As March comes to a quick close and we welcome spring, it’s time to enjoy the sunshine and its myriad of benefits. Beyond its ability to brighten our days, sunlight is essential for providing our bodies with Vitamin D. During the winter months, obtaining enough of this vital nutrient can become quite a challenge. That’s why spring offers the perfect opportunity to lace up your favorite walking shoes and take advantage of the longer days by spending time outdoors soaking up that valuable Vitamin D.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is both a critical nutrient that we consume and a hormone that our bodies produce. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin made from the cholesterol in our skin. Vitamin D is a super nutrient that serves many purposes including:

• Promotion of calcium absorption in the gut
• Assistance in bone growth and bone remodeling
• Reduces inflammation
• Slows the growth of some cancer cells.

Practically speaking, Vitamin D helps our bodies as we age. Due to its ability to promote bone growth, Vitamin D works to prevent our bones from becoming too brittle and our joints from becoming inflamed. Though it is one of the easiest Vitamins to absorb, it’s often one that many people around the world are deficient in.

How Can You Get Vitamin D?

There are a few ways to get Vitamin D into your system. Research has shown that sunlight is one of the best ways for your body to receive Vitamin D due to the body’s ability to self-regulate the amount it receives, overall reducing the chance of toxicity. For optimal results, experts recommend spending between 5 and 30 minutes a day outdoors in the sun. This is just enough time to take a walk at your favorite park, spend some time laying out by the pool, or enjoy a quiet morning out in the garden. Please keep in mind that if your skin is prone to sunburn, you should consult with your dermatologist before spending prolonged periods of time outdoors without applying proper sun protection.

If it is not feasible for you to get an adequate amount of Vitamin D from the sun, you can also supplement with tablets. Vitamin D supplements are available over-the-counter at your local CVS or Walgreens. There are two forms of Vitamin D that you can purchase. Vitamin D2 is made from plants, and Vitamin D3 is made from animals. Both types of Vitamin D carry similar and equal benefits, so consult with your doctor for their best recommendation on which supplement you should purchase.

Are you ready to bring balance and vitality back into your life? Exceed Hormone Specialists is here to help.
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