Getting some natural vitamin D on a gorgeous day. Ten to 15 min. sunlight is safe daily.
Exposure is best after 5 p.m. or before 8 a.m. when it’s less harsh.
Healthy Benefits of Vitamin D:
Sun’s UV rays help your body produce it naturally, which is vital for blood cells, bones and your immune system. It also helps you take in and use certain minerals, like phosphorus and calcium.
At all times, but especially during flu season and Covid19, it’s important to keep your immune system strong.
Foods high in D are fatty fish, like salmon & tuna, and egg yolks.
People age 1 to 70 need 600 IU daily. People over age 70 need 800 IU daily for optimum health. You can find supplements.
Symptoms you may have a vitamin D deficiency are:
Fatigue
Lethargy
Hair loss
Depression
Slow wound healing
Weight gain
Muscle or bone pain
Decrease in bone density
Increases your risk for colds, flu & other illnesses like Covid19
According to a 2011 study, 41.6% of adults in the US are deficient.
This number goes up to 69.2% in Hispanics and 82.1% in African-Americans.
7 common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency:
🌞 Having dark skin.
🌞 Being elderly.
🌞 Being overweight or obese.
🌞 Not eating much fish or dairy.
🌞 Living far from equator where there is little sun year-round.
🌞 Always using sunscreen when going out.
🌞 Staying indoors.
So, find an outdoor space that’s empty or with only a few people social distancing, so you can get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Preventing illness by maintaining daily healthy habits is one of the best defenses you have against any illness.
It’s worth repeating: Exercise daily, eat nutritious foods, avoid processed foods, sugar and alcohol, stay hydrated with water, get enough sleep, read to keep your mind active and limit your time on social media, so you have time to take care.
Keep your pantry stocked with healthy foods and snacks during this time. The healthier you eat, the less you will crave the bad for you stuff or you will at least limit it one day a week. Your mind and body will thank you later.
If you haven’t had healthy habits your whole life, it’s never too late to start. Take it one day at a time. It takes a few weeks (sometimes months) for you to begin feeling your best mentally, physically and spiritually. 
Start by removing one unhealthy habit. Then, another. Be patient with yourself.
Stay healthy. Stay safe.
blog contact: maria.dorfner@yahoo.com
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