“Drink your milk, it’ll make you strong.”
Many of us heard that often as children. Our parents were right!
Vitamin D is important to help your body function and it protects against several health problems. Great. So, how do I get Vitamin D?
Sunlight is a reliable source of Vitamin D, but you must be careful because too much exposure can potentially lead to skin cancer. Also, during the winter it is harder to get enough sunlight exposure because there are fewer daylight hours. It’s also more difficult for people with darker skin, and anyone older than 50, to convert sunshine into Vitamin D.
You can also get Vitamin D from some foods, as well as supplements. Plan to eat more foods that are rich in Vitamin D, such as salmon, tuna, swordfish, sardines, eggs, trout, beef liver, orange juice, and dairy products that have been fortified with the vitamin.
Vitamin D shots also are available at StarMed Healthcare clinics, and can be helpful during the winter when sunlight isn’t as plentiful.
Here are three key benefits from Vitamin D consumption:
- Improves your immune system
Vitamin D helps the immune system resist bacteria and viruses, which could help protect against the severity and duration of COVID-19. It helps stimulate the production of T-cells in your body. That helps to protect you against infectious pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and fungus that are responsible for various types of illnesses, including the common cold, influenza, and other community-wide diseases.
2. Strengthens your bones and teeth
Vitamin D builds strong bones and teeth by helping the body absorb calcium. This helps protect older adults from osteoporosis and lower your chance of breaking bones. It can also protect you from early-onset tooth loss.
3. Improved muscle function and strength
In some studies, taking a vitamin D supplement has been shown to increase muscle strength, particularly in people who are vitamin D deficient. Higher levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced injury rates and improved sports performance. In older adults, a stable Vitamin D level can be beneficial since they’re more prone to suffering from a fall.
Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with the following:
- Increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease
- Cognitive impairment in older adults
- Severe asthma in children
- Colon, prostate, and breast cancer
- Poor outcomes in a COVID-19 infection and other viral infections
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Anxiety and depression
The healthcare professionals at StarMed Healthcare are here for you to discuss Vitamin D (or any other vitamin) and any of your health needs. We’re open 365 days a year with walk-ins welcome. To find a location near you, visit starmed.care/locations/