The Sunshine Vitamin!

We all know vitamins are important for keeping us healthy, but there’s one that really shines—Vitamin D! Often called the "sunshine vitamin," it’s essential for so many aspects of our well-being, especially since so many of us are spending more time indoors. Let’s dive into why Vitamin D is a must-have for your health and how you can get more of it!

What Makes Vitamin D So Special?

Vitamin D is pretty unique because your body can actually make it when your skin soaks up sunlight! While many vitamins come from food, only a few foods naturally contain Vitamin D, like fatty fish (think salmon and tuna), or foods fortified with it (like orange juice, milk, cereal, and yogurt). Of course, supplements are another easy way to get your fill.

If you live in a place like Canada, where sunlight isn’t exactly abundant year-round, it's even more important to ensure your body is getting enough Vitamin D—sometimes that means turning to supplements to keep your levels up.

Why Do We Need It?

Here’s the fun part: Vitamin D isn’t just any old vitamin—it actually acts more like a hormone, and every single cell in your body has a receptor for it! One of its key jobs is to help you absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones. Without enough Vitamin D, your body can’t absorb calcium properly, so it starts pulling calcium from your bones, which can lead to weak and brittle bones. Yikes! The result? A higher risk of fractures, falls, and joint pain.

But that’s not all. As cold and flu season rolls in, having enough Vitamin D can help strengthen your immune system, protecting you from infections and illnesses, including those pesky seasonal colds. Plus, as the days get shorter and the weather gets chillier, low Vitamin D levels have been linked to mood dips and even depression, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD). So, if you're feeling the winter blues, boosting your Vitamin D might help!

The Surprising Heart Connection

Did you know Vitamin D can also help support heart health? Studies show that it can help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, which is always a win for your cardiovascular system!

Am I Getting Enough?

Wondering if you’re low on Vitamin D? Here are a few signs that you might be deficient:

• Frequent colds or infections

• Feeling constantly tired or low-energy

• Bone or back pain

• Mood swings or feeling down

• Muscle aches

These can be signs of other health issues too, so it’s always a good idea to get your Vitamin D levels checked through a blood test if you're concerned.

Boosting Your Vitamin D Levels

Ready to get more Vitamin D into your life? Here are a few easy ways:

1. Food Sources: Add more fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna) to your diet, and look for fortified foods like cereals, milk, soy products, and orange juice.

2. Sunlight: It can be tough to get enough sun in the colder months, but even short walks outside can boost your Vitamin D, along with your mood and energy levels!

My Go-To Vitamin D Supplements:

• FeelFit and Meal Replacement Protein by Arbonne: This blend includes added Vitamin D, along with calcium, potassium, Vitamin C, and more than 20 other vitamins and minerals, plus 20 grams of vegan protein! Link to product

• BeWell Vitamin D3 and K2 Spray by Arbonne: This pineapple-flavored spray is delicious and packs 100% of your recommended daily dose of Vitamin D. It also includes Vitamin K2, which helps calcium get to where it’s needed—your bones and teeth! Link to product

If you think you might be low on Vitamin D, chat with your healthcare provider and make a plan to keep your levels up. Your bones, immune system, and even your mood will thank you!

Stay well!

Melissa