Are you getting enough Vitamin D?

Living in sunny Florida, you’d think your level of Vitamin D, also known as “the sunshine vitamin,” would be optimal.

Surprisingly, this is not the case.  Most people are actually quite deficient in Vitamin D and it occurs for a number of reasons.

While where you live geographically does factor in, so does avoidance of the sun.  Many of us are indoors most of the day and use sunblock when we do venture outside - both block Vitamin D production.  It’s also difficult to maintain optimal Vitamin D levels if you have digestive malabsorption, darker skin, or are elderly.

Multiple studies suggest the benefits of Vitamin D include preventing heart disease, some cancers, osteoporosis, and autoimmune disease. It’s also helpful for your immune system, balancing blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and helping to fight depression.  We all know someone battling at least one, if not many of these conditions.

To build up Vitamin D levels, simply spend just 10-15 minutes outside with your bare back to the sun before applying sunblock. Supplementation can help as well, as long as you’re aware of not overdoing it, and your body absorbs fats properly.  It’s best to have your doctor order a simple blood test rather than guess at what your needs are.

Having an overall idea of your health history and lifestyle will also help a physician guide you to the correct levels.

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Teresa Spano is a naturopathic consultant with Lee Physician Group.  She can be reached by calling 239-495-4480.