In recent days, there have been several COVID-19 studies (the scientific variety, not polls or opinions) that seem to suggest that melatonin and Vitamin D both play important roles in protecting us from COVID-19. This is great news, as both melatonin and vitamin D are readily available to us, with sources that are free!
In short, individuals how have contracted COVID-19 seem to have a few things in common, namely that they have low levels of melatonin and vitamin D. So, scientists have suggested that boosting our own levels of both might shield us from the virus, or possibly dilute the severity of the virus if we contract it.
How, you might ask, can you do this?
There are a couple of ways, and both are fairly easy!
Sunshine. Sleep. And diet!
Melatonin is the chemical in our bodies that helps us sleep. It has been found that adequate and regular sleep can also help regulate our melatonin levels. Also, eating melatonin rich foods can help, like cherries. Also fruits and vegetables like corn, asparagus, cucumbers, nuts, flax seed, pomegranates, olives, and oats are high in melatonin. Also, eating bananas, oatmeal, and milk (the dairy kind) boost melatonin production. Sleeping with a weighted blanket, keeping your sleeping area dark and free of 'screens (TVs, computers, tablets, etc.)', and avoiding caffeine later in the day all help us with our melatonin production.
One other simple way we can boost our melatonin production is to get at least 10-15 minutes of natural sunshine each day (and it is best in the morning)!
Sunshine also helps us naturally produce vitamin D, it turns out. So, regular sunshine exposure, around 15 minutes, can help your body boost its vitamin D production without the need for vitamin supplementation. Other ways to get vitamin D also include eating foods high in vitamin D, like fatty fish and other seafood, mushrooms, egg yolks, and other foods that are fortified with vitamin D, like milk (this includes cow's milk as well as most non-dairy milks), tofu, most yogurt, and orange juice!
As many parts of the world are getting ready for shorter and colder days, we are presented with a bit of a challenge, but not one we cannot overcome! Even if it is cold outside, if the sun is shining, as little as 10-15 minutes of sunshine on your face and arms can help boost your body's production of vitamin D. If you live somewhere that severally limits your ability to get regular sun exposure, a UV-lamp can also suffice. These can be found at a variety of online stores, and you don't have to buy the fancy expensive version to get an adequate daily dose.
So, today's easy intervention, which has the additional benefit of providing mood boosting outcomes, is to get a little sunshine every day, and use the simple additional tips offered here to boost your melatonin and vitamin D. It may help reduce your risk of covid-19, but you still need to socially distance and mask up, of course!
Be well, stay safe, and take care.
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