NORTH FORK – Sunlight is as important as food when it comes to providing your body with what it needs to function properly.
You know how good it feels to sit out in the sun. Trust yourself, you are absolutely correct. Sunshine (when not overdone or too hot) improves your mood and your energy levels. It is very relaxing to be outside in the sun and simply enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. People say “Sunshine makes me fee alive!” And “There’s nothing like the warmth of the sun to melt all your stress away”.
Sunlight, especially infrared (IR) light, directly influences mitochondria in a process known as photobiomodulation. This refers to how light influences biological systems, including energy production at the mitochondrial level. You need this nourishment.
Sunlight is a signal from the environment to your body. Your internal circadian clock responds to light that comes in through your eyes and skin, influencing many biological systems. Morning sunshine helps you make melatonin, which supports sleep when it gets dark.
Sun exposure is linked to lower overall death rates and lower rates of melanoma skin cancer (the most dangerous type of skin cancer). As for other types of skin cancer, many factors contribute, not simply overexposure to the sun. Avoid getting sunburned, avoid vegetable oils in your diet, and avoid chemical laden sunscreens. When you have had enough sun, go into the shade or cover up.
Vitamin D is made in the skin from exposure to mid-day UVB light. Be out during this window of time, exposing as much skin as possible. Every person is different in how much time is needed, but generally until your skin flushes pink. This is not sunburn, which you do want to avoid. The sun makes 1400 active metabolites of vitamin D, all of which are critically important. Compare this to taking a pill of vitamin D3, which is completely inadequate and actually potentially dangerous. Fat soluble vitamins A, D and K2 need to be balanced to prevent toxicity. And they need to come from nature, not a chemical company. We previously discussed the importance of animal foods in the diet that provide these fat soluble vitamins.
Get outside in the sunshine as much as possible, at all times of the day. Even if you can only spare a few minutes at a time to enjoy the sun. See the sunrise (or as close as possible), mid-morning, mid-day, mid-afternoon and sunset. Each time provides a different aspect of the benefits sunshine offers.
You can find previous articles here: Focus On Vibrant Health.
Dr. Veronica Tilden can be your ally in having vibrant health. She uses traditional hands-on osteopathy and helps you take responsibility for your health, guiding you to make better choices in your life. Her office is in North Fork. You can find out more and schedule an appointment at DrVeronicaTilden.com.
