Vitamin D

Enjoy the Outdoors

The days are long and dark and the weather is chilly and we still need our Vitamin D. Who wants to spend time outdoors when it’s like that? But we need the exposure to the air, sunlight and earth by spending time outdoors. Research from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveals that the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. That means that over the course of an average lifetime, we only spend 7% of it outdoors.

Benefits of the Outdoors

So what benefits are you missing out on when you don’t go outside? Here are just a few:

Better health mentally and physically: Exposure to fresh air can actually help to reduce our exposure to airborne pollutants. Studies have shown that concentrations of airborne pollutants are 2-5% higher inside than outside. This can lead to increased exposure to airborne viruses like the cold and flu. Mentally you benefit from a break in routine, from exercise and from a fresh environment.

Vitamin D exposure: How much cod liver oil, salmon, eggs and milk have you been eating? Because if you aren’t eating these foods regularly and getting outside, then you are probably not getting enough vitamin D! Vitamin D is important for your body’s ability to absorb calcium. A vitamin D supplement can help you get enough, but the best way is by absorbing it through some good old fashioned sunshine!

Speaking of calcium… Calcium and vitamin D are like peas and carrots. Actually, their relationship is more profound than that. Without vitamin D, calcium can’t do its job of replenishing bone tissue that is constantly being replaced. It is needed by the immune system and is critical to muscle contractions. You must have D!

It only takes 5 minutes! Even just 5 minutes outside every day has been shown to be linked to better moods and self-esteem. If you are having trouble finding 5 minutes to spend outside, try cutting out one simple indoor activity that takes only five minutes. Check your phone a little less or go for a quick walk at lunch. Even if the weather’s not stellar, go for a quick walk to get that blood pumping! Grab the kids and play tag, or challenge your partner to a jump rope contest. Get creative!

The moral of the story is, you need vitamin D. Support your intake of this essential vitamin with a supplement. I’d love to talk to you about the options Nature’s Sunshine has to offer. Let me know if you’d like to chat about this crucial vitamin on its own or in combination with vitamin A or calcium! (800) 728-2425