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Do You Get Enough Vitamin D?

We are told that vitamins and minerals are important for our health, and this is something we learn all through school. We take this as fact, but we may not learn enough about what each one does and why we need it so much. You may notice that your milk comes fortified with vitamin D, but you may not know why. This is a vitamin that you really need, and can even help you feel better. If you don’t drink a lot of milk, you may need to make an adjustment to your diet or lifestyle so that you are getting enough.

If you drink enough milk each day, vitamin D is not a big deal for you. However, if you don’t, you could be low on it. Your doctor may tell you that you can take supplements, and if you just don’t like milk, that might be a good thing for you to do. You should ask at your local drug store to see if they have these vitamin D supplements, or see if you can find them in a vitamin shop. You may have to look in the mall for such a shop, but most people have access to at least one.

You can also get vitamin D from a source that is always free. When you are out in the sun, you soak this up naturally. There are many in the winter that do not get enough because they do not go outside very often. You may get plenty if you spend a lot of time skiing or sledding, but many run out the door and inside another building or their car, which means they aren’t getting the vitamin D they should from the sun. Think about this the next year when dealing with winter weather. Try to find a way to get at least ten minutes of sunshine on your skin each day.

You probably won’t worry about getting enough vitamin D during the summer, as most love to be outside a lot when the weather is warm. You need the D, but you also need to wear sunscreen. Most doctors will tell you that sun screen has no effect on vitamin D, so use as much as you need. Also remember that sunshine is good for the soul. Those that don’t get enough are prone to periods of depression. That is double the reason to get sun each day. It’s very good for your health, as long as you are careful about it.