In this article, we will explore the fundamental role of vitamin D in promoting vibrant health. Understand its roles in your body, discover the benefits of vitamin D, and learn how to incorporate it into your diet and lifestyle. Let's dive in!
UNDERSTANDING VITAMIN D
Vitamin D may be one of the most fundamentally important building blocks available to us for creating and sustaining vibrant health. Did you know it's actually a hormone in its active form?! This special compound promotes calcium absorption in the intestine and maintains calcium and phosphate levels in the blood, protecting against osteoporosis, rickets, and bone fracture. It also regulates immune function, cell growth, and neuromuscular function.
BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is complex and requires other synergistic nutrients to be utilized in our bodies.
Plays a huge role in building and maintaining healthy bones.
Supports your reproductive hormones feedback loops.
Regulates energy and mood.
Contributes to skin health and rejuvenation.
THREE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO GET VITAMIN D
1. Sunlight Your body makes vitamin D when direct sunlight converts a chemical in your skin into an active form of the vitamin. Use one of these apps to track the right amount for your body.
2. Whole Foods Incorporate vitamin D rich foods into your diet:
Wild-caught salmon is the best food source with s
Sardines
Tuna
Pasture-raised eggs
Mushrooms
3. Supplementation Choose a high quality supplement like Rosita’s Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil. Typically, you'll want to take a high quality liquid form that is third party tested.
Optimal vitamin D levels are crucial for overall health and well-being. While sunlight and nutrient-dense whole foods are the best sources, supplementation can be beneficial for those with deficiencies.
With my 1:1 coaching program, we emphasize the importance of a balanced, whole foods diet combined with a healthy lifestyle to ensure you receive the necessary nutrients for vibrant health. Explore our Services for more expert guidance on nutrition and wellness.
Disclaimer: While vitamin D is generally regarded as safe, always consult with your doctor before considering the use of any Vitamin D supplement, especially if you have health conditions or diseases that need to be addressed or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Resources 1. Masterjohn, Christopher. “From Seafood to Sunshine: A New Understanding of Vitamin D Safety.” The Weston A. Price Foundation, 10 Feb. 2020, www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/abcs-of-nutrition/from-seafood-to-sunshine-a-new-understanding-of-vitamin-d-safety/.
2. Lips, P. “Vitamin D Physiology.” Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Pergamon, 28 Feb. 2006, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079610706000083?via=ihub.
3. Morris, Howard A. “Vitamin D: a Hormone for All Seasons--How Much Is Enough?” The Clinical Biochemist. Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2005, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1240026/.
4. “Vitamin D.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Oct. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-d/art-20363792.
5. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Use of Dietary Reference Intakes in Nutrition Labeling. “Overview of Food Fortification in the United States and Canada.” Dietary Reference Intakes: Guiding Principles for Nutrition Labeling and Fortification., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK208880/.
6. Albahrani AA, Greaves RF. Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Clinical Indications and Current Challenges for Chromatographic Measurement. Clin Biochem Rev. 2016;37(1):27-47.
