Sunny Daze

...sweeping the clouds away...on my way to where the air is sweet. Sometimes I wish I could go back to the days when my to-do list was as simple as playing barbies, snacking on hot dogs and mac and cheese and tuning in for my daily dose of Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. But alas those days are gone. However, lately I have had quite a sunny disposition despite the dreary January Portland weather. I'm not quite sure exactly why I have perked up so much as of late, but I have an idea that I thought might be useful to share with all you Pdxers. It's Vitamin D, and it may just be a miracle vitamin for all of us who live in a constant state of gray.

Vitamin D is fondly known as the "sunshine vitamin" because typically humans take in most of their vitamin D through the skin when exposed to sunlight. Well we all know how often we see the sun around here...why not do something to supplement it?

According to the Mayo Clinic, "The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases."
This is fantastic,especially for women. As many of us enter our 30's it is even more important for us to be taking better care of our bones and heart.

Who can say for sure if adding Vitamin D to my diet has really given me more energy and a bit of a case of spring fever. All I know is that my energy level and attitude is way up. Over the two weeks that I have been taking the supplement (D3 not D2) I have gone from sleeping 11 hours a night to 7. I feel positive and productive everyday, and in conjunction with diet and exercise, I have lost 4 pounds. Doesn't sound like a bad thing to me.

Of course I'm not a doctor or even an expert in the world of health. I did some research before I started taking the supplement, and decided on a dosage that wasn't dangerous for me. Below is a link to the Mayo Clinic website if you want to read more and decide if Vitamin D is right for you. Happy Sunning!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind