VIVA NOLA APRIL-MAY 2022

wellness
Vitamin D?
Yes, Please!
By Lia Threat
Lia Threat is certified wellness coach based in
New Orleans. She holds individual and group
sessions and works with schools in the
metropolitan area. You can contact her at
wellnesswithlia@gmail.com
10 ~ VIVA NOLA April / May 2022
@wellnesswithlia
As many locals
know, the
summer heat
is approaching with the
arrival of April and May.
With cooler breezes still
sprinkling in, it is nice to
get higher doses of the
naturally occurring sun
vitamin - Vitamin D.
The summer boosts
happier moods and spirits,
partly due to our exposure
to more sunlight. Vitamin
D is responsible for many
different processes in the
human body. Although
there are rich food sources
of Vitamin D, such as cod
liver oil, meat, fortified
milk, eggs, butter, and
mushrooms, the best way
to absorb Vitamin D is
through the skin. Outdoor
activities are a great way
to get a dose. In addition,
the skin should be exposed
for short amounts of time,
depending on the melanin
in the skin (darker skin may
need more exposure).
Time of day, latitude,
pollution, and season
(winter vs. summer) can
influence absorption.
Oral intake can vary with
dosage recommendations
increasing for those with
osteoporosis, diabetes
mellitus, obesity, and
those on glucocorticoids.
Additionally, the exciting
role Vitamin D may play
in emerging SARS-CoVinfection
and outcomes is
still being researched.
Vitamin D also works
synergistically with calcium
and Vitamin K in the body.
Before supplementing,
check with your doctor
to evaluate levels first
since some may require
therapeutic doses. Also,
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble
vitamin; therefore, food
sources and supplements
should be consumed with a
meal or other fats such as
olive oil, avocado or dairy.
Louisiana has many
outdoor festivals during
this season, so pick your
favorite and enjoy some
Vitamin D responsibly!