Can Vitamin D Help Boost Your Immune System?

As temperatures begin to drop in the northern hemisphere among COVID-19 concerns, many people are wondering how to keep their immune systems in tiptop shape. But before you reach for vitamin C, consider adding Vitamin D to your regimen – read on to find out why.

Does Vitamin D Keep You From Catching COVID-19?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays several key roles in your body. It was also one of many important nutrients pointed out as a main factor to protect your body against viral infections in a recent study conducted by Philip C. Calder at the University of Southampton. Researches also found a link between vitamin D deficiency and higher rates of adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 cases.

In other words, while Vitamin D has not been shown to prevent or cure any viral infection (including COVID-19), those who were vitamin D deficient were shown to be at a higher risk to become infected and have more severe symptoms. Having the right amount of vitamin D in your body can help increase your chances of staying healthy – and if you do become sick, vitamin D may play a role in helping you recover with less serious symptoms.

How Much Vitamin D Do I Need to Stay Healthy?

Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin, because our bodies produce around 1000 IU of the nutrient during 1 to 2 hours of sun exposure. However, in the northern hemisphere and in winter months, sunlight is less available. When you have less sunshine at your disposal, the best way to get your Vitamin D is through supplements or food. Doctors recommend between 600 and 800 IU every day.

Foods that are high in Vitamin D include salmon, herring, sardines, canned tuna, egg yolks and mushrooms. If you don’t get enough sunlight, it is recommended to adapt your diet so you can get at least 800IU of Vitamin D from your food, which is more easily absorbed by your body than through supplements. 

What Else Can I Do to Boost My Immune System?

Besides vitamin D, other nutrients such as Zinc and Vitamin C can also work together to keep you healthy. But one thing that often gets overlooked is the role that stress plays in lowering your immunity. Making sure your stress levels are under control and giving yourself time to relax and reboot is essential to maintain your immune system in good shape. 

Healthy diet and regular exercise coped with meditation, yoga or any other activity to calm your mind can work wonders to help you feel better inside and out. We also recommend using an acupressure mat such as the Spoonk Mat for 30 minutes every day to help your body reset and to clear your mind. 

Stay healthy and follow @spoonk_space on Instagram for more tips to Relax Your World!

Natasha

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