The Importance of Sunlight for Vitamin D Production

Winter here in the north is so gray and gloomy. Sunrise is later in the morning, and sunset is earlier in the evening…. and its a proven fact that the deficit of sunlight has an impact on all of us.

Early morning sunshine is the best for recharging our batteries, giving us the needed dose of Vitamin D. Technically The sun helps your body produce Vitamin D  often called the “sunshine vitamin”. When Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays strike the skin, they convert a cholesterol compound into pre-vitamin. Generally, 10–30 minutes of sun exposure several times a week is sufficient for your body to produce necessary Vitamin D. Sunlight triggers a chemical reaction in the skin that produces vitamin D, which is then activated by the liver and kidneys. Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, supporting bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.

The best time for vitamin D sunlight exposure is generally between 10 AM and 3 PM, particularly in the summer, when UVB rays are strongest, requiring only 10–30 minutes of exposure. For optimal results, expose your skin to the sun for about 15 minutes, two to three times per week, without sunscreen. 

According to the Mayo Clinic Vitamin D is a nutrient the body needs, along with calcium, to build bones and keep them healthy. The body can absorb calcium only if it has enough vitamin D. Calcium is a major part of bones. Vitamin D also has many other uses in the body. It supports immune health and helps keep muscles and brain cells working.

Bottom line – vitamin D is important, and can even impact our emotional well being. During the dark winter months try to get out there between 10a – 3p and soak in the sunlight. Its good for the soul.

.

$$.