Healthy Nature

Vitamin D and winter go hand in hand. When winter comes, you should always think about your vitamin D levels. Usually, when it is cold and cloudy, we tend to stay indoors. The comfort and the need to not expose our bodies to the sun result in a significant drop in vitamin D levels our bodies need.   

These drops of vitamin D can affect your body physically and mentally. You can be more prone to sickness; you can feel fatigued more often. You may suffer from depression or increased anxiety or even suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

While it is a bit harder to get Vitamin D in the winter months, it is certainly not impossible. There are many ways you can increase your vitamin D levels naturally and healthily.

The coronavirus is still infecting people throughout the world, making this winter particularly important when keeping your vitamin D levels up.

Proper vitamin D levels in the body help your body prevent infection and fight infection if you get sick.

If your vitamin D levels are healthy, you may have less risk of contracting the virus. Even if you catch the virus, having healthy vitamin D levels can help your body fight off the virus more efficiently and effectively.

This is important since the coronavirus can be a challenging and long illness for your body to fight off. Your body needs all the help it can get to help your system recover from the virus, so those vitamin D levels are critical.

How to increase your vitamin D levels in the winter

There are quite a few ways you can increase your vitamin D levels in the wintertime. One of the easiest things you can do is to take a high-quality vitamin D supplement. There are many different options to choose from, and vitamin D supplements tend to be inexpensive.

Speak with your health care provider about the specific dose you should be taking. Your current health, age, weight, and other medical conditions influence the quantity.

Vitamin D and Winter – The Outdoors

Another straightforward way to increase your vitamin D levels is to spend more time outdoors when it is sunny. Yes, it is cold in the winter months, but getting outside and soaking up vitamin D through the sun is highly effective. Not only will it increase the levels of vitamin D in your body, but the sun will also make you feel good and provide you with energy.

Vitamin D and Winter – Food Source

While taking a supplement can be useful, it is still best for your body to get most of its vitamin D levels through the food you eat. The vitamins food carry are more accessible for the body to absorb than their supplements alternatives.

Some foods that have high levels of vitamin D include the following:

• Tuna 
• Salmon
• Cheese
• Egg yolks
• Mushrooms

These are common and easily accessible foods you can find in most supermarkets. Canned tuna and canned salmon are also good options if you cannot find the fresh option or if it doesn’t fit your budget. Including more eggs and cheese in your diet is easy to do, especially if you are OK with eating dairy and animal products. Surprisingly, mushrooms have high vitamin D levels and are incredibly versatile in cooking, and go well in loads of dishes. 

There you have it. Go outside more and include any of the food alternatives mentioned above to increase your vitamin D levels!