Let The Sun Shine
Let the Sun Shine
We should love the sun because we can’t be healthy without it.
Humans have been in sunny environments since the beginning. The
sun offers a free source of vitamin D, and is the primary source of this
important nutrient that has powerful effects in the body. Vitamin D
allows us to more effectively use calcium, improves the immune system and helps prevents cancer and other diseases.
Not until the past few decades has the incidence of skin cancer
become such a problem. This period also corresponds with the development of sunscreen and other products that attempt to block the
sun’s rays. William Grant, Ph.D., who has published many papers on
this issue, says that "sunscreen is overrated and gives a false sense of
security".
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| Let-The-Sun-Shine |
Other research shows the use of sunscreen can actually
increase the risk of malignant melanoma (the most common and
deadly form) and other skin cancers. Grant and other researchers
describe the problem this way: Most sunscreens block ultraviolet B
waves (UVB) very effectively, but do not block longer-wave more
dangerous UVA well. We obtain vitamin D through UVB, and if we
block that wave sun-stimulated vitamin D production is reduced.
The false sense of security that sunscreen gives many people
causes some to stay in the sun longer, exposing the skin to more dangerous UVA, and increasing risk of skin cancer. For this and other reasons, the growing list of research supports the notion that we can prevent a significant number of many types of cancers by spending some
time in the sun, without sunscreen. This includes the prevention of
skin cancer.
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| Sun-Screen |
Some studies show a relationship between sunscreen use and
cancer prevention while others have not. Unfortunately, sunscreen
manufacturers and cosmetic companies spend millions on marketing,
using popular scare tactics to convince people to use their products.
Based on recent scientific studies, currently recommended vitamin D levels are inadequate, even with the recent increase in recommendations. The average daily need for vitamin D is about 4,000 IUs,
but the current recommendation is still only in the 400 IU range from
birth to age 50. Recent studies show that more than half the population has inadequate levels of vitamin D and some of these studies
were done in the sunny states of Florida and Arizona!
In addition to calcium regulation and prevention of cancer, vitamin D specifically helps reduce pain caused by various types of muscle and bone problems. The sun also plays an important role in immunity, especially in children. And, the sun is good for the brain getting natural sunlight helps the brain work better. No, not staring into
the sun, but allowing the eyes to be exposed to natural outdoor light
(contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses and windows block the helpful
sun rays).
Children and the Sun
Coralee Thompson, M.D., says
“many children, especially those with
brain problems, are deprived of vitamin D and some are outright deficient, which severely affects brain function.”
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| Vitamin-D |
Disabled children, for
example, also have a very high incidence of osteoporosis due to calcium wasting secondary to low vitamin D levels. (The same scenario
can occur in anyone at any age.) A common problem that’s not often
discussed is the fact that bone loss later in life is significantly related
to a lack of sun exposure and vitamin D levels during childhood.
And, most of the damage that causes skin cancer in adults occurs during childhood.
“Kids need to be in the sun without sunscreen for short periods
of time based on individual needs”
says Dr. Thompson. “This may be
15 minutes building to 30 minutes a day for the average skin type, but
never allow a child to get sunburned.” Most clothing allows some sun
to get through for vitamin D production. Dr. Thompson cautions that,
“dietary supplements of vitamin D are not as effective because the
oral dose is usually too low, and higher levels of vitamin D are potentially toxic.”
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| Vitamin-D |
Interestingly, high amounts of vitamin D obtained from
the sun are not toxic.
Following are three important factors to consider when it comes
to the sun:
1- Use the Sun Wisely:
Everyone knows that spending the
afternoon lying on the beach in the strong summer sun is
not healthy (although people continue doing it). But we
need sun exposure. Children need sun too, from an early
age. But like adults, they should never stay in the sun
long enough to burn. If you work in the midday summer
sun you should cover yourself a hat and light, long
sleeves are usually sufficient, but some people may need
more protection. Those who are sun-sensitive should
avoid midday sun, and sometimes even late morning
and mid-afternoon summer sun. Most people who are
sun-sensitive already know it. In this case it’s important
to take a natural vitamin D supplement as food sources
of this nutrient are inadequate.
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| Use-Sun-Wisely |
2- Eat Right:
The very best skin care products are nutrients
found in the healthy foods we eat. Essential fats, antioxidants, vitamin A and other dietary nutrients offer the
greatest skin care and the best protection from natural
sun. Vegetables and fruits provide most of these nutrients, with fish oil, egg yolks and whey products offering
other valuable factors.
3-Don’t Eat Sunscreen:
Again, my recommendation has
always been to not put anything on your skin you’re not
willing to eat! That’s because sunscreen, along with so
many things people put on their skin, gets absorbed into
the body. A tan can protect skin from sun overexposure,
as can a hat and light clothing, and avoiding midday sun
during summer months.
The sun is our primary source of vitamin D, and the only way to
get it is by spending some quality time outdoors. Vitamin D not only
helps us utilize calcium better but helps prevent disease, including
skin cancer and many internal cancers.
