More Vitamin D Please

Avid tanners will recall when Vitamin D became the indoor tanning industry's greatest ally when under fire for recent health concerns. And in the northwest we are especially in need of Vitamin D, as our environment rarely supplies us with enough natural sunlight to produce the necessary amount year-round. Recently doctors have listed Vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in asthma, cancer, depression, heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain. Experts have also warned against trying to obtain Vitamin D through exposing your body to UV rays (and fake and bake indoor tanning is a well-known skin care 'no-no'). So what is a girl to do if she wants to have great skin and a sufficient amount of Vitamin D? Here are some great options:

• Make time for a healthy breakfast. Almost all milk is now fortified with a substantial dose of Vitamin D, as well as orange juice. Also, check the labels of your favorite major breakfast cereals, as many are now a good source as well.
• Eating lean meats and fish. Many especially fatty seafoods are loaded with Vitamin D, for example 3 ounces of cooked salmon is worth 200% of the daily value.
• Remembering to take your multi-vitamin. Be cautious though, for adults up to 70 years in age, the recommended amount of Vitamin D is 600iu per day.