As the days get shorter, one nutrient gets harder to come by — and most of us don't even realize it. Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin for a reason: your skin makes it when sunlight hits it. But in fall and winter, the sun sits lower, the days are shorter, and we're bundled up and indoors more. That means less natural production, right when sick season is ramping up. Vitamin D matters for more than strong bones. It also supports immune function, which is why low levels in winter get so much attention from researchers. A few practical ways to support your levels this season: -Get outside when the sun is out. Even 15–20 minutes of midday sun on your face and hands helps on clear days. -Eat vitamin D–rich foods. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines, egg yolks, and fortified milk or plant milks are good sources. -Know your number. A simple blood test can tell you where your levels stand — ask your provider at your next visit, especially if you're feeling run-down, achy, or low-energy through winter. -If you supplement, talk to your provider first about the right dose for you. More isn't always better, and your provider can help you pick a form and amount that fits your needs. This is general information, not medical advice — but it's one of those small, steady habits that can make a real difference through the darker months. What's your go-to for staying healthy through fall and winter — do you get outside for sun, lean on food, or supplement? I'd love to hear what works for your family.

I'm giving away TWO gift baskets stuffed with full-size Naturally Green by Dora products — and entering is easy: invite 3 friends to join this free community. That's it, you're entered! Two random winners drawn Friday, October 23rd. New around here? Here's what you're part of: 🌿 DIY skincare tutorials — learn to make your own 💪 Holistic remedies & wellness tips for the whole family ✈ Our move to Vietnam — travel diaries, markets, natural living abroad 👭 A real community of like-minded people It's free to join right now — no catch. To enter: share this community's link with 3 friends. When they join, you're in the drawing. (Winners need a US shipping address.) Who are you inviting? Drop their names below! 👇

Sick season is here, and vitamin C is one of the simplest things you can build into your family's day. As a nurse, I always preferred food first — here's how we do it. Best food sources: bell peppers (red has the most), citrus, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and mango. A lot of people don't realize a red bell pepper has more vitamin C than an orange. Daily habits that actually stick: - Add sliced bell pepper or a handful of strawberries to lunches - Keep cut citrus in the fridge where kids can grab it - A warm lemon water in the morning is an easy ritual One honest note: vitamin C supports your immune system, but it's not a magic shield — it works best alongside sleep, hydration, and hand washing. Consistency beats megadoses. What's your family's go-to vitamin C food? I'm always looking for new ideas the kids will actually eat.

As an LPN and a mom of three, I used to dread this time of year. The sniffles would start with one kid and make their way through the whole house like a relay race. One of the simplest things I learned — in nursing and in my own kitchen — is that your immune system runs on minerals, and zinc is one of the big ones. Why it matters: Zinc is essential for your immune cells to develop and do their job. Even a mild shortfall can blunt your body's defenses. True deficiency isn't common, but about 15% of Americans get only marginal amounts — especially if you don't eat much meat, seafood, or seeds. Easy food sources: - Pumpkin seeds — my #1 pick, easy to snack on - Chickpeas and lentils - Cashews - Eggs - Beef and oysters (the heavy hitters) Two honest notes: - Food first is always my approach. Supplements can help if you're low, but more isn't better — too much zinc can cause nausea and interfere with copper absorption. Talk to your provider before starting one. - You've probably seen zinc lozenges at the store. Some research suggests they may shorten a cold if started within the first 24 hours. Worth knowing — not a miracle cure. Tonight's tiny habit: toss pumpkin seeds, cashews, and a little dark chocolate into a jar for a grab-and-go trail mix. Your immune system will thank you. 💚 What's your go-to sick-season ritual? Drop it below — I want to steal your best ideas. 👇 --- Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements; Cochrane review on zinc for the common cold; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.