7 Unexpected Sources of Vitamin D That Don’t Involve Sunbathing

Vitamin D is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, it helps your body absorb calcium and works to protect you from a variety of illnesses. But this doesn’t mean you have to sunbathe for hours on end to get your daily dose. Here are 7 unexpected sources of Vitamin D that don’t involve sunbathing.

Boost your vitamin D levels without sun exposure

For those who would prefer to avoid sun exposure, there are several alternatives that may help you to get your Vitamin D levels up. Vitamin D supplements are available in most pharmacies, health food stores and online retailers, and are an easy way to make sure you’re getting the right amount of vitamin D on a daily basis. Vitamin D fortified milk and other dairy products, as well as orange juice and breakfast cereals, are also widely available and are a great way to increase your vitamin D intake.

Discover hidden sources of the ‘sunshine vitamin’

If you’d prefer to get your Vitamin D from a natural source, there are a few options. Egg yolks, tuna and sardines are all high in Vitamin D, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, mushrooms and certain types of algae are packed with the “sunshine vitamin”. Just look for mushrooms labeled “Vitamin D enriched”, and make sure to buy organic if you can.

Surprising alternatives to traditional sunbathing

You don’t have to go outside to get your Vitamin D. Sunlight lamps, also known as light therapy boxes, produce a type of light designed to simulate the sun’s rays. Spending a few minutes a day in front of one of these lamps may help to boost your Vitamin D levels, and can provide some of the same benefits as sunbathing without the risk of getting a sunburn.

Get your daily dose without leaving your house

If you’re looking for an even easier way to get your daily Vitamin D without having to leave your home, there are a few options available. There are several online subscription services that send you a vitamin D supplement as part of your regular delivery. Many of these services let you adjust your dosage to make sure you’re getting the right amount of Vitamin D. It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, to make sure you’re getting the right dose for your individual needs.

Look beyond the sun for your vitamin D needs

You don’t need to spend hours in the sun or take a supplement to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. There are plenty of natural sources and alternative methods that can help you to get the Vitamin D you need without having to expose your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays. With a bit of experimentation, you can create a Vitamin D routine that works for your lifestyle and helps you to stay healthy and strong.

It is clear that you can find Vitamin D in a variety of ways without needing to sunbathe for hours on end. While it is important to ensure that you get enough Vitamin D in your diet, it is also important to remember that too much of a good thing can be dangerous. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement or dietary regimen to ensure you’re getting the right amount of Vitamin D for your body.

Sources

• Weiss, M.D. (2015). Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin D. Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/everything-you-need-to-know-about-vitamin-d
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2016). Vitamin D. Nutrition Source. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/