This time of year, it’s easy to only be outside while you are going from your house to your car to your job and back again. But I often forget why that’s such a big mistake. And if I get into that cocooned ritual, it’s not very long before I start feeling depressed and sad and fatigued and just plain cranky.
And then I remember, I need my vitamin D. And there’s really only one easy way to get it. Go outside and stay there, in the sunlight, and soak it in. Better yet, go for a walk. Even bundled up, just getting some sunlight directly into your eyeballs can really spark life up again. It may even clear your mind. Sure, visiting a Caribbean island is always preferable. But with airport security the way it is these days, flying is such a hassle.
The other day I was starting to feel myself sinking into the darkness of the middle of winter. I was into the second week of a wicked cold. But I looked out my window at work and saw the sun shining. I rushed home, bundled up, and did a few laps in my driveway with the dogs and Pumkin the cat (she follows me on walks as if she’s a dog!). I only lasted about 15 minutes, between the cold and the sun starting to go down, but it helped me turn the corner from dismal and return to delight. I think it even helped kick out my cold.
It’s only a few more months until spring. Until then, don’t forget your vitamin D.
It’s so true! My happy thought this time of year is that each day is getting just a little bit longer…so a little more sunshine and Vitamin D!
I would like to see more people in Washington lobbying for organic farming. I am actually afraid to eat when I read the labels on my food, and more afraid of what is not on the labels .
Too many lobbyist paying off the FDA. Our Government is slowly killing us…
No Way we can get the nutrients from the trash we eat.
I live in money from disability and can not afford organic food.
Real Sad Situation….
I agree vitamin “D” works, you can tell when you’re deficient in vitamin D I’m so glad I now understand why a lot of our mood swings come from a lack of vitamin D.
I thought there were issues if you live in northern America that during the winter, the sun’s angle doesn’t give us much Vitamin D. Are we talking a placebo effect here? I agree with Maya that I see every day getting lighter and know that spring is around the corner and my heating bills will go down 🙂 !
I live on very little money also and eat mostly organic. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. But also, whether you say you can or you can’t…you’ll be right!
Maybe it’s too late for that person to move! Looks like the lack of something has already done it’s damage.
I take vitamin D (5,000iu) every 3 days because I have some in my multivitamins already. This way I am covered if I miss taking one or the other. Make sure that you take it with calcium (citrate is better absorbed and less hard on the stomach). It works a much better with calcium and more is absorbed by the bones. Look better and feel better from taking vit D. Stick with it everyone. It’s “sunshine in a bottle”. Try to get as pure a vit D as possible, little to no additives is the way to go.
I am 63 and I am outside a lot but when my doc measured my vit D, it was low and so now I take 10,000mg every day and it is barley keeping my levels up. I think stress is robbing our bodies of so many nutrients…
This was our first opportunity for ages to soak up some Vitamin D after our horrible weather recently – actually had blue skies today – with the added benefit of meeting up with loads of neighbours for a chat who had the same idea – and now for a good ol’ English cup o’ tea…
Sunshine on my shoulders…makes me happy!
John Denver had a point…
It does make us feel good physically and mentally…
BTW, 2 of my neighbors have at least 1 of their cats following several feet behind when they walk the dogs. Funny!
You may delete my first comment, since it was in response to something a blogger previously sent that has been deleted already. Only those few that saw the blog a few days ago knows. Thanks
@George- Don’t make yourself crazy trying to only eat organic. I nearly wasted away in 1975 because I would only eat organic. My mantra now is; when I have a choice, choose organic, unprocessed foods. I too live on a budget, so I try to shop farmers markets in the spring- fall and freeze the abundance of good foods for the ‘dark’ days of winter. Cheer up! There are a lot more choices now than there were in the ’70’s!
Thanks Maria for reminding people about Vitamin D. It is especially important during these dark days of winter when so many of us stay indoors.
Sunshine is great for Vit. D but here in MN it’s not enough. Even if you are outside alot.
Supplementing makes sense but getting a simple and inexpensive blood test from you doctor to see what your levels are is a smart idea before you start mega dosing.
Liquid Vit D is the best for absorption.
I was very low and it has taken me a couple of years to get to an above normal level with 4000-5000 iu a day combination of dry and liquid supplements.
BTW I am under the care of a physician that prescribed that dosing.
Barb is correct. I too was deficient in Vit D because I am somewhat sun sensitive, so I tend to hide from sun, especially during late spring and all summer. My doctor recommended the blood test with an annual physical and started with my dosing soon after. It would be the proper thing to do to get a blood test first. It is important to take the correct amount, otherwise one could do one’s self harm. Go on-line and read all about Vit D and side effects from the Mayo Clinic site.
where is part 11 regarding Pumkin? sorry to get off the subject of vitamin D but clicked on Pumkin in your blog and read the story…..now I’m wondering if she ever came home………….do tell!
Here’s the rest of the happy story of dear pumpkin!
http://www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com/2009/10/