Get Some Sun-Your Body and Mind Will Thank You
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine-and shadows will fall behind you.”
~Walt Whitman
Spring is ushering in a few beautiful, sunny days here in the PNW and most everyone seems to be wanting to soak in the warmth. It is hardwired into our DNA to want to enjoy the sun-it literally makes us happier! We’ve all been taught the importance of slathering on sunscreen and covering up if going out in the sun to protect our skin and avoid skin cancer. This is a fear mongering extreme. Yes, do not spend long periods of time in the sun without protection, I completely agree. Yes, if you have genetic polymorphisms or a family history that makes you more likely to have issues with excess sun exposure, be careful. Did you know that some commercial sunscreens contain benzene which is a known carcinogen? Choose a natural sunscreen with zinc oxide and cover your limbs in long sleeves and your head in a hat when out for long periods of time. At the same time it is really important that we enjoy short stints (20-30 minutes especially between the hours of 8am-noon) of uncovered sun exposure for better health. Here are some reasons why:
Vitamin D
If we can have better health through something we eat or something we do, it is way better than taking a pill. Your body naturally makes the vitamin D it needs by your uncovered skin being exposed to sunlight. Truly amazing! The basics of how this works is UVB rays hit the skin interacting with cholesterol (see cholesterol isn’t all bad either) to synthesis vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, high blood pressure, depression, muscle aches and weakness, Crohn’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you have a VDR polymorphism you may not be able to make enough of your own vitamin D and need to supplement. In the winter or less sunny times of year or if you live in a less sunny climate you may need to supplement as well.
Better Sleep
We are meant to get sunlight in the morning. Uncover your eyes (meaning no sunglasses or hat) and allow the morning sun in (please don’t stare directly into the sun!). Sunlight exposure in the eyes stimulates the pineal gland to establish a normal circadian rhythm and release melatonin at the appropriate time and dose to help you sleep. A regular practice of doing this will have you sleeping better. Take your morning tea or coffee outside and enjoy. Added note-it is very important to sleep in as dark of a room as you can to keep your circadian rhythm normal.
Better Mood
Sun exposure stimulates your brain to produce serotonin. This is a neurotransmitter that is referred to as the happiness hormone and helps combat depression and anxiety (many medications for depression and anxiety focus on keeping more serotonin in circulation) and also helps regulate your digestion.
Sun exposure is all about balance and taking into consideration your genetics and predispositions. My hope is that this brief overview of a few of the reasons we need to get some sun will bring out your inner heliophile.
*This article is not intended as medical advise. Please consult your physician before changing your routine.