Sunlight Serenade: Encouraging Outdoor Activities for Enhanced Vitamin D Absorption in Children

Nature helps human beings in more than one way. From sunlight to other elements such as rain, soil, clouds, vegetation, flora, and fauna, nature always has something to give humankind.

It is astonishing that a soft beam of sunlight can provide more vitamin D for a child's growth and bone development than any other food source. Keep reading to learn about encouraging outdoor activities to enhance children's vitamin D absorption.

Major Functions of Vitamin D In the Body

There are several major functions that vitamin D is responsible for in a child's body that parents should know about:

1. Supports Calcium Absorption in the Body

Vitamin D is majorly responsible for obtaining Calcium from food and supplying it to different bones in the body, making bones stronger and more resistant to external forces. Calcium makes bones stronger and more flexible along the joints, so the child grows up to be strong without any weaknesses.

2. Muscle Flexibility

Vitamin D also handles bone and muscle flexibility and provides phosphorus to different body parts. As it absorbs calcium from food, it similarly absorbs phosphorus. Phosphorus is an essential micronutrient/mineral required for optimal growth.

3. Makes Teeth Stronger

Bones and teeth are closely related; hence, vitamin D also helps form stronger teeth and gums, ensuring that the permanent set of teeth in children lasts a lifetime. Without proper calcium intake, teeth will fall out before time.

4. Immunity

Vitamin D is also responsible for building up overall immunity in the child's body, ensuring they are stronger and have more bone resilience and strength. Without proper immunity, the child will be more prone to sickness and catching viral infections in the environment, lingering for its prey.

Encouraging Outdoor Activities for Enhanced Vitamin D Absorption in Children

Here are some encouraging outdoor activities for enhancing vitamin D absorption in children:

1. Playing In the Pool

Playing in the pool in summertime is one of the favorite activities for children and adults. Swimming can be a highly effective way to beat the heat and expose your child to the sun without any problems of dehydration or sunburn.

2. Favorite Sport

If you have a child who does not exercise but is interested in sports, why not make them exercise while playing their favorite sport? It is not only interesting and enjoyable but playing their favorite sport can also regulate their daily routine so that they play more often out of entertainment and enjoyment.

3. Outdoor Picnics

Outdoor picnics are also good for spending time outdoors enjoying lots of delicious food. Children will relax and have a good family time, enjoying the summer, making memories of a lifetime, and getting a good amount of Vitamin D.

4. Walks

Parents, if your children have pets at home, you should encourage them to walk their pets and spend quality time with them, ensuring proper exposure to sunlight for children and good walking exercise for the pets. It can help your child attain Vitamin D easily.

Parents must observe their children whenever they play outside. They should also never let their children play outside without applying proper sunscreen.

Alternative Food Sources

Aside from the sun, there are plenty of alternative food sources that your child can eat as a vitamin D-rich diet. A vitamin D-rich diet should contain lots of dairy products because dairy products like paneer, milk, yogurt, cheese, and any other milk item can be remarkably effective and efficient regarding Vitamin D.

If you are looking for some green vegetables, why not add spinach to the list of vitamin D rich diets? Make sure that your child gets enough of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is also available in eggs and bananas.

With these ingredients, you can make a hearty meal three times a day without worrying about your child's vitamin D intake.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is mostly obtained  from the sun by children when they are playing outside. Along with Vitamin D, physical activities in the sun are extremely important for children. It helps them to explore and be immune to the environment existing as the child grows up without any problems or allergies. Due to overpopulation, lack of space, and global warming, children's traditional practice of playing outside in the sun is becoming ancient. Ensuring your child is still exercising is the key to healthy adulthood and a healthy lifestyle.