You may well have heard or read that Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium and magnesium, both essential minerals required to maintain strong and healthy bones, and avoid the fear of fractures post menopause.
Statistics are concerning regarding the increased incidence following the menopause years:
So where can we get all the Vitamin D we need?
We get some vitamin D from some foods, including oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, as well as meat and eggs, yet studies show that sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D3, the most absorbable, utilisaable form of Vitamin D, also known as Cholecalciferol.
What’s unique about Vitamin D3 is that with the help of the sun, our own bodies can produce it which is a perfect example of our bodies working in harmony with Nature.
All excellent news, yet there are more benefits to ensuring your vitamin D levels are topped up.
Lack of vitamin D can also add to feelings of irritability, anxiety and tearfulness which are so often heightened during the menopause years, it’s true we tend to feel so much happier and healthier when we’re in the sun! Why? Sunlight triggers an increase in the feel-good brain chemical serotonin a neurotransmitter that helps control sleep patterns, body temperature, our sex drive, and also lifts our mood and wards off depression.
Vitamin D is also a fat soluble vitamin, meaning it’s stored in the fat cells of your body. So between the months of October and March when the sun sadly disappears for long periods of time, then the Vitamin D you’ve stored from the summer months should carry you through those darker months without experiencing the winter blues.
Spending just 10 – 20 minutes a time, 3 – 4 times a week without sunscreen, can provide you with a healthy amount of Vitamin D3 to help you build stronger bones and also lift your mood.
[Tweet “Boost your Vitamin D levels safely in the UK sunshine”]
Note: It’s important to remember that the fairer your skin the less direct exposure is needed to activate Vitamin D synthesis. For you short bursts of sunshine on your skin would be sufficient.
And if you’re afraid of the risks of going out to the sun without sunscreen lotion, just remember that the benefits of the moderate sun exposure outweigh the risks.
If you’re concerned you may have a lack of vitamin D, your GP can arrange a simple test, and if you’re low and can’t get out in the sunshine, then a supplement can help.
For more information see http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Summerhealth/Pages/vitamin-D-sunlight.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Summerhealth/Pages/vitamin-D-sunlight.aspx
Enjoy the sun while you can!
Clare 🙂
If you’d like a free chat with me to discuss your menopause health concerns, then please follow this link. I’d love to hear from you. Clare 🙂