Did you know that an estimated that 40% of the US population is deficient in Vitamin D? And since sunlight is our primary way of getting Vitamin D, the problem compounds in the winter months as there is less sun and we are inside more. Low Vitamin D can be a contributor to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Vitamin D is vitally important to our well being and plays an important role in supporting our immune system, fighting respiratory infections, regulating mood, and warding off depression.

Many studies over the past two decades support the importance of vitamin D in overall preventative health. Research shows that vitamin D supplementation was associated with significantly reduced mortality. In her 2011 white paper Vitamin D and the Immune System, Dr. Cynthia Aranow wrote that deficiency in vitamin D is actually associated with increased autoimmunity and susceptibility to infection.

Ways To Boost Vitamin D

Make sure your for Vitamin D levels are texted at your next Dr’s appointment this year. Most people need to supplement for the recommended daily values to be met. You should take about 5,000 International Units (IUs) per day as a supplement. But if you are low, as most people are, your doctor will probably start you off with 10,000 IUs for 2 weeks, then 5,000 IUs for daily supplementation.

A diet rich in salmon, sardines, tuna, egg yolks, mushrooms and food fortified with Vitamins D will help boost levels.

Honey-Mustard Salmon with Roasted Asparagus, is a delicious way to boost your Vitamin D levels. If you choose to cook this recipe with wild-caught salmon, keep in mind that a 3.5 oz. serving of it contains 988 IU of vitamin D—124% of your daily value (DV) for the day! Given that this recipe calls for 6 oz. fillets, you’ll get more than enough vitamin D from this simple meal.

A quick and efficient way to boost your Vitamin D levels is with the BeWell Vitamin D3 & K2 Spray. Vitamin D3, or the sunshine vitamin, is key in supporting healthy bones and normal immune function. This vegan, vitamin spray, and environmentally friendly version of Vitamin D3 is produced from sustainably grown algae, with no negative impact on the local oceanic environment. Vitamin K2 works with Vitamin D3 and supports calcium absorption and distribution. Get 100% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin D per serving, in this tasty pineapple-flavored formula.

Stay healthy!