“D” is making headlines in the health world, again. In the past, Vitamin D deficiencies were linked to bone loss and osteoporosis, and now, it’s being cast as a starring role in our body’s immunity functions, for fighting infections, and acting as an anti-inflammatory. As it turns out almost half of the world’s population is deficient in vitamin D. Why?
While D is a fat-soluble vitamin (meaning, it is stored in our fat cells), it differentiates itself from other vitamins with this most remarkable fact—our bodies create it. Even if ingested, our bodies will take and transmute it into something else our body can use.
Almost forgot, edible Mushrooms are a great source of Vitamin D (not sure about the psychedelic ones). Read Mary’s “The Magic of Mushrooms” post here.
So, how’s the best way to get some? Ironically, we’ve been told to cover up, slather on the sunscreen and stay indoors for fear of getting skin cancer, but perhaps it’s time to reconsider this.
“Here in Utah—you can make vitamin D from late March until the end of September between the hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.” —Anne Dorsey, Milk & Honey Wellness
Anne also mentions how to maximize the stimulation of Vitamin D production by going out at the right time of day, “Here in Utah— depending on whether you live in the valley or in the foothills you can make vitamin D from late March until the end of September between the hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.”
And hey, a little sunlight might be good for your mental health as well.
Former Salt Lake Magazine Associate Editor Jen Hill is a SLC transplant from Bloomington, Ind. As a blogger and feature writer, Jen follows the pulse of the community with interests in urban agriculture, business, fitness & beauty and anything that allows her to get out of the office and into the mountains.
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