01/10/2024
๐๐จ๐ฐโ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ง ๐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ?
We hear a lot about Vit D, but do you really know just how essential it is for things like bone strength, your immune system, mental health, and even hormones?
One of the best and most natural ways to boost your Vit D levels is to get out in the sunshine! โ๏ธ Itโs often called the โsunshine vitaminโ because โ๐ฐ๐ก๐๐งโ your body is functioning well, your skin makes it when exposed to UV-B rays. But hereโs something crucialโif your gut health is poor, your ability to absorb and use Vit D will be limited, no matter how much sun you get. Thatโs why itโs so important to address gut health alongside Vit D levels, especially for those with autoimmune and mental health conditions, autism, or ADHD, which I often see in my clinic.
For years, Iโve worked with many families and children facing immune challenges, asthma, allergies, ADHD, and autism. They often have low Vit D levels, appear pale, and, despite getting some sun, they just donโt seem to absorb it properly due to gut issues. Itโs almost like their tan washes away!
That was my son! Anyone else?
Even though you may be getting plenty of sunshine, factors like inflammation, toxins, fatty liver, or even elevated or low cholesterol can interfere with how well your body makes and utilises Vit D. This is just a small part of what could be contributing to low levels, so itโs important to look beyond just sun exposure.
๐๐ก๐๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐ข๐ญ ๐?
๐ฆด Bone Health: Low Vit D = low calcium absorption, leading to weaker bones and a higher risk of fractures. (Itโs vital to work with a functional health practitioner, because whatโs โnormalโ for someone else might not be normal for you.)
๐ช๐ผ Hormonal Health: In men, low Vit D can mean lower testosterone, affecting mood, energy, and vitality.
๐ก๏ธ Immune Function: Without enough Vit D, your immune system struggles, escalating asthma, allergies, and even autoimmune issues.
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Circadian Rhythm: Getting morning sunshine helps regulate your natural sleep-wake cycles, boosting energy, mood, and overall health.
๐ฌOne of my ๐ฉ๐๐ญ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฌ is toxic sunscreens. Most commercial sunscreens are full of ๐ฉ chemicals that donโt just block UV rays but also disrupt your endocrine system and contribute to a whole host of issues. Always opt for chemical-free, non-toxic sunscreens that protect your skin without compromising your health.
If youโd like a list of my fav go to sunscreens, comment โSun ๐โ below, and Iโll send it your way!
Oh, and a quick note about supplementing: Not all Vit D supplements are created equal. Thereโs a lot of synthetic rubbish out there thatโs just not worth your time or money. If you want to know which ones I personally use and recommend, reach out!
Avoid the synthetic ๐ฉ like the plague.
๐งช๐๐ซ We donโt do synthetic here. ๐
๐ปโโ๏ธ
Remember, it only takes 8-15 minutes in the sun around midday for lighter-skinned individuals to get enough Vit D. Darker skin tones may need more time, but donโt forget the gut plays a massive role in how well your body can use the Vit D you make!
So get out there, let the sun work its magicโresponsiblyโand focus on your gut health for optimal Vit D absorption. ๐
