CAPTAIN JOHN’S HEALTH TIP: Vitamin D

Vitamin D aka the sunshine vitamin–is both a vitamin and a hormone. It helps support immune function, bone and gut health, a healthy thyroid and more. Unfortunately, over half of the American population suffers from a vitamin D deficiency. Increased time spent indoors (thanks Covid) and the general cloudiness that comes with the winter season causes vitamin D insufficiencies to flare up!  

So what should you do? Eat more salmon? Drink more milk? Getting enough vitamin D from diet alone is a challenge. Especially, when the recommended daily intake is between 2,000 and 3,000 IU. This is assuming you get no significant sun exposure (hello Ohio Winters) and you maintain a healthy weight. Individuals with higher body fat might require 2-3x that amount.  

The solution? Getting outside more, and supplementing when you can’t. Doing so is sure to boost your mood and feel especially restorative during pandemic times. On the clearer days this month, try and get outside for at least 30 minutes with your face and arms exposed. Otherwise, get out and grab a supplement. Yes, even the gummies count! Just make sure you're taking vitamin D3–it's more active in the body than D2. And to improve absorption, take it with some fat since it's a fat soluble nutrient. 

Cheers to better health and better moods!