Good morning sunshine! The importance of Vitamin D for mood and hormone balance.

Can we talk about sunshine ☀️ 🌞 and the importance of Vitamin D for mood and hormone balance and so much more? 🌱On rising, try to expose your face (and don’t wear sunglasses 😎 like in the photo) to the sun and stand by an open window for even a few minutes. You want to expose your face and skin to the sun and also allow it to be sensed by your eyes (i.e. no sunglasses).

🌱 Morning sunlight helps our body regulate our natural circadian rhythm – that it’s time to wake up in the morning (our skin has light sensors!). 🌱The opposite of light – darkness, specifically at night, triggers #sleep and bedtime and a whole host of hormones like #melatonin. (Also why screen time too late at night is not ideal.)

🌱Seasonal affective disorders (SAD) has been linked to low levels of light during the long winter months, but also low Vitamin D levels. #SAD symptoms include; low mood, #depression, #fatigue and low #energy. So, what can you do? See your Naturopathic Doctor to get your levels tested and supplement with Vitamin D. Possibly look at investing in a SAD lamp.

🌱 Vitamin D is produced by the body when skin is exposed to the sun. Th problem is, the amount of sun we get especially in Canada is minimal at best. So I often get my patients to #supplement. I prefer liquid emulsified forms for best absorption. @mypurebalance @designsforhealth @seroyalbrands All have good options.

🌱Vitamin D and #sunshine help us to feel good. Why? Because it is involved in a whole cascade of #hormone pathways of the body. Immune health, anti-inflammatory pathways, female and male hormone balance, #digestive health just to name a few. Bottom line: Get your Vitamin D levels checked and supplement if needed.

References:

Amini, S., Jafarirad, S., & Abiri, B. (2021). Vitamin D, testosterone and depression in middle-aged and elderly men: a systematic review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63, 5194 - 5205. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.2015284.

Casseb, G., Kaster, M., & Rodrigues, A. (2019). Potential Role of Vitamin D for the Management of Depression and Anxiety. CNS Drugs, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-019-00640-4.

Huiberts, L., & Smolders, K. (2020). Effects of vitamin D on mood and sleep in the healthy population: Interpretations from the serotonergic pathway.. Sleep medicine reviews, 55, 101379 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101379.

Patrick, R., & Ames, B. (2015). Vitamin D and the omega‐3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior. The FASEB Journal, 29, 2207 - 2222. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.14-268342.