Vitamin D is essential to the health and functioning of your immune system. Vitamin D enhances the pathogen-fighting effects of white blood cells that are crucial parts of your immune defence. Vitamin D also decreases inflammation, which helps promote a healthy immune response.
The Role of Vitamin D in Fighting COVID19
Some preliminary studies have also found that vitamin D deficiency has been linked with increased infection rate and severity of Covid symptoms. Despite this not being the only answer, we can easily address it.
Deficiency can happen due to: insufficient sun exposure, certain medications, low cholesterol, chronic stress, gut and liver diseases.
How to increase vitamin D levels naturally?
The best way to increase vitamin D levels is by spending time in the sun. Your body makes vitamin D from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Ideally, you want to expose the parts of your body that hold a bit of fat, so your belly and legs. These are like your solar panels for vitamin D.
In Australia, fair skin tones only require 15 minutes of direct sunlight (without sunblock). Generally, people with darker skin tones will require more. The amount of time you need to spend in the sun can change depending on your current weather.
You can use the free APP “dminder” to check the best time for you to spend in the sun, in your area.
Food Sources of Vitamin D for increased immune function
Most foods have very small amounts of vitamin D and spending time in the sun is still the most effective way to increase your vitamin D status.
Some foods that have vitamin D include:
Eggs
Mushrooms (especially if left out in the sun before consuming)
Liver
Salmon
It is vital to get tested first and speak with your healthcare practitioner if you consider supplementing. Some people can produce too much vitamin D. Supplementing could be dangerous for their kidney function. You can get your vitamin D levels tested with your naturopath or family GP.