Winter special: THESE lifestyle changes can increase your Vitamin D levels

Just as the winter months approach, we tend to spend more time indoors – bundled up in our blankets, spending time inside our rooms, scrolling through social media and what not. The gloomy, winter weather makes people stay inside their cocoons way too much and this can hamper their Vitamin D needs. Plus, winters are famous for not giving us enough sunshine, which makes up for the majority of our Vitamin D intake. This winter, try these 4 ways to boost your Vitamin D levels so that you do not face any problems due to deficiency.

While it might seem very cliche, this is the best way to ensure adequate Vitamin D intake. Often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight. So, stepping out in the sun is one of the most natural and effective ways to boost Vitamin D levels. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it synthesizes Vitamin D3 and spending even around 10-30 minutes in the sun can help you tremendously.

Another obvious, but very important way to increase Vit. D intake is by eating foods rich in it. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna are excellent natural sources of Vitamin D. Additionally, fortified foods such as fortified milk, orange juice, cereals and yogurt can also be part of a strategy to increase your Vitamin D intake. Including fish oils, dairy products and Vitamin D rich foods especially in your breakfast can help increase your intake.
According to the British Heart Foundation, “The best food sources of vitamin D are oily fish, including salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Other sources include egg yolks, red meat and liver.”

A very good source of Vitamin D from eggs is the bright, yellow yolk that some people usually throw away. Incorporating egg yolks into your diet is one of the best ways to enhance Vitamin D intake during the winters. Having them for breakfast in the form of boiled eggs, scrambled or included in recipes, can give you a Vitamin D boost. Plus, eating eggs during the winters also keeps a lot of winter ailments away.

If you are the type who is on a permanent work from home environment, or have an aversion to eggs and do not like stepping out in the sun in general, consider Vitamin D supplements so that at least you won't be in a deficit. Vitamin D supplements come in various forms like Vitamin D2 and D3 tablets or even powder. These can be taken orally and ensures that your Vitamin D levels don't fall over the winters.
To consume these supplements, try to have them with a glass of milk or water early in the morning and make them a regular part of your winter diet. It is best to consult your doctor first before taking vitamin supplements.