Your Body’s Craving The Sun - What You Need To Know About Vitamin D
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- Jan 12
- 2 min read
Vitamin D isn’t just another supplement — it’s a foundational nutrient that influences everything from your mood and immunity to hormone balance and bone health.
And yet, an estimated 40% of adults in North America are deficient. Why? Because most of us spend our days indoors, covered in sunscreen, and living in climates that don’t provide consistent sunlight year-round (hello, Vancouver).
Let’s explore what Vitamin D does, why it matters, and how to make sure you’re getting enough.
Unlike most vitamins, Vitamin D functions more like a hormone. When sunlight hits your skin, your body converts cholesterol into Vitamin D3 — a process that powers a cascade of benefits across multiple systems in the body.
Here’s what it supports:
Immune health: Helps your body fight off infections and regulate inflammation.
Mood + brain function: Low levels are linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), low mood, and fatigue.
Hormone regulation: Plays a role in balancing estrogen and testosterone.
Bone + muscle health: Supports calcium absorption, preventing brittle bones and weakness.
Vitamin D2 vs. D3: What’s the Difference?
There are two main forms:
D2 (Ergocalciferol): Found in some plants and fortified foods — but less effective at raising and maintaining blood levels.
D3 (Cholecalciferol): The form your body naturally produces from sunlight. It’s more bioavailable and longer-lasting in the bloodstream.
Sunday Reset Tip: If you supplement, choose Vitamin D3 for optimal absorption and pair it with Vitamin K2 to support calcium transport and bone strength.
How Much Do You Really Need?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it’s possible to take more than required and hit toxic levels. Always check with a health care professional to know what dosage is best for you.
Daily needs vary depending on your age, lifestyle, and location.
Most adults need 1000–4000 IU daily to maintain healthy blood levels (especially in winter months).
If you live in a northern climate, work indoors, or wear sunscreen daily, your levels may drop without supplementation.
Science says: A 2020 review in Frontiers in Immunology found that maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of respiratory infections and support immune resilience — particularly during colder months.
The Sunday Reset Takeaway
Vitamin D is more than a “winter vitamin.” It’s a year-round essential for mood, immune balance, and overall vitality. Think of it as your body’s way of soaking up sunshine — even when the sky’s grey.
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