by Dr. Marita Schauch, ND, Tall Tree Integrated Health Centre –
Is it just me or does life suddenly seem a lot better as soon as the sun starts to show its face again? With all of the horror stories about the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays, we can sometimes lose sight of the profound impact that sun exposure has on good health.
How Sunshine Supports Good Health
Vitamin D. As you probably already know, sun exposure is a crucial catalyst for the body’s production of Vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for teeth and bone health, the immune system and reducing inflammation. Sunlight and Vitamin D have also been linked with improving autoimmune disease symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Sleep & Energy Levels. Our bodies are innately attuned to the sun’s rhythms, and getting outside in the sunshine improves this connection. The setting of the sun triggers the body to release melatonin, the hormone which prepares us for sleep. Additionally, bright sunlight in the morning signals it’s time for our body to stop producing melatonin and wake up. This is why getting morning sun can have such an energizing effect on the body, as dim indoor lights can confuse the signals for our bodies to become alert and energized.
Skin Healing. When enjoyed moderately, sunlight therapy has shown benefits to healing inflammatory issues such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.
Boost to Mental Health. It’s no coincidence that your mood may feel brighter when the sun is out. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to several mental health disorders. Seasonal depression is a big issue for many Canadians, but the benefits of sunlight go beyond that. It has been shown that the light spectrum of sunlight, when entering the eyes, triggers the production of serotonin, which is key in regulating mental and emotional health.
Enjoying the Sun Safely
Catch the morning or evening sun. The UV rays of the sun are much stronger between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so try to enjoy the sun in the early mornings or late afternoons to receive the benefits with less risk.
Use Natural Sunscreen. Look for natural sunscreens with active ingredients that have low toxicity levels as sunscreens with toxic ingredients can disrupt your endocrine (hormone) system. Look at health food stores for many natural sunscreens that use minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient as well as other oils that provide moderate SPF levels. Keep in mind that they are not invincible; take part in other sun protection measures.
Seek Shade and Cover Up. If you have a full day planned out in the sun, plan to have an “escape” where you can seek a source of shade. Bringing along a beach umbrella and wearing a few lightweight layers supports the flexibility of being able to shield your skin from the sun’s rays whenever you desire.
Enjoy the light!
