Did you know the sunshine vitamin gives you the most “bang for your buck” in terms of health benefits and disease prevention? It is known to prevent and fight over 20 diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, asthma, multiple sclerosis and many others. Are you getting enough?

The sunshine vitamin is vitamin D! The most natural way to get vitamin D is by exposing your bare skin to sunlight. The more skin you expose, the more vitamin D is produced.

You can only get vitamin D from the sun from approximately 10AM to 3PM during the months of May thru August.

If you choose to get vitamin D from the sun, it is important not to burn because sunburn increases your risk for skin cancer. According to the Vitamin D Council, you only need to expose your skin for around half the time it takes for your skin to turn pink and begin to burn.

If you are going to be in the sun for longer periods, apply a “safe” sunscreen without harmful chemicals. Many sunscreens contain additives and preservatives.

Avoid Sunscreens With The Following Ingredients:

Oxybenzone 

Avobenzone 

Octisalate 

Octocrylene

Homosalate

Octinoxate

Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are safer, such as Alba Botanica or Kiss My Face mineral sunscreens.

If you have a history or family history of skin cancer, protect your skin at all times and take a vitamin D3 supplement.

It is very important to take a Vitamin D3 supplement if you do not get sun exposure. On days of no sun exposure, taking 5,000 to 10,000IU for adults and 1,000 to 5,000IU for children is often recommended. Daily supplementation throughout the winter months is a must to avoid vitamin D deficiency. It is vital to get enough vitamin D if you and those you care about want to reduce the risk of some of the most deadly diseases.