Although we may not want to admit it, the days are getting shorter, fall is here and and winter is on its way. While hunkering down indoors with a cup of tea and a good book sounds cozy, it’s not so great for our health. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it becomes more difficult to get vitamin D in the fall.
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps our bodies absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and muscles. It also helps boost our immune system and has been linked to a lower risk of cancer and heart disease. So how do we get enough of the nutrient when the days are shorter and we can’t spend as much time outside? Here are 5 ways to get vitamin D in the fall:
1. Getting outside every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes is a an important way to get vitamin D in the fall
Make an effort to get outside every day, even if it’s just for a short walk around the block or sitting on your stoop or balcony for a few minutes. The key is to expose your skin to sunlight so that your body can produce vitamin D. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
2. Eat foods rich in vitamin D
You can also get vitamin D from certain foods, such as fatty fish like salmon and tuna, egg yolks, and fortified milk and cereals. Add these items to your diet to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D.
3. Take a vitamin D supplement
If you don’t think you’re getting enough vitamin D from sun exposure and food alone, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. This is especially important if you don’t eat fatty fish or drink milk regularly. A supplement can help ensure that you’re getting enough vitamin D even when the days are shorter and you’re spending less time outside.
4. Get some exposure to artificial light:
If you work indoors or don’t have access to natural sunlight, you can still get your vitamin D fix by spending some time in front of an artificial light source, such as a light box or a sun lamp.
5. All in all, don’t worry too much about it:
While it’s important to get enough vitamin D, most people don’t need to worry about deficiency since our bodies are efficient at storing this nutrient. So if you’re not able to get much sun exposure or eat foods that are high in vitamin D, chances are you’re still getting enough of this important nutrient.
Fall might be one of our favorite seasons, but we know that the shorter days can be tough on our health. By making an effort to get outside every day, eating foods rich in vitamin D, and taking a supplement if needed, you can make sure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient all season long!