All in All Health TIP: "Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D In The Winter?"

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient with a central role in maintaining overall health. It is especially important you get enough in the winter, when sunlight may be less abundant.
Its recommended prudent daily sun exposure to support the natural production of vitamin D in our skin as one of the best ways to get enough of this vitamin. But if, like many these days, you have few opportunities to go outside due to work, school or weather, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Decreased or insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to:
- Suppressed immunity: Our innate systems of defense may not function efficiently without adequate vitamin D, allowing increased susceptibility to infectious agents.
- Increased risk of chronic disease: Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a higher-than-normal risk of heart disease and several kinds of cancer.
- Heightened inflammation: Vitamin D is a key cofactor in regulating inflammation throughout the body.
- Falls: Older persons with low vitamin D are at a greater risk of falls, which are a major cause of hip fracture and chronic pain.
Speak with your doctor about checking your vitamin D level, and ask if supplementation may be needed.
Have a Healthy and Happy Day!
Reference: Dr. Andrew Weil