| Vitamin D is the only one in the vast group of | | | | by the body through exposure to sunlight, we do |
| vitamins which isn't available in any food that we | | | | have other alternatives. Some people will choose |
| eat on a regular basis. Vitamin D is obtained by | | | | to go to a tanning salon, since they can have |
| sunlight on the skin. With all of the media | | | | privacy in their booth, and no need to worry |
| coverage about the dangers of too much sun and | | | | about anyone seeing them in any immodest way. |
| sunburns, (which, as Muslim women we didn't | | | | If you choose this method, it's very important to |
| have to worry about, right?) there was never | | | | supplement your diet with antioxidants. Some |
| much emphasis on just how essential it is that the | | | | recommended ones are astaxanthin and Berry |
| skin be exposed to sunlight in order for the body | | | | Green, both which can be found at your local |
| to receive the daily recommended amount. | | | | health food store. |
| So just what does this vitamin D do for us? Why | | | | Neglecting to do this could result in you suffering |
| is it so important? Well, vitamin D helps to control | | | | from tissue damage due to burning. However, if |
| how much calcium your body absorbs from the | | | | you boost your levels of antioxidants, your skin |
| foods you eat. Most of the calcium gets directed | | | | will be healthier and adapt to the ultraviolet rays |
| towards teeth and bones to make them strong. | | | | without burning. |
| However, our body also needs calcium to send | | | | Another option you may want to consider is |
| messages to the nerves and muscles, such as | | | | taking vitamin D supplements. These can be |
| the heart muscles, so it functions properly. This is | | | | purchased at your local pharmacy, and you don't |
| where the D vitamin steps up to the job of | | | | need a prescription for them. If you're unsure of |
| ensuring there is always enough calcium in the | | | | the different types on the shelf, simply ask your |
| blood in order for these tasks to be performed. | | | | pharmacist to come and help you choose the one |
| Vitamin D has other jobs as well. It plays a large | | | | which is best suited to your needs. |
| role in keeping the immune system functioning | | | | If neither of these two choices are a fit for you, |
| properly, and research is starting to show that it | | | | the next best alternative for you to get enough |
| may be a contributing factor in the reduction of | | | | vitamin D in your diet is to take a tablespoon of |
| cancer risks; particularly colon cancer. | | | | cod liver oil every day. It might not sound like the |
| So yes, vitamin D is very important. In reality, the | | | | most tasteful alternative, but amazingly enough |
| amount of time that most people have to spend | | | | cod liver oil is almost tasteless. You can even find |
| in the sun to receive a sufficient dose of the D | | | | mint or orange flavored cod liver oil at your local |
| vitamin is extremely small, and just a few | | | | health food store. This might make it a little easier |
| minutes a day will be sufficient and not have any | | | | for you. But remember, it's still oil, and might take |
| adverse effects from the amount of ultra-violet | | | | some time to get used to the texture. It's |
| light received. | | | | definitely worth it in the long run however, as it |
| There's only one problem. How are Muslim women | | | | boosts your vitamin D levels as well as help to |
| wearing salwar kameez and hajib most, if not all | | | | fight against some chronic diseases. |
| of the time, supposed to get enough vitamin D to | | | | Finding sources of vitamin D can provide you with |
| stay healthy? Even though for most people it only | | | | healthier bones, tissues and blood. You'll be giving |
| takes a few minutes a day, we don't get enough | | | | yourself a fighting chance towards the prevention |
| sun on our faces alone to even reach that small | | | | of cancer, depression and gum disease. You'll find |
| amount. | | | | that any wounds you have will heal quicker, and |
| Even though the majority of vitamin D is received | | | | your mood will be that much better too! |