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Feeling tired and run-down, suffering from inexplicable aches and pains or unable to shake off a simple (hardly) man-flu virus? Could be you’re deficient in Vitamin D.
It’s common knowledge that Vitamin D is manufactured by your skin from sunlight, so it’s the one vitamin we don’t have to worry about – at least in sunny SA. Or so we thought. But recent studies show that – surprisingly – a significant number of South Africans are vitamin D deficient. There is no one overarching consolidated study, and those that have been done are spread across a wide geographic and demographic range, making definitive conclusions difficult. But the data indicates that there is a problem – not surprisingly more so with black people, but even blue-eyed blondes whose ancestors evolved in the snowy north are unable to produce sufficient vitamin D. This is largely due to lifestyle issues – we spend so much time indoors – and also the fact that, when we do venture outside, we slather ourselves with Factor 50.
The source of all life on earth
Almost every civilisation on earth has – in one way or another – worshipped the sun, but we have ceased to do so. We turn our faces from its presence, and shun its warm caress. But the sun is the source of virtually all energy – and the sustainer of all life – on earth, and we cannot live without it. So, while most of us do need to earn a living indoors, we really should make time to be out in the open, to feel the sun gently warming our shoulders, and give it the opportunity to create the life-giving vitamins we need.
Of course, there really are good reasons we no longer lay ourselves down almost naked on beach loungers like so many lamb chops on the braai. There are real risks associated with excessive sun exposure, with skin cancer being the most serious, but there are also long-term cosmetic issues and the pain and suffering of even mild sunburn. Of course, it’s different for different people. While no-one is immune to sunburn, people with darker skin produce more melanin more quickly, which protects them from UV damage, but it also means they need longer sun exposure to manufacture vitamin D. On the other hand, some paler people can barely walk across the road in summer without getting sunburned.
Do something
It’s all about balance. And the best way to get the right amount of sunshine is to do something outdoors – preferably not wearing too much. A regular half-hour outdoor workout wearing shorts and a sleeveless top can go a long way to regulating your vitamin D intake. But, remember, it’s about balance. While sunshine is a good thing, excessive sun exposure is never a good thing. Regardless of your complexion, try to stay out of direct sun in the middle of the day – especially in summer.
And balance your need for vitamin D with your own skin cancer risk profile. If you burn easily, it’s probably best you keep to the high factor sunscreen and cover up when you go outdoors, get your vitamin D levels tested and take a supplement if necessary And, if you have very dark skin, you need more sun exposure to manufacture vitamin D, so it’s also worth getting your vitamin D levels checked.
And where should you exercise?
Anywhere. But it’s best to not have to go too far from home. That’s why estates with running or cycling tracks and outdoor gyms or other fitness areas are so popular. And it’s easy to make them happen. While Gym Africa off ers a custom design service for both outdoor and indoor gyms – from layout to building associated spaces such as studios and changing rooms – outdoor gyms are what they really love. And they do them better than anyone else
