Soak Up the Sun for Vitamin D

Posted by: seattledizzygroup | June 30, 2018

Soak Up the Sun for Vitamin D

Enjoy the Summer Sunshine for Better Health

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient which we get from food as well as from sun exposure (which is why it is often called the “sunshine vitamin”).

There are many health benefits of Vitamin D and it plays an important role in vestibular disorders and other chronic illnesses. For example, recent studies have suggested higher Vitamin D levels may decrease the frequency and severity of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and migraines. Vitamin D may also help with reducing chronic fatigue and inflammation as well as managing autoimmune disease.

Just 15 minutes of noontime summer sun exposure on the hands, arms, and face will provide a person the equivalent of 1,000 IU of Vitamin D. (Skin should turn the lightest shade of pink, but be careful not to get sunburned). If we soak up enough sunshine in the summertime, the excess Vitamin D is stored and can be used during the gray winter months. So, get outside and enjoy sunny summer days for better health all year!

Most people have low or less than optimal Vitamin D levels. Those who are at higher risk of deficiency or insufficiency, including the elderly and those with chronic illness, should have their Vitamin D levels routinely checked and supplement if necessary.