My friend Susan Mead, a Master Herbalist with a wonderful new book out, Take Back Your Body Using Time-Tested Health Tips and Uncommon Sense, reminded me about sunshine and vitamin D production being thwarted by sunglasses.

Susan writes: ” Thought you might want to know that most Vit D is absorbed through the eyelids; I believe that’s why most are short on it since we all wear sunglasses so much.  A hat not a problem, but any glasses will block that absorption.”

Good point, Susan. Besides blocking vitamin D absorption, sunglasses interfere with the body’s circadian rhythms, which depend on undiluted UV light hitting the retina to set our internal clocks. So, while you’re spending a few minutes outside getting your vitamin D, be sure to remove your sunglasses and tilt your eyelids up to the sun.

One of my favorite natural health instructors, Elaine Newkirk, encourages us to use these vitamin D moments to feel gratitude. Its a great idea as it has been proven that feeling grateful for things in your life, no matter how small, has an astounding effect on attitude and health. Too often I find myself focusing on the struggles and forgetting the celebrations, so I was grateful to be reminded to practice gratitude while I bask in the sun with my sunglasses off and my eyes closed.  🙂