If you’re looking for a natural way to lift your spirits, you might want to look up. A medical expert explains the powerful connection between sunlight, Vitamin D, and our mood, suggesting that a brighter outlook could be just a few minutes of sun away.
The connection lies in Vitamin D’s role as a hormone that influences brain function. It is thought to play a part in serotonin pathways, the neurotransmitter system that is heavily involved in regulating mood. Low levels of Vitamin D have been consistently linked to a higher risk of feeling down.
This is why one of the classic symptoms of a deficiency is a persistent low mood or a lack of motivation. It’s a physiological response to the body missing a key regulatory hormone.
While you can get small amounts of Vitamin D from food, it’s often not enough to have a significant impact on mood. The physician notes that the most effective way to boost levels is to let your body produce it naturally.
The prescription for a sunnier disposition is simple: 10 to 30 minutes of midday sun on exposed skin. This natural mood lift stimulates the production of a potent dose of Vitamin D, helping to regulate your brain chemistry and brighten your outlook from the inside out.