COVID restrictions are lifting, days are getting longer, and summer is finally here!
While you may have already been using every excuse to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, Dr. Rob and soon-to-be-Dr. Jaime are sharing their number one reason to get outside this summer.
Vitamin D is called the “Sunshine Vitamin” because our bodies produce it when our skin is exposed to sunlight. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin that you can also get from certain foods and supplements and is important for a number of bodily functions.
One of the most important functions of Vitamin D is regulating how our bodies take in calcium and phosphorus which are important for our immune systems, bone health, and normal growth.
And, as Jaime said, Vitamin D helps the brain produce serotonin! Serotonin is the feel-good hormone that helps stabilize our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Serotonin is also helpful with sleep, appetite, and digestion!
This link between vitamin D and serotonin can help explain why we feel so awesome when the sun is out and when we get outside!
How Long Should I Be Outside?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to switch to a landscaping job where you’re outside all day to reap the brain boosting benefits of the sun. Just 5 minutes a day of sun exposure or even 10-15 minutes a few times a week can be enough to increase your Vitamin D and serotonin levels.
So set a reminder in your phone or your calendar to get outside once a day (especially when it’s sunny) to improve your health!
Want more great advice to help you feel better and live better? Come see one of our awesome chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, or kinesiologists to get personalized advice on how to feel your absolute best.
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