Am I Getting Enough Vitamin D?

The temperature has dropped, the leaves have changed and there is less sunlight every day. Like it or not, the winter season is upon us. The winter season brings its own challenges, including making sure you are getting enough vitamin D!

Adequate vitamin D is important in supporting your overall health to form healthy bones and to help reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. Our AFC Urgent Care Memphis team explains how to add in more vitamin D to your life during the winter season below.

Where Can I Get Vitamin D?

In the summertime, most people can get enough vitamin D just by exposing their skin to some midday sun for 10 to 30 minutes a couple times a week. When our skin is exposed to the sun, our bodies naturally start to produce vitamin D.

When winter rolls around, it can be much harder to do this! With the colder temperatures and overall less daylight, most people spend a lot less time outside at this point in the year. This is where the food you eat plays a larger role. While there aren’t too many foods that naturally contain vitamin D, there are many that have been fortified to contain this essential vitamin.

Vitamin D Sources

  • Salmon
  • Tuna fish
  • Egg yolks
  • Swordfish
  • Any food fortified with vitamin D, like cereal or orange juice

Can Vitamin D Deficiency Make Me Sick?

Over time, a chronic vitamin D deficiency can start to affect your health. Since vitamin D is essential to bone health, you could develop brittle bones or a loss of bone density. You can expect to experience more broken bones, fractures and even osteoporosis.

Low vitamin D levels also can contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Your mental health is important, especially during the winter months when the appearance of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is much more common.

Potential Signs of a Vitamin D Deficiency

  • Constant fatigue
  • Bone pain or achiness
  • Hair loss
  • Depression
  • Increased number of illnesses

Has winter got you down? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Memphis to discuss some options to increase your vitamin D levels.