5 Top Foods That Are High in Vitamin D

How I discovered the importance of VITAMIN D

I never truly understood the importance of Vitamin D until I had to learn the hard way. Unfortunately, this is how many come to understand and appreciate just how important Vitamin D is.

It started in December 2016. The constant fatigue, brain fog and 'depression'. I use the word depression but I knew deep down that I was not depressed. It was just this constant low down energy I had from morning to night. Everything was a real effort. I felt tearful, exhausted and completely lost. It was a very lonely place to be.

Me being me, I kept trying to fight it. Exercise more, eat healthier, drink more water - but nothing was helping. I even started to wonder if it was something more sinister as I knew this feeling was not normal. Not normal for me.

I eventually went to see my doctor in February. I could no longer cope with this awful 'depression' , the constant brain fog. I literally could not make a decision. The simplest tasks were overwhelming. I felt anxious and my body was always aching.

The very first thing my doctor did was offer me antidepressants! I was actually not shocked as I expected this to be offered to me. I politely told him that I knew I was not actually depressed but that something else was off. I asked him to run blood tests and I had a long list of bloods I wanted ran. Yes, Google can be your friend at times.

Included in my blood tests was Vitamin D testing. Within a few days I got a call to come in as my Vitamin D levels were low.

The doctor confirmed that I was severely low in Vitamin D and suggested I take a prescribed amount of these tablets to replenish my levels. I was so relieved. I finally knew what was wrong. Why had I left it so long? Suffered needlessly!

I did more research and found that the prescribed amount would not even touch the sides of what I needed. I then found out that in order for Vitamin D to be properly absorbed you need to take it with magnesium.

I also found that its best absorbed as a spray via the soft tissue in your mouth. 
I started taking this highly recommended Vitamin D spray from Betteryou. (this is an affiliate link). Each spray delivers 3000IU. I started taking 2 sprays every day until I started to feel normal again. I cannot stress enough just how debilitating you feel when you do not have enough Vitamin D, let alone be severely depleted.

I also ensured that I was having at least an hour outside, regardless of the weather and rolling up my sleeves. Yes, it is the winter months but bare arms is actually doable.

So now from the month of September my husband, sons and I have our Vitamin D every Sunday night. We do this until May. Yes, you can take a weeks worth in one go!

So we all either take it after a magnesium bath or after we have rubbed magnesium spray on the soles of our feet and then take the spray 15 minutes later. My husband and I take 7 sprays and the children get 4. I personally feel that we need as adults 3000 IU per day. The recommended amount is roughly 1000 IU - You will need to research yourself and find what amount you feel is right for you. Though, I highly stress not to go above this amount.

There are so many people especially now in these dark winter months who are feeling depressed and have not yet thought about their Vitamin D levels.

5 Foods High in Vitamin D

1. Salmon - my favourite fatty fish. Wild salmon is higher. It can be 4 times higher! (can contain up to 988 IU of Vitamin D per 100g serving).
2. Sardines and herrings - I try to eat a can of sardines at least 4 times a week. I simply put in an oven tray, salt, pepper, garlic and lemon juice. Then bake in the oven until they are really crispy.
3. Cod Liver Oil - this has about 448 IU per teaspoon. A great way to get your Vitamin D if you are not a fish lover.
4. Canned Tuna - there is around 270 IU of Vitamin D in a 100-gram serving. Though, do be aware that canned tuna contains methylmercury (a toxin found in many types of fish).
5. Egg Yolks - a typical egg yolk contains around 37 IU of Vitamin D. Try and choose from hens who are raised outside and if they are given Vitamin D enriched feed. These hens egg yolks can contain up to 6,000 IU of vitamin D per yolk! 

Remember that Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium, which plays a key role in maintaining bone strength and skeletal integrity.