Episode 45: How Much Vitamin D Do You Really Need in Winter? (Immune, Autoimmune & Mood)

Are you getting enough Vitamin D this winter? If you live in the northern U.S., work indoors, have darker skin, or deal with autoimmune or chronic health issues… the answer is probably no.

In this episode of the Discover Health Podcast, Dr. Joshua Sharp breaks down everything you need to know about Vitamin D3, K2, sun exposure, and how to protect your immune system during the winter months.

You’ll learn:
 • Why 1 in 4 people are deficient in winter
 • The REAL optimal vitamin D levels (not the outdated lab ranges)
 • How vitamin D boosts immunity + reduces autoimmune flares
 • Why seed oils block vitamin D activation
 • The myth of “just get sun” — and the truth about the 37th parallel
 • How much D3 you actually need (minimum 5,000 IU/day)
• Why K2 matters and how it protects your heart
• When to test and how to track progress
• The full 6-step “Winter D Action Plan”

If you want better immunity, more stable mood, fewer winter crashes, or better bone and heart health — this is your winter guide.

WINTER VITAMIN D ACTION PLAN

(As promised in the episode)

1. Test Your Baseline
Know your current serum 25(OH)D level before guessing your dose.

2. Set Your Goal
• Deficient: <30
• Insufficient: 30–50
• Borderline: 50–60
• Optimal: 60–80 (for immune + autoimmune support)

3. Supplement Daily
• D3: Minimum 5,000 IU/day
• K2 (MK-7): 100–200 mcg/day
• Take with a meal containing healthy fats.

4. Add Sun Intentionally
• Aim for 10–30 minutes midday when UVB is available.
• Remember: Northern states above the 37th parallel can’t make vitamin D Nov–Mar.

5. Optimize Your Diet
• Add: oily fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, grass-fed dairy
• Avoid: seed oils (soy, corn, sunflower, safflower)
• Use: butter, olive oil, ghee, coconut oil

6. Retest & Adjust
• Retest every 8–12 weeks
• Increase or maintain dose based on results

PRODUCTS MENTIONED (Links Below)

- At-Home Vitamin D Test (Finger Prick Kit)
https://discoverhealth.gethealthy.store/vitamin-d-test.html

- Vitamin D3 + K2 (Brand #1)
https://discoverhealth.gethealthy.store/d3-k2-protm-60-capsules.html

- Vitamin D3 + K2 (Brand #2)
https://discoverhealth.gethealthy.store/d3-10-000-k2-60-softgels-minimum-order-2.html

- Vitamin D3 Drops (Liquid Option)
https://discoverhealth.gethealthy.store/liposomal-d3-k2-2-oz.html

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