Boost your Vitamin D during winter

Winter has its pro and cons. Like the Andy Williams' song, it's the most wonderful time of the year. Yet the sun doesn't shine bright in the sky which unfortunately has a drawback, lack of Vitamin D production.

While low levels of the happy hormone are alarming, a shortage of sunlight can lead to winter depression. 

Symptoms of winter depression:

• Feeling of melancholy 
• Lack of energy 
• Increased craving, especially for carbs
• Fatigue and sleepiness 
• Preference for being alone 

While these symptoms are related to winter depression, they could also indicate other underlying issues like anemia or diabetes. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. 

Solutions

Although the most preferable solution would be to live somewhere with no varying seasons, it isn't practical. Thankfully, there are easy and much more practical ways to get more light. 

• Go for a morning walk 
• Sit close to a window if possible
• Use a lamp that emits UVB light 
• Welcome the cold and enjoy outdoor activities
• Plenty of sleep

These solutions work in the short term but may not always be convenient.  A long-term solution is to have extra and constant light during the winter: tanning. 

Benefits of tanning

Sunbeds offer similar benefits as the sun but in a controlled environment. Sunbeds maximise the benefits while minimising the risks of too much or too little exposure.

In 15 minutes you can:

• Increase Vitamin D levels: studies show that our body absorbs the sunbed's UVB light and, in turn promotes Vitamin D production.
• Improve your mood: the sunbed's light produces extra endorphins and serotonin.
• Boost immune system: tanning reduces the chances of getting the flu and prevents several autoimmune diseases.

You can find more UV research on ultrasuninternational.com