Is The Sun Good For Me?

Sun Passion

I must admit, I am biased and get pretty excited when it comes to a little sun exposure. Not because I achieve the deepest darkest tan. Far from it! In fact, I’m probably the least likely of skin types to tan. What I appreciate so much about the sun is how it helps our bodies make Vitamin D. To name just a few benefits Vitamin D is important for bone and arterial health and proper immune function.

What Is It?

The bioactive form of the precursor to Vitamin D is cholecalciferol or D3. This is the same stuff you get when you are out in the sun via UVB. That is, if you receive enough and the right amount of exposure without getting burnt or obtaining wrinkles. A good hat and proper clothing is best for protection from overexposure. If you need sunscreen, make sure to invest in a lotion without chemicals made in a lab. Krill Oil may also protect skin. Ah, the delicate balance of something good for us synonymous with everything in life- not enough or too much of a good thing may not be so good.

Lose Fat?

A little exposure may be good but DO NOT overexpose or burn as this has been linked to deadly skin cancer. Some exposure because Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic according to a recent study of young women. 60% of the women were 25-hydroxy deficient. According to the researchers and more importantly, the lack of Vitamin D may also be associated with adipose tissue in the body–or fat! Vitamin D for fat loss anyone?

Don’t Guess

What to do? Those in the northern climates or during winter especially must supplement with a high quality source of Vitamin D only after being tested by your physician. Ever think about how Alaskans get their Vitamin D-check out the food they eat. For those who are getting enough sun, you may supplement according to your individual requirements but only after being tested by your physician to avoid toxicity from supplementation. The sun is different, because your body knows how much Vitamin D to make from the sun.

Sunscreen Theory- Warning Controversial

Just one more thought and yes this is controversial. I have a theory that there is a direct correlation between exogenous toxins such as chemicals applied to the skin in various lotions and sun blocks and abnormal cell mutations. The sun reacts with these chemicals making them even more toxic in the body. So although the skin is not burned on the outside, what is happening on the inside? If it’s not the chemicals from lotions, the chemicals we eat that are not properly detoxified react similarly inside the body. This is just as detrimental as someone who gets burned over and over and damages his or her skin.

What do you think?

Sources:

Study: Vitamin D Deficiency In Young Women

Study: Sun Exposure Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

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