Hey there, I noticed the sun was out today, awesome! But here in Montana, it’s likely to turn to snow again before we know it! I love it when I can get a walk in the sun because then I can boost my Vitamin D. Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced in your skin in response to sunlight. Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to sunlight. You can also get it through certain foods and supplements to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin in your blood.
And guess what, most Montanan’s are deficient when it comes to Vitamin D. Unless you take supplements, it’s virtually guaranteed you don’t get enough.
If you have a moment, watch this 29-second video where I talk about the importance of Vitamin D and how you can test your levels.
Why should you care? Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and facilitating normal immune system function.
Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases. And if you have kids, they are always bringing home these to test your immune system, right?!
If your body doesn’t get enough vitamin D, you’re at risk of developing bone abnormalities such as soft bones (osteomalacia) or fragile bones (osteoporosis).
Here are three more surprising benefits of vitamin D.
1. Vitamin D fights disease
2. Vitamin D reduces depression
3. Vitamin D boosts weight loss
Few foods contain vitamin D naturally. Because of this, some foods are fortified. This means that vitamin D has been added. It can be hard to get enough vitamin D each day through sun exposure and food alone, so taking vitamin D supplements can help.
Stop on by our office, we carry some supplements and can help you figure out if you are getting enough Vitamin D.
Best wishes!
Dr. Spence Jahner
Joint Repair Clinic of Montana
(406) 522-9959
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