Our country is located close to the equator and receives good sunlight throughout the year. From the scientific facts we have learned since childhood, we know that Vitamin D is produced in the skin during morning exposure to sunlight.
Despite the situation, according to a survey report, one out of every three (31%) of Sri Lanka’s urban population suffers from Vitamin D deficiency and more than half of the total population (59%) has insufficient Vitamin D levels.
It would be surprising to say that one out of every three of the country’s population is Vitamin D deficient, even though it receives plenty of sunlight. A survey carried out focusing on women in the southern province had similar results and it was confirmed that more than half of them (56%) did not have enough Vitamin D levels.
Why is vitamin D important?
- Protects against infections and helps to maintain immunity at maximum level.
- Prevents respiratory diseases.
- Essential for bone strength.
It is important for the functioning of the muscles as well as the brain. In this way, we cannot take for granted the lack of a nutrient that is very important for maintaining a healthy active life.
One of the reasons for this is that our ancestors, who were used to an active life that spent more time outdoors in the sun, are changing the way of life they lived and we are used to staying in more enclosed spaces.
Foods that contain Vitamin D
Oily fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, pollock, egg yolks, red meat, animal liver (liver) and foods that have been supplemented with vitamins from the outside contain Vitamin D.
But many of us do not get enough from our daily diet. Therefore, the above-mentioned foods should be included in the meal as much as possible. Also, as we mentioned earlier, it is very important to be aware of how the body can produce the required amount of Vitamin D daily by exposure to sunlight and act accordingly.
Vitamin D is free
With the problematic situation in the country these days, it is not easy for everyone to get Vitamin D through food. Therefore, it is an urgent need to focus on an option of current importance.
We can get this by exposing ourselves to sunlight for 15-30 minutes between 10 am and 3 pm. In order to produce the full amount of this vitamin required by the body, this should be done continuously on a daily basis.
Exercise, gardening or any other activity of your choice can be done during the time of sun exposure.
Pay attention to this too
Avoid this method if you have received medical advice to avoid sun exposure due to a skin condition. Also, if you are someone who takes long-term medication for a certain disease, it is important to ask your doctor in advance if there is a problem with sun exposure. In any case, if the skin becomes uncomfortable during exposure to the sun, stop it immediately and seek medical advice.
(Compiled from details provided by the Bureau of Health Promotion)
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