Help to kick your cold or flu this winter with an extra dose of Vitamin D. Found in the sunshine, this vitamin is essential to protecting your bones and now studies have found it can prevent respiratory infections as well.
“The researchers found that people who took daily or weekly vitamin D supplements were less likely to report acute respiratory infections, like influenza or the common cold, than those who did not. Those who had low vitamin D levels before they started supplementation got the biggest benefit: For people with the most significant vitamin D deficiencies (blood levels below 10 mg/dl), taking a supplement cut their risk of respiratory infection in half” (Time Magazine).
If you are looking for foods that naturally contain Vitamin D, make sure you incorporate:
- Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon
- Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals
- Beef liver
- Cheese
- Egg yolks
And of course, get plenty of sunshine! If you have any questions about how to supplement Vitamin D contact the Wickenburg Hospital Clinic or the Wickenburg Community Hospital Pharmacy.
(resource: Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association and photo courtesy of Naturalhealth.com)