human body. Supplements in pill, capsule, chewable, or gummy form are recommended since few natural vitamin D sources are available.
2. Eat more vitamin D.
Vitamin D needs fat for optimum absorption into the bloodstream. Mackerel, tuna, and the ever-popular salmon are considered “fatty fish”, high in omega-3 fatty acids. Incorporating these and other fatty fish into mealtimes can help you absorb vitamin D supplements better.
Black women can also add mushrooms, green vegetables, eggs, poultry, and fruits into their regular diet. In addition, foods fortified with vitamin D like certain milks, cereals, breads, and orange juice can also be added to a fibroid prevention diet.
3. Get plenty of sunshine.
Standing in the sun applies to more than just Olivia Pope. Getting sunlight for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day is recommended to increase vitamin D levels. However, three things undermine ultraviolet (UV) ray absorption from sunlight for Black women.
How do you combat this? Spend time in the sun sans sunscreen during midday. Research shows that optimal UV ray intensity and our ability to absorb and process it is best at noon. As Black women, we will still need to spend a little more time “standing in the sun” than white women, but maximizing our time and effort by having our lunch break outside in the midday sun will help us get more vitamin D bang for our buck.
As Black women, we shouldn’t have fibroids to worry about on top of surviving in America. With a few lifestyle improvements, let’s turn the data on fibroids and Black women on its ear – and produce more positive statistics concerning the lack of fibroid growth in Black women.