It seems like a new diet fad is shoved down our throats every other week. It’s impossible to keep up…Vegetarian, Pescetarian, Juicing, Paleo, Gluten Free, how do you know which are right for you? (if any at all). Well we hate to disappoint but us gals here at The Sports Brat are certainly not in a position to tell you. However, we can tell you this, you need to make sure you’re getting all your nutrients. This is something that professional athletes and fit gals around the globe make a priority. One particular nutrient keeps ending up in the spotlight: Vitamin D.
Sure you’ve heard that its good for you and that getting Vitamin D from the good old sunshine can do more than just give you a Kardashian glow, but do you know just how important it is? Dietitian and Nutritionist to the pros, Cynthia Sass, recently divulged to Athlete’s Quarterly just how important the vitamin is to professional athletes.
Immune Support:
With the holiday season upon us, you need to make sure your immune system is strong! Research indicates that a deficiency of vitamin D can weaken your immune system.
Muscle Efficiency:
New science shows that there is a direct link between Vitamin D and muscle function. Basically, you will be able to hold that crow pose at Core Power if you make sure to get vitamin D on a regular basis.
Muscle Power:
Similarly to muscle efficiency, if you keep up on vitamin D your muscles will be stronger…and no we don’t mean like in a female body builder way, they will just perform better!
Injury Prevention:
While keeping healthy and off the IR (injured reserve) is crucial to a professional athlete’s career, us normal folk don’t wanna blow a knee in the gym either! In a study by the Sports Medicine docs at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC, the mean of 16 athletes who suffered red muscle injuries were deficient in vitamin D.
You’re probably wondering how much you should have to stay out of that deficient category and we regret to inform you that sunshine really is not a reliable source. And, sadly, there aren’t really many foods that have enough of the nutrients. A daily dose of 400 IUs or even up to 2,000 could be needed depending on your status so its super important to have your blood checked so you know how much to take. As with most things, too much isn’t a good thing, so be careful and consult your doc. But either way, make this little guy a priority as we enter winter and holiday cold season so you can keep your fitness goals and bod on track!