Vitamin D

As you and I enter the month of May we are thinking about an important vitamin for our bodies, Vitamin D.

Our weather is starting to warm up in many areas and as the month goes on it should spread across these United States.  Flowers begin to sprout, the grass starts to grow, and tree buds turn into leaves.

The sun also gets higher in the sky and stronger.  While you need to be careful about the sun’s rays on your skin, the sun also plays a role with Vitamin D.  

The sun is a natural way for your body to absorb Vitamin D.  In fact, without any sun you can run into a Vitamin D deficiency which can cause a lot of problems.

This vitamin works hand-in-hand with calcium to help your bones.  Your body needs Vitamin D in order to absorb the calcium needed for strong bones.

Additionally, Vitamin D helps support your immune health, the functioning of your muscles and your brain cells.  This mighty vitamin contains antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory.

The sun is one way to absorb Vitamin D and food is another way.  You’ll find significant amounts of the vitamin in fish like salmon, mackerel swordfish, tuna fish and sardines.  

If you happen to be a fan of cod liver oil you could have a tablespoon of that a day.  You may however prefer to have some fortified milk or juice, yogurt or an egg.  

You can also opt to take a Vitamin D supplement available at your local pharmacy.  There are many varieties available so you can choose one that works for you.

Please remember these daily guidelines as you choose:

400 IU – children up to 12 months

600 IU – ages 1 to 70

800 IU – over age 70 

Private Home Health Care wants you to enjoy the sunshine for a natural way to get Vitamin D as well as a healthy diet and supplements as needed.