While you are practicing social distancing and proper hygiene practices you could also be working on strengthening your immune system. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has stated that Vitamin D deficiencies leads to a decreased immune system and an increased susceptibility to infection.
How is Vitamin D good for immunity?
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vitamin D is known to enhance the function of immune cells, including T-cells and macrophages, that protect your body against pathogens.
- The NIH states that Vitamin D can decrease your risk of respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as viral and bacterial respiratory infections. (Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to decreased lung function, which affects the body’s ability to fight respiratory infections.)
Vitamin D also has other benefits for the body.
- Vitamin D plays a significant role in the regulation of calcium and maintenance of phosphorus levels in the blood. These factors are vital for maintaining healthy bones.
- According to findings by the NIH, it decreases your chance of developing heart disease.
- It Regulates insulin levels and supports diabetes management.
- Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression. In a study published by the Journal of Internal Medicine, scientists found that people with depression who received vitamin D supplements noticed an improvement in their symptoms.
Where can you get Vitamin D?
- Food: The NIH says the flesh of fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources. You can find small amounts in beef, liver, cheese, and egg yolks.
- Sun Exposure: Now this one might be difficult with staying at home. Try to take safe walks when you can or sit near a window for a while if possible. (According to the NIH, “The factors that affect UV radiation exposure and research to date on the amount of sun exposure needed to maintain adequate vitamin D levels make it difficult to provide general guidelines. It has been suggested by some vitamin D researchers, for example, that approximately 5–30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM at least twice a week to the face, arms, legs, or back without sunscreen usually lead to sufficient vitamin D synthesis.”
- Dietary Supplements: This is one way to make sure you are getting a sufficient amount of Vitamin D daily. You can order Vitamin D supplements on Amazon so you don’t even need to leave your home to get them.
*For more information on the recommended amount of Vitamin D go here.
