For the cold and long months when you can't get enough sun, you'll need to supplement your body. Norwegians do this with vitamin D pills. You can find them in just about any supermarket (matbutikk) in dissolvable tablet form, or go to a pharmacy (apotek) for the actual pills. As I covered at the start of this book, you may find the Norwegian versions of vitamins usually have fairly low dosages. So you need to purchase the good stuff in your home country or online at iHerb for delivery to Norway.
It's also easily possible in Norway to get your vitamin D levels checked. This is something I, hailing from sunny California, had never had to do, but apparently, it's very common in the Nordic countries. I guess for a Scandinavian it's the same as checking the oil in your car. It's good to do it at least once a year and top things up when needed.
It should also be noted that Norwegians, in addition to recommending you top up your vitamin D, will also try to get you to take Tran. Basically, it's fish oil. It's full of omega-3s and vitamin D as well. If you can manage to drink this concoction, you're not just surviving Norway, you're pretty much already a Norwegian!
The Norwegian Sunlight Challenge
Norway's geographical location, situated in the high latitudes of Northern Europe, means it experiences extreme variations in daylight throughout the year. In the summer, residents enjoy the famous Midnight Sun, with 24-hour daylight in some areas. However, the flip side is the long, dark winters, where the sun barely rises above the horizon in many regions. This limited sunlight can lead to Vitamin D deficiency.
The Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. Some of the key reasons why it's important, especially in Norway, include:
- Bone Health: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, a critical component for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Inadequate Vitamin D can lead to conditions like osteoporosis.
- Immune System Support: Vitamin D is known to enhance the immune system's ability to defend against infections and illnesses, a particularly valuable asset during Norway's cold and flu seasons.
- Mood and Mental Health: Sunlight and Vitamin D have been associated with improved mood and overall mental well-being. The lack of sunlight in Norway's winter can contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
- Reduced Chronic Diseases: Adequate Vitamin D levels are linked to a reduced risk of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.