As the days grow shorter and we spend more time indoors, one essential nutrient that often slips under the radar is vitamin D—commonly known as the "sunshine vitamin." It’s easy to forget about it when we’re basking in the summer sun, but as we transition into fall, vitamin D levels can start to dip without us even realizing.Here’s why it matters now and how you can keep your levels steady.

What Vitamin D Really Does for You

Vitamin D is like a silent multitasker—working behind the scenes to keep so many parts of your body running smoothly.

• Immune Support:Think of vitamin D as your immune system’s personal coach, keeping it strong and ready to fend off infections, especially during cold and flu season.
• Bone Health:Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is key to maintaining strong bones. Without enough vitamin D, bones can weaken over time.
• Mood Boost:Low vitamin D levels can bring on feelings of sadness or fatigue, especially as the days get darker. It’s linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), so keeping your levels up can help ward off the winter blues.
• Muscle and Heart Health:Vitamin D plays a crucial role in keeping your muscles strong and your heart healthy, especially when we tend to move less during the cooler months.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Boost Your Vitamin D Levels

Why should you be thinking about vitamin D now, when the days are still warm? Here’s why:

• Less Sun Exposure: As fall approaches and the days shorten, our natural exposure to sunlight decreases, which can lead to a drop in vitamin D levels. It's smart to get ahead of this by supplementing now.
• Seasonal Fatigue:Feeling sluggish as summer winds down? Low vitamin D could be the culprit. Boosting your levels now can help you maintain energy and stay sharp.
• Immune System Prep: With cold and flu season around the corner, topping off your vitamin D levels now will give your immune system the boost it needs to keep you healthy.

Are You Low on Vitamin D? Look for These Signs

Not sure if you’re low on vitamin D? Look out for these signs:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy: Feeling tired all the time, even after resting.
• Bone or muscle aches: Unexplained discomfort in your bones or joints.
• Frequent colds or infections: Your immune system may need extra support.
• Low mood or depression: Vitamin D deficiency is often linked to mood changes or feeling down.

If any of these symptoms resonate, it may be worth getting your vitamin D levels checked.

Simple Ways to Get More Vitamin D

Luckily, boosting your vitamin D levels is easy:

• Get Outside:While the sun is still shining, try to spend 10-30 minutes outdoors a few times a week. Midday sunlight is best, but remember to stay sun-safe!
• Eat Vitamin D-Rich Foods: Foods like mushrooms, fortified plant-based milks, cereals, and fatty fish are good sources of vitamin D. Every little bit helps.
• Take a Supplement: As the days grow darker, supplements are the easiest way to keep your levels up. Vitamin D3 is the best option since it’s absorbed more efficiently by the body.

The Best Time to Start Supplementing

Late summer and early fall are perfect times to start supplementing. Think of it as stocking up on your own personal sunshine before the gray days set in. Getting ahead of any deficiency now will help you stay energized and prepared for whatever the colder months bring.

Who’s Most at Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency?

Some groups are more likely to be low on vitamin D. Those at higher risk include:

• People with darker skin: Melanin reduces the skin's ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight.
• People in northern climates: Less sunlight in fall and winter like here in Canada means fewer opportunities for natural vitamin D.
• Older adults: As we age, our skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D.
• Vegans and vegetarians: Most vitamin D-rich foods are animal-based, making it harder for plant-based eaters to get enough through diet alone.

Top Picks for Your Vitamin D Fix

Now that you know how important vitamin D is, check out some of our best vitamin D products in liquid drops and softgels to help you stay healthy and balanced. Plus, this week’s Weekly WOW promotion makes it the perfect time to stock up on all your vitamin D essentials!

Don’t Wait, Start Boosting Your Vitamin D Today

Don’t let the colder months catch you off guard. Now’s the time to give your body the boost it needs. Whether through sunlight, food, or supplements, taking action today will keep you feeling your best as fall approaches.

Visit any of our Kardish locations or shop online to explore our range of high-quality vitamin D supplements and start building your sunshine reserves.