Vitamin D - Nature's Anti-Depressant

When you are not living in a hot climate, or don’t get a lot of sunshine, it is crucial to dose up on Vitamin D. But when you are living with Cancer it is vital. Indeed, studies show that Breast Cancer can be caused by low levels of vitamin D, as this important Vitamin stops abnormal cancer cells from growing. Liver cancer and Colorectal Cancer occurrence can be increased too due to low levels of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D Nature's Anti-Depressant

Unfortunately, the sun isn’t always available to us, which is nature’s free dose of vitamin D, so we must get creative with our sourcing.

Different Sources of Vitamin D

1. If it is a sunny day role up your sleeves and trousers and get sunbathing! 15 minutes will do nicely. In the winter 20 minutes. But don’t wear any sun protection cream, as this blocks the absorption of Vitamin D. It is best not to sunbathe during the hottest part of the day, so mid-morning or late afternoon is ideal

Oily Fish is a Good Source of Vitamin D

2. Oily fish not only contains good Omega 3 but vitamin D source too, including Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Kippers/Herring, Sardines and Tuna

3. Fish Oil such as krill or cod liver

4. Trout and Cod

5. Animal liver

6. Egg yolk

Mushrooms are a Good Source of Vitamin D

7. Mushrooms – leave them on a sunny windowsill for a couple of days to increase the Vitamin D content

8. Oysters

9. Prawns

10. Tofu

11. Oranges

Taking a Supplement

If you are missing Vitamin D it is possible to take it in supplement form choose a Vitamin D 3 oral spray, I use 'Better You DLux 3000 Vitamin D Oral Spray' during the winter, or krill oil/cod liver oil capsules. You should aim to only supplement Vitamin D in the winter months and then avail of the sunshine and natural food sources in sunnier months.

Always consult your GP or Oncology team before taking any supplements during cancer.

For more information contact me, Clare Reed, CBT Therapist at CBT For Cancer www.cbtforcancer.com