Sun Exposure Can Extend Your Life

I grew up in Southern California where skin cancer was the big scare that caused every mother who trotted off to the beach with her child to slather them with 45 proof sunblock. My pale Irish American mother was no exception to this rule. I became so used to smearing the sticky white stuff all over every inch of skin exposed to the sun, that I had only two sunburns my entire California childhood. By the time I had moved to the Northeast, I had become accustomed to never being tan, to never having an ounce of energy even when the sun was shining. The sun is the most effective, most easily absorbed, form of Vitamin D. But because of the great (and very real) fear of skin cancer, many people prone to sunburning have spent so many years protecting themselves from UV rays that they have also filtered out the Vitamin D necessary for so many basics functions of the body. And, recently, studies have shown that those who get, at least, 15 minutes of unguarded sun exposure each day will live 20% longer than those who get none at all - because of indoor living and because of sun-blocking agents.

It has long been proved that the appropriate amount of Vitamin D will protect the immune system by boosting cell function. In northern climates where sun exposure is drastically limited and where locals cannot get light from sun lamps, the flu, and other seasonal illnesses are at a greater level. The immune system of those who receive adequate amounts of Vitamin D can up to 10 times better than their counterparts who receive under the recommended amount - 1000 iu a day if ingested. In hospital settings, when victims have finally become too ill to remain home, IV Vitamin D treatments are offered to fight of the virus that has taken so many lives in the past 100 years. In the winter, Vitamin D should always been taken in a supplement form, as the winter sun in the northern hemisphere is never enough to compensate for summer rays.

Women today are complaining of serious fatigue at a much greater rate than they were even 15 years ago. Vitamin D is one of the major energy boosters for women - and men. Parenthood, career, school, etc...can require more waking hours from us than is appropriate for the human body. Both sleep and alertness is improved for those who begin a regular regimen of Vitamin D. For many, a drastic difference can be seen within two months of regular Vitamin D exposure or ingestion. Receiving Vitamin D from the sun is the most effective form, but many high quality supplements are also available.

Without Vitamin D, calcium cannot be properly absorbed as well. Kidney stones can develop as calcium is dumped into the kidneys once absorption does not occur. Getting the proper amount of Vitamin D can build bones and improve muscle function. To avoid osteoporosis, it is important to get proper amounts of Vitamin in conjunction with calcium supplements. One cannot be absorbed without the other.

Before you head out to the beach this summer, wait 10 to 15 minutes before you slap on the sunscreen. Let the sun be your healer before you block it out of your day. Sunshine will prolong your healthy life.

*This is not intended as medical advice. Always speak to your doctor before starting an vitamin, herbal, or over the counter remedy.