“Sunshine on Your Shoulders” Does Make Your Body Happy
As it turns out, John Denver wasn’t just whistling Dixie. Sunshine, or the Vitamin D it helps your body produce, makes your body happy. That’s because Vitamin D deficiency is a real health concern, but one that is easily treatable.
Vitamin D Does More For Your Body
The folks at Natural Living Family recently published an article about the importance of Vitamin D. In it, Dr. Z explains that Vitamin D is not only good as a bone builder when we are young. The vitamin also helps in the fight against diseases such as proper immune function, diabetes and high blood pressure. Plus, the easiest way to get Vitamin D? Spend time in the great outdoors! It is recommended that:
- at least 20 minutes in the sunshine
- 40% or more body area exposed
- between 10am – 2pm
Are You Getting Enough?
Low levels of Vitamin D can be indicative of:
- Chronic fatigue
- Cognitive impairment
- Hair loss
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Severe asthma
- Weight gain
As, low levels of Vitamin D have also been connected to illness such as Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Pain and a form of Juvenile Arthritis. 
Supplement When You Can’t Sun
But sometimes, you can’t get outdoors when you want to. That’s why it’s important to fill your diet with food rich in Vitamin D and to even consider supplementation. So Natural Living Family notes the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) current recommendations:
- Adults 50 years or older should supplement with 400-800 IU of vitamin D.
- Adults 50 years or younger should supplement with 800-1000 IU of vitamin D.
In addition, Dr. Z at Natural Family Living also recommends Vitamin D supplements include Vitamin K. Vitamin K has been shown to help increase the positive effects of Vitamin D in your system. So the two work together to increase your bodies ability to fight off disease. Dr. Z recommends a specific Vitamin D/K combination. You can learn more about it here.
Additional Resources:
Best Vitamins & Minerals For Boosting The Immune System
9 Vitamin D You Should Know & How To Get More In Your Diet
