How Much Sun Do You Really Need?
Feeling exhausted or fatigued? Have you ever thought it could be a lack of vitamin D? Did you know a healthy dose of sunlight is responsible for keeping your body energized and helping you maintain a balanced immune system?
Lack of sun can leave us feeling out of sorts, whereas too much sun exposure can be hazardous to our bodies. Let’s dive into the vitamin D discussion and find out what you need to know about this vital vitamin.
Vitamin D is most commonly absorbed through ultraviolet rays that come from the sun. You can also absorb it through dietary supplements or foods such as fatty fish, cheese, egg yolks, soy milk, and orange juice. You need vitamin D because it keeps your bones strong and encourages overall health.
Lack of sun can lead to the following symptoms:
- sleep disorders
- depression
- fatigue
- sweat
- aches and pains
- brittle bones
- weakened immune system
How Much Sun Do I Need?
The recommended amount is 5-30 minutes of sunlight between 10 a.m.—3 p.m. twice a week—without sunscreen—for a healthy dose of natural vitamin D. Not only do you need to make time for some glorious rays, but you need to protect yourself from too much sun as well (i.e. limit your amount of exposure and make sure to wear sunscreen if you’ll be in the direct sunlight for extended periods of time). You should also avoid tanning beds because they emit UV radiation that’s linked to a myriad of skin cancers.
So whether you soak up the sun while gardening in your yard, going for a run, sitting on your front porch, or walking with a friend—there are countless ways you can spend time outdoors to help with your weekly dose of vitamin D. Start by picking two days a week where you can spend 15-30 minutes outside doing something you enjoy—who knows, it may even become a fun daily routine that offers you a mood boost and an energy kick.