Tips For A Healthy Lifestyle: 'Vitamin D in Winter Time'

Tips For A Healthy Lifestyle: 'Vitamin D in Winter Time'

Dr. Weil's Daily Tip, January 6, 2011

Getting an adequate supply of Vitamin D is essential to maintain good health and high spirits and is also key in the prevention of high-risk conditions. Daily sun exposure can help you with that. To find out more, read below.

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient with a central role in maintaining health. I recommend prudent daily sun exposure to support the natural production of vitamin D in our skin as one of the best ways to get enough of this vitamin. But with decreased daylight hours in the winter, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Decreased or insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to:

• Suppressed immunity - Our innate systems of defense may not function efficiently without adequate vitamin D, allowing increased susceptibility to infectious agents.
• Increased risk of chronic disease - Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a higher than normal risk of heart disease and several kinds of cancer.
• Heightened inflammation - Vitamin D is a key cofactor in regulating inflammation throughout the body.

Speak with your doctor about checking vitamin D levels and if supplementing may help, and learn more about vitamin D.