Recent research has indicated a link between Vitamin D and the amount of sunshine we need for our body to be able to naturally produce this important vitamin. We need sunshine directly onto our bodies often without slip, slop or slap.
Controversial, I know but stay with me.
Here’s a list of only some of the health challenges, most serious, that may occur with Vitamin D deficiency or not getting enough sunshine:
- decreased bone strength which may eventually lead to osteoporosis
- high cholesterol levels
- heart trouble which may eventually lead to a heart attack
- aching joints
- blood sugar abnormalities which may eventually lead to Diabetes
- energy drain
- memory loss which may eventually lead to Alzheimer’s or Dementia
- and mood swings
This questions the belief that everybody, at all times needs to apply sunscreen before we go out in the sun. Let’s look at it from and Ancient medicine perspective. Our ancestors were outside more than they were inside.
Avoiding the sun was not their way of thinking but because of mass media now it is considered the best thing to do. Most of the time our Ancestors were out in the sun between 10am and 3pm because that was the thing to do.
Centuries ago did we ever have access to sunscreen with the dubious chemicals in them? These chemicals, in my view and that of research are also somewhat toxic.
If you ever see the following chemicals in your sunscreen, my advice is to leave it on the shelf or if you have sunscreen at home read the label now while it’s still fresh on your mind. If they are in your sunscreen throw it in the bin before they do more damage. Here are those toxic substances . . .
- Avobenzone...
- Cinoxate...
- Dioxybenzone...
- Homosalate...
- Menthyl anthranilate...
- Para amino benzoic acid..
- Octyl salicyclate...
- Oxybenzone...
Padimate O...
Phenylbenzimidazole...
Sulisobenzone...
Trolamine salicyclate...
Alarmingly a large number of Specialists are now beginning to examine whether slapping on sunscreen might in fact contribute to a lot more malignancy deaths than it prevents, as sunscreen blocks the production of Vitamin D.
Even though dermatologists and the health agencies have long suggested that these lotions are effective in preventing skin cancer, some experts are now challenging this theory.
The main reason for this challenge is that Vitamin D is extremely important in preventing and treating some forms of tumors.
Therefore and unfortunately ‘Slip Slop Slap’ has been taken too far. Now importantly - do you need to slip slop slap, of course you do because research has also proven that the sun can cause certain types of cancers.
However we do need direct sun between the hours of 10 am and 3pm when they say to keep out of the sun. Don’t get burnt, but 10 to 15 minutes is important to get your necessary and health promoting Vitamin D.
And here’s a special note to Mums and Dads ... Caring for your children is a high priority, I am sure. With the information you have just learnt when you cover up your children with sunscreen (most toxic) thinking you're doing the right thing, you could in fact be doing more harm than good.
On one level it’s confusing, frustrating and you may even feel angry, but on another level hopefully by now knowing the truth you can use this ancient wisdom to help you and your family to new heights of health and wellbeing.
| Because Sunshine is important link to health and Vitamin D is known as the ‘sunshine’ vitamin. |
The body creates Vitamin D from ultraviolet rays. Importantly there are different types of UV rays. One is UV A and the other is UV B. UV B produces Vitamin D and is the good guy while UV A is the bad guy.
UV A is more prevalent early in the mornings, late afternoon and is the one that burns you on a cloudy or polluted day. So if most of your sun exposure is early or late in the day, you can see this may not be good for you.
“Dam” I can hear you say because you thought that was the best time to be out and about. I am not saying not to go out then but please cover up that way you can enjoy the beautiful sunrises and sunsets in safety.
Some recent studies have demonstrated that Vitamin D helps to protect against lymphoma, prostate cancers, skin and lung cancers and other conditions such as jaundice, heart disease, osteoporosis and blood pressure.
We are all aware of the reported risk of cancer due to the sun’s powerful rays, but are we avoiding sunshine too much for our own good? Look at the number of people whose lifestyles prevent them from taking in a little sunshine each day.
They spend the day in offices, under fluorescent lights and some don’t leave work until after dark. Children spend more time inside after school and on the weekends, watching TV and playing computer games.
When we do go outside, we often wear sunglasses and cover up, so our bodies can’t absorb the sun rays. Another way the positive effects of sunlight enters our bodies is through your eyes. The light is then directed to the brain’s pineal gland.
The pineal gland then produces the hormone melatonin, which then generates the production of serotonin. Serotonin is helpful in lowering stress levels, assists in having a restful nights sleep, reduces carbohydrate cravings and can aid in decreasing PMS. It helps us to feel happy!
As you have read the obvious link between vitamin D, sunshine and health is now attracting mass media attention. All the beneficial effects of vitamin D are somewhat amazing. Optimising exposure to the sun and raising the Vitamin D levels are among the many ways to contribute to having a long and healthful life.
As mentioned all you need is about 10 to 15 minutes a day out in the sun, without sunscreen or sunglasses. Remember, everything in moderation - don’t remain in the sun until your skin burns!
If you are an office worker, try to go out at lunch or on your break for a walk in the sunshine. Please note that tanning beds are not the way to go as they highly increase the risk of cancer.
While out in the sun, try not to wear synthetic clothes as this fabric doesn’t breathe and can cause skin irritations. Clothes made out of natural cotton material and that are light in colour are best, as dark colours such as brown, black, red and olive attract the heat from the sun.
So why not top up your Vitamin D supply today, go and enjoy a little sunshine and gain the many health benefits from this natural source.
Wishing you good health,
