While you are enjoying your moments in the sun... think about vitamin D. Sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced in your skin in response to sunlight. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin in a family of compounds that includes vitamins D1, D2, and D3. It can affect as many as 2,000 genes in the body.
Why is Vitamin D so important?...
Here’s why….
Vitamin D fights disease and boosts your immune system.
Ten minutes of direct sunlight a day is plenty and still not always recommended, which causes most people to be D deficient.
The Solution: Take your supplements and eat foods that contain higher amounts of D.
Talk to your Doctor for guidance on how to ensure you are getting the the correct amount of D for you and your family.
Being in the sun is does do well for your mental health and of course feels good. The advice given from our dermatologist to his older patients is the sun damage is already done, so to take care of your skin and don’t over do the sun exposure. However, for younger patients and children take all the advice for keeping yourself protected if you are going to be in the sun for extended amounts of time. Always be mindful of the 3 things when heading outdoors:
- Use sunscreen
- Wear a hat
- Be aware of the times of day that potentially are most harmful.
Getting direct exposure to the sun daily can potentially be harmful as well as speed up the signs of aging in your skin.
Does the Fear of Skin Cancer Contribute to Vitamin D Deficiency?
YES…The sun is both loved and feared. While people are shying away from extended amounts of sun they may also be causing their bodies to be Vitamin D deficient.
A couple effects of being Vitamin D Deficient are:
Increased blood pressure can happen with being D deficient
Immune system suppression especially during the winter months
Take your supplements, eat well, lose the stress…and talk to your dermatologist and doctor to ensure the right amounts to gain all the health benefits vitamin D has to offer.
