine Shoppe in West Kelowna called Diem Vitamin D.
If you’d like more information on Vitamin D or to find out how much Vitamin D through supplements you should be taking, give Paolo or Tracey a call at the store and they’ll be happy to help you.
Have a happy holiday an