It's that time of the year again. It's dark when you leave for work, and dark on your drive home. Catching some rays just is not in your Fall schedule! Don't worry though, we can counteract some of the negative affects of little sunlight.
There are many changes to the environment that we must deal with. Everyone knows they should be exercising, eating correctly, and getting their sleep. One factor that many forget about in the Fall months is their lack of sunlight exposure and vitamin D production. It is extremely hard to get sufficient vitamin D through diet and sunlight alone. Therefore, supplementation is key on keeping your levels in check.
Deficiencies in vitamin D have been linked to breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, and depression. Vitamin D is also essential for bone growth and plays an important role in the absorption of calcium.(WebMD, DeNoon)
Supplementing with 400-1,000 IU a day can help keep your vitamin D levels in check. Some studies have shown higher dosages to be more effective at keeping your levels in check, but starting out on the low end and seeing how you respond is the best way to go.
Get your vitamin D levels checked through your doctor and see if supplementation is right for you! We could all use a little boost through these next few months!
-Eric
References:
http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/the-truth-about-vitamin-d-why-you-need-vitamin-d
