By Elena Morosky
Winter is often categorized as the happiest time of the year, the Holidays! Though unfortunately, many people struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as Seasonal Depression. Even if you are not a diagnosed case, it is very common for humans to struggle with the lack of Vitamin D that the warmer months of the year provide. Luckily, there are alternative methods to make sure your body ingests the Vitamin D it needs!
Meats high in Vitamin D are mainly fish, such as salmon, herring, sardines, and even canned tuna! Aside from meat, things like eggs ( specifically yolks), portobello mushrooms and other various mushrooms, even cow’s milk and soy milk. Additionally, there are many cereals and instant oatmeal that make for a quick, easy way to take in the vitamins you need. Of course we can’t forget the original staple, orange juice! Except, not ‘Sunny D’, just go for some classic no-additives orange juice.
Aside from various foods, there are easily ingestible Vitamin D supplements. Pills, sprays, droplets, even wellness shots. Recently there have been many inventions in sunlight mocking lamps and alarm clocks as well. There have been mixed reviews on these products and as to whether they truly provide the user with Vitamin D, or if they simply function as a lamp. Ultimately it is up to the user if they find the product helpful or not, but they are out there as an option!
Lastly, it’s incredibly important to recognize that many people struggle during the Winter months, whether it’s Vitamin D related or not. It’s perfectly okay to be having a hard time, and unfortunately some sunshine, or the nutrients from it, won’t fix that immediately. If you are seriously struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. On a basic level, Vitamin D is a necessity for us all, and in Eugene, Oregon, we lose the sunshine for many months. If you’re looking for your supply of Vitamin D in these dark months, I hope you found something new to try. Tag us on Instagram with any of your trials, or any other recommendations for taking in Vitamin D without that beautiful weather!
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