Hello Friends!!
Welcome back to another week on the Wellness Corner with Cassandra.
This week I want to take a look at vitamin D and the many benefits on our bones, skin, and mental health. According to mayoclinic.org, “your body makes vitamin D when direct sunlight converts a chemical in your skin into an active form of the vitamin.” Unfortunately, vitamin D is not present in many foods. However, the good news is that some cereals, milk, and orange juice items are fortified with it. Furthermore, fish lovers might be in luck because vitamin D is found in sardines, mackerel, tuna, and salmon. If for some reason, none of these options are your thing, some supplements can assist you with your vitamin D goals. Vitamin D comes in two supplemental forms. D2 can be found in plant products, and D3 is found in animal products. Before starting any supplement, please see a doctor and have lab work done to see where your levels are first. (It may be an excellent time to see your doctor for a physical if you have not been in for a while). Your lab work will indicate the amount that you need, to alleviate you having to do any guess work.
How do I know if I need more Vitamin D?
Research has shown that people that live in northern regions, those that remain indoors more often, and those that have more melanin in their skin could be at risk for lower levels of vitamin D. Pay close attention to your body. During this quarantine season, if you are getting out into the sun less and spending less time outdoors, you may want to increase this. It is so beneficial to your body to get some sun on your skin. When the sunlight hits your skin, vitamin D begins its production course in the body for most people. If you live in regions where the summer heat is brutal during the midday, try an early morning walk when the sun is just getting up, or afternoon walks before the sunsets. Having dinner or breakfast on the porch or outside on a cozy chair in the back yard may affect your overall health. And your vitamin D absorption. Please protect your skin with sunscreen, and soak up some sunlight!
Why is Vitamin D essential?
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, "vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation. Many of the body's organs and tissues have receptors for vitamin D, which also suggest important roles beyond bone health." Vitamin D has been linked to mental, emotional health, and reports show that deficient levels may affect the body's depression symptoms. Vitamin D has also been said to help increase bone strength, decreasing some risk for bone-related diseases.
A delicious recipe to enjoy for some Vitamin D
1 cup strawberry yogurt
1/3 cup chopped Strawberries
Add 1 cup of strawberry yogurt to bowl. Next add chopped strawberries on top. Grab a spoon and enjoy. For the best experience, sit out in the yard or on the porch and grab some sunlight while eating this delicious dessert.
My Self-care with Ajaba Naturals
I have been using one of my favorite Ajaba Naturals body mist sprays, Peach Thyme and Grapefruit, this week. This body mist has such an uplifting scent that helps to get my morning going. First I spray the mist directly in front of me into the air, then I spray it on my wrists, chest, and back. The scent stays on well, and any time during the day I need to refresh, I just grab the mist and respray on those areas for a little touch-up. This spray is beautiful to wear over the summer when just a touch of scent is preferred. The Ajaba Naturals Peach Thyme and Grapefruit body spray is perfect for those looking for a great scent that pairs well with all the Ajaba Naturals lotions and body oils. Order this spray today, and trust me you will not be disappointed. Please send me a comment about it friends, and let me know what you think of it. I guarantee you will want to add it to your body mist collection!
