The Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency on Seattleites in the Summer

Seattle just endured one of the coldest, wettest, and not to mention gloomiest winters on record, so can you blame Seattleites for basking in this sunshine? The city is gleaming, and like clock-work, sun-deprived Seattle residents waste no time to soak up their daily dose of vitamin D. Those dark days remind us that there is nothing quite like a Seattle summer to start thawing the “Seattle Freeze”. Read on to learn the powerful effects of vitamin D deficiency on Seattleites.

Higher Depression Rates

It is no secret that Seattleites are more susceptible to depression due to the dark, dreary winters. However, the weather may be clouding the real reason behind higher depression rates in the Pacific Northwest. A more concrete cause of depression in this area is likely linked to a deficiency in vitamin D. Vitamin D activates genes that regulate the immune system and release neurotransmitters that affect brain function and development. Without it, serotonin levels are lower. This means moods show less regulation, and residents of the area become more susceptible to depression.

Less Protection Against Cancer

Vitamin D supports the body as a supplement for bone growth and strength. Additionally, it is a key player throughout the entire body, including the immune system. When less vitamin D is present in the body, the defense against disease is weakened. It is believed that a deficiency in vitamin D is considered a risk factor for cancers such as colon, prostate, breast, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer.

Difficulty Losing Weight

In addition to fighting diseases, vitamin D boosts weight loss. Receptors in your brain need vitamin D to keep hunger and cravings in check. It also increases your body’s ability to absorb important weight-loss nutrients. In one study, people who took a daily calcium and vitamin D supplement were able to lose more weight than subjects taking a placebo supplement.

How Many Are Affected By Vitamin D Deficiency?

To give you an idea of how prevalent vitamin D deficiency has become, University of Washington heart surgeon Dr. Donald Miller Jr. tested 78 of his patients and found three-quarters had insufficient levels of vitamin D. This study, along with many others conclude the same clear results. Seattle area residents must add vitamin D into their diets to maintain long-term physical and mental health. Vitamin D supports bone growth, it protects against cancer, it lowers risk of disease, it even helps you lose weight, and it regulates mood.

How to Absorb Vitamin D.

There are a few ways to achieve sufficient levels of vitamin D. Spend more time outside in the sunshine this summer! Your body absorbs the largest dose of vitamins directly in the sunshine, but you can still absorb some on partially sunny and overcast days. Also, start eating the few foods that contain vitamin D naturally. These include foods such as salmon, sardines, egg yolk, and shrimp. Here are some fun recipes to get you inspired. Since natural sources of vitamin come in limited amounts, taking a daily vitamin D supplement helps to provide a sure-fire way of maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D. Refer to the recommended daily vitamin D dosage here.

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