The importance of vitamin D

Often referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ vitamin D is an incredibly important nutrient responsible for health & vitality. Vitamin D is a hormone (similar to testosterone & estrogen) which our bodies naturally produce when exposed to sunlight.
And it’s also a nutrient we can eat as a fat-soluble vitamin – which we store within the liver and other fatty tissues and secreted when our bodies need it.

Vitamin D is most known for helping the body to absorb & retain calcium, which is critical for healthy teeth & bones. A wonderful anti-inflammatory, this important hormone /vitamin regulates many other cellular functions, supporting immunity, muscle function, brain cell activity & mood regulation.

The incredible way vitamin D helps to strengthen the immune system & reduce inflammation is by stimulating the production of T-cells – our bodies response to infections disease, viruses, bacteria and pathogens. So, if you feel a cold looming – jump out into 20 minutes of sunshine or consider increasing your diet with vitamin D loaded fuel.

Supplementation is one of the easiest ways to increase your vitamin D intake, as food sources can be slightly limited. Vitamin D2 is produced in plants and fungi and D3 in animals, including humans. Vitamin D3 rich foods are salmon, tuna, cheese, beef liver, egg yolks … fatty fish and liver oils are the best. Certain mushrooms also contain vitamin D2.

How do you know if you’re deficient?

whether it’s through lack of diet, sunshine, working indoors or having a higher metabolic need, vitamin D deficiency can present by:

Inflammatory disease or issues within the body.
– skin flare ups, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s etc

Fatigue and tiredness can also be a signal your body requires more nutrients.
Achy bones & teeth could also benefit by topping up vitamin D levels to increase calcium absorption.

Alongside weak and aching bones, muscle soreness can also signal vitamin deficiency.

And lastly – if you’ve been feeling a little blue, a walk in the sunshine can be the vitamin top up your body is craving.

You can take too much vitamin D, so it’s important to speak to our Naturopaths for personalized advice on dosage that’s right for you.

Before taking any form of supplementation, speak with your healthcare professional and as always speak with our in-store qualified Naturopaths for complimentary advice.

*Flannerys Members SAVE 20% off Vitamins & Supplements on the first Firday & Saturday of each month. It’s free to join in store.