Despite living in a sunny climate, many people still have low levels of Vitamin D. This is because several factors can affect the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D from the sun. Here are some reasons and what you can do to improve your Vitamin D levels:
4 Reasons Why We Have Low Vitamin Levels
Sunscreen use: Wearing sunscreen protects against skin damage, but it also blocks UVB rays that the body needs to produce Vitamin D.
Clothing: Covering up with clothing also decreases the amount of skin exposed to the sun.
Time of day: Vitamin D production is most efficient when the sun is highest in the sky, usually between 10 AM and 2 PM.
Skin pigmentation: Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, reduces the skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D from the sun.
To improve Vitamin D levels, you can try the following:
Spend time in the sun: Expose your skin to the sun for 15-20 minutes a day without sunscreen, and try to do this during the peak hours of Vitamin D production.
Eat Vitamin D-rich foods: Foods such as salmon, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products can help boost Vitamin D levels.
Take Vitamin D supplements: Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dose for you.
It’s important to have adequate Vitamin D levels as it plays a crucial role in bone health, immune system function, and overall wellness. Making small changes to your daily routine can help you maintain healthy Vitamin D levels even in a sunny climate.
