To Sun or Not to Sun?

Should I avoid the sun?
Yes and No.  Sun exposure can be both beneficial and harmful. Sunlight has many beneficial effects and in my opinion should not be completely avoided.  At least 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen has been shown to help with many dysfunctions and to actually be quite healing.

It seems that more and more people are avoiding the sun. And though excessive exposure may create problems for some people, some exposure is necessary particularly for the production of Vitamin D and many other health benefits. 

It is of course a good idea to avoid getting sunburned and not to sit and bake in the sun. Moreover, going in the sun with globs of sunscreen on does not really translate into a healthful solution. Sunscreens pose their own danger. If you are using sunscreen, then look for sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are preferable sunblocks both for their effectiveness and lower health risks. 

What is the difference between the UVA and UVB rays?
UVA is called the "tanning ray" and UVB is called the "burning ray." Although it is the "burning ray," UVB also gives us the beneficial jumpstart to Vitamin D production. The main times this UVB is present is during the times that most of us try to avoid the sun, which is between the hours of 10am and 2pm. 

What is the benefit of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is not really a vitamin, but is really a pro-hormone with actions that are essential to life. It is extremely important for the absorption of calcium and has also been noted to aid absorption of magnesium, iron, and zinc. Many people today are deficient in Vitamin D due to the trend of low fat diets as well as the trend toward sun avoidance or excessive use of sunscreen protection.

What are some symptoms associated with low levels of Vitamin D?  

• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Infertility
• Osteoporosis
• PMS
• Migraines
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Stress
• Behavior and learning disorders
• Alzheimers
• Syndrome X
• Obesity

NOTE: The need for Vitamin D varies from person to person, hence it is important to test your levels of Vitamin D if you are supplementing and/or if you have a lot of sun exposure. Excess levels of Vitamin D can be toxic for some people and must be monitored by a health professional. The proper test to ask for is The correct test to order is 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Other common Vitamin D tests are not meaningful for Vitamin D status.

For More Information
The Miracle of Vitamin D, by Krispin Sullivan, CN