How to Maintain Healthy Vitamin D Levels During Short Winter Days

Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. It helps absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D also supports muscle function, balances hormones, and helps your immune system. It even affects your mood and how energised you feel. If vitamin D levels are low, bones can become weak and brittle over time, you might feel tired, and your body could struggle to fight infections.Your body produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. That is easy in the summer, but during the winter months, the days are shorter, the skies are cloudy and outdoor activity is less. Most people prefer to stay indoors, which reduces sun exposure. As a result, vitamin D levels naturally

drop during winter. Some groups are more prone. If you live somewhere with long, dark winters, you’re at even higher risk. Older adults, people with darker skin, and those who work night shifts or spend most of their time indoors are also affected more. Vegans and people with health issues like celiac or kidney disorders are at risk. Follow these health tips to keep your vitamin D levels in check this winter.

Safe‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Sun Exposure

The most natural way to get vitamin D is through sunlight. Your body produces vitamin D when ultraviolet rays from the sun hit your skin. So, even in winter, make sure to go out for 10 to 30 minutes three or four times a week — if possible, at around midday, when the sun is the strongest. Let your face, arms, and legs be bare. It is better not to use any sunscreen for short durations, and if you are planning to stay out for a longer time, then apply the sunscreen.

Include Fatty Fish in Your Diet

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are some of the top vitamin D-rich foods. Just one portion of salmon can actually provide you with most of your daily requirements. In addition, these fish come with omega-3s that are beneficial for the heart and brain. You should eat fatty fish two or three times a week. Canned fish, like sardines or tuna, can be a good and affordable option during the cold ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌season.

Add Eggs and Mushrooms

Egg yolks contain small but useful amounts of vitamin D. Eggs are super easy and affordable to add to your routine. Mushrooms are another natural source, particularly varieties that have been exposed to ultraviolet light. They produce vitamin D2, which helps boost your overall intake. Mushrooms are a great option for vegetarians.

Choose‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Fortified Foods

Vitamin D is not naturally found often and is found in only a few foods. Several products are fortified with it to meet people’s needs. Consider vitamin D-fortified cow’s milk, plant-based milks, yoghurts, cereals, or orange juice. Inspect the labels to make sure that they have added vitamin D. Things like a smoothie made with fortified milk or a bowl of fortified cereal can be great sources of vitamin D, especially when you are not getting much sunlight.

Monitor Your Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D deficiency develops gradually and does not show any immediate symptoms. Therefore, regular check-ups are necessary. In case your levels are low, the doctor might suggest that you get more sun exposure, change your diet, or take supplements. It is better to get tested once or twice a year, especially before and after winter. This can be a way to keep your vitamin D within a healthy range and thus avoid the risk of long-term complications related to bone or immune ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌health.