Boost your Immune Health this winter with Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which is found in very few foods. Our main source of this vital nutrient is the sun, which we absorb from the UVB rays through our skin. Our body needs optimal levels as it’s necessary to not only help us absorb calcium so that we can build healthy bones, teeth and muscles, but it’s necessary for our immunity and as it acts like a hormone it can help brain function and balance mood too.

Ideally we should be getting enough sun exposure during the summer months so that we can store it in our body to be used during the winter months. However, in reality this rarely happens! Living in the UK/Ireland our exposure is limited as we’re inside a lot more now and generally we don’t get enough sunny days during the summer to store enough D for the winter. When the sun’s out we tend to slap on sunscreen (which is important to keep sun-safe too) which will block our absorption too.

Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly common especially for those who have a health condition, for those who spend lots of time indoors, have darker skin, are obese, pregnant and also in children. Deficiency can put us at increase risk of infections and immune disorders, depression, cognitive decline, autoimmunity and chronic fatigue.

We are all encouraged to take a Vitamin D supplement all year round now. I advise and arrange testing for all my clients so that they can check their Vitamin D blood levels. I recommend a good quality supplement and dosage to help them achieve and maintain optimal blood levels and help their immune system function well throughout winter.

Please get in touch if you’d like advice about Vitamin D testing or a free discovery call.