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Despite a milder winter overall, February in these parts has been especially snowy. I just heard on the radio today that February is the leading month for weight gain too. I think I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen the sun. The cold, clouds and short daylight hours (although daylight is increasing–yay!) makes me think of my old friend Vitamin D and how I never seem to get enough of it.
If you’re just joining us, I was diagnosed with very low Vitamin D levels last winter and the one before that. I’m doing my best this season to not slip into the deficiency abyss, although with advancing age and a wonky thyroid, Vitamin D absorption is a real challenge, despite my best efforts (hello holiday cruise and Vitamin D supplements). I think this issue is a good argument for sunny cruises to be covered by health insurance, yes?
Let’s review why Vitamin D is so important:
You probably know that vitamin D is good for healthy teeth and bones. But there are numerous additional benefits as well. Vitamin D deficiency is a root cause of:
depression and chronic fatigue syndrome
fibromyalgia
depression
back pain
cancer
diabetes
impaired immunity
obesity
high blood pressure
cognitive function
How do I get sufficient Vitamin D?
With 15-20 minutes of exposure to sunshine per day your body will make 10,000-15, 000IUs of Vitamin D. Morning sunshine is best. Other than sunlight, Vitamin D comes from eating cold water fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, cod liver oil, egg yolks, fortified milk and beef liver.
Although the DV (daily value as defined by the FDA) for vitamin is 400IU, studies have shown that higher levels, depending on your specific test results, are optimal.
What about Vitamin D enriched foods?
Sadly these haven’t had much impact on Vitamin D levels since many food manufacturers cut costs by using a synthetic form of vitamin D.
I’m heading in soon for my annual physical where my Vitamin D levels will be checked. Wish me luck!
Do you notice seasonal effects from limited sunshine?
The sun does shine here in grey skied Ohio, sucks
Good luck, Marcia! Are you taking a prescription Vit D supplement? I have been taking one for 15 months and that’s what has brought my levels back up to normal. Since I don’t eat many of the foods with the most Vit D, and I work all day so I’m not out in the sun much, the supplement was my best option. It’s cheap and easy!
I just had a discussion about this with my gyn at my annual visit. She thinks we are probably all Vitamin D deficient during winter here (and in other seasons with the right amount of sunscreen). I definitely feel SAD in Feb. Thank goodness it’s March tomorrow! Good luck!
I hope your levels check out ok. I read once that even if you get exposure to the sun in the winter in the northern U.S., you still can’t get enough vit. D b/c of the angle of the sun. Who knows?
I am someone who definitely needs me dose of sunshine, though, to keep my mood up, especially in winter. Makes all the difference!
Rochester is pretty grey too! We’ve barely seen the sun this winter, which is normal. I’m starting to feel the effects, I’m definitely over winter at this point!
I struggle with getting enough Vitamin D too… since moving to Houston, my levels are finally high… too bad it’s a short term move for us. 🙂 Good luck!
This is so important for people to know. Especially here in Seattle where it is cloudy 9 months out of the year. I have problems with Vitamin D levels and am on a supplement too. My kids have friends with cancer and diabetes and I think it is related to Vitamin D deficiency. There have also been studies to show links to MS. The % of people with MS here is higher than almost anywhere else. Scary! Makes me want to move.
I have always tested ok, but i have only been tested in the summer, when it is much easier to get vitamin D…i feel like if i was tested now i would get a much different result!
I asked my DR to check my levels at my last visit – I’ve done some studying and think that low levels of Vitamin D could be part of my problem with repeated stress fractures.
I still do here in California where it doesn’t get cold, but wow, it was almost debilitating in Fairbanks. It required a lot of coffee and napping to get through the 4 hr days.
I bet that cruise helped! Its hard for me to get out this time of the year. I do things like park in the back of the parking lot. Hopefully that helps me get some rays of sunshine as well as exercise. I just don’t go out when it’s this cold. 🙂
I had no idea Vitamin D deficiency played a role in high blood pressure – I should have mine checked.
Good luck with your test – hope your levels are where they need to be.
Queensland, where I live, is called the sunshine state so really there’s no excuse for being vit D deficient. And I’m not thanks to getting enough rays when I run but I’ve been surprised to learn that even here vit D deficiency is a problem. It stems from our other major medical problem of skin cancer. People have heeded advice to cover up, wear sunscreen and stay indoors and now they’re paying another price.
For many years I was Vit.D deficient, I have an autoimmune disease called Vitaligo that prevents me from being in the sun for too long. I started seeing the right doctor and he began testing me and I soon discovered I was lacking, now I take a supplement and I feel much better. My Dr. described Vit.D as hormone and that many people misunderstand it because it has been label as a Vitamin. Nice article M! Have a great weekend.
I take vitamin D with my calcium, but I think I get a dose when I walk the doggie. Hope your levels are better!!
I am so glad I live here in southern CA for the D. 🙂 Now if we could get rid of the crowds & traffic! 😉 Great post!