Once the summer months have come and gone (which seems like the blink of an eye), we tend to hibernate, wrap up like Eskimos, and come up with profuse amounts of excuses as to why we don’t want to go outside. Because of this, we need to start thinking of alternative ways to get healthy amounts of vitamin D into our systems.

We typically synthesize vitamin D while being exposed to sunshine, which is hard to do from the months of October through March, especially in the Midwest. This vitamin is critical for absorbing calcium for strong bones, supporting our immune system, reducing chances of developing diseases, and supporting brain health (Medical News Today). With all of this said, how do we maintain healthy levels of vitamin D during the winter? Here is what we think will help:

  • Eat Foods High in Vitamin D: These include mushrooms, salmon, sprouted tofu, oysters, eggs yolks, and fortified almond milk or orange juice.
  • Supplements: Since it may be hard for individuals to consume enough vitamin D in food, adding supplements into your daily routine may help as well. We like Nutrigold D3 Gold and Carlson Labs D3. It is important to note that while taking supplements may help you get more of whatever vitamin or mineral you may be lacking, your diet should be clean from gut-clogging foods so that you can easily absorb a supplement.
  • Artificial Light: Light boxes are ideal for people who live in seasonal environments, as they may be able to assist with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some believe that sitting next to a light box can improve your mood and help with any sleep deficiencies.

Disclaimer: Bio D Supreme provided this blogger with a sample of their product. All thoughts and writings are her own.