In a world full of illnesses caused by viruses and bacteria, many people are looking for ways to boost their immune system and fight against various health uncertainties. One way to maintain a robust immune system is by getting plenty of vitamin D through multiple sources: food, sunlight, and supplements. The mental and physical benefits help make the sunshine vitamin powerful for all age groups.

Below you will find some of the many ways that vitamin D can boost the immune system, along with ways to ensure you get adequate amounts of the vitamin each day.

Helps with Weight Management

Obesity is an issue for many people around the world, and it is often due to poor eating habits and inactivity. Excessive weight can impair the immune system and prevent it from fighting off infections. Vitamin D can help alter the storage and production of fat cells and increase healthy hormones throughout the body. Many obese individuals are also experiencing vitamin D deficiency; however, consuming more of the vitamin could lead to better exercising and eating habits that help with weight loss and boost the immune system.

Reduces Stress

Lack of sunlight can lead to psychological distress, which has an adverse effect on your immune system’s functions. Just a few moments of sunlight can help people feel more engaged and energized, leading to happiness and more activities, regardless if those things are done indoors or outside. Reducing stress hormones in the body can prevent the immune system from becoming suppressed, which decreases the odds of infection or illness.

Improves Sleep Patterns

Taking vitamin D supplements in the morning, getting adequate sunlight in the daytime, and consuming foods with the vitamin can help energize the body and balance hormones that impact sleep. By staying active during the day, your body will be tired in the evening and night hours, allowing you to rest and create infection-fighting molecules while you are asleep. When you fail to get an adequate amount of sleep each night, your exposure to viruses and the risk of becoming ill can increase.

Keep in mind that too much of anything could be bad for the body, and that includes vitamin D. Therefore, you should always speak with your primary care physician about the nutriment and what your daily intake should be. A medical professional can also tell you what foods and activities to avoid on your quest to add more vitamins and boost immune functioning. Regardless of how your body receives vitamin D, it is vital that you get enough of the mineral to improve your immune function, maintain a healthy weight, enhance your mental health, protect your bones, and more.