Connections to Health - Sunshine after the rain.

THE ISHTA HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTRE

CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

Sunshine after the rain.

As I am writing this it has been raining for days if not weeks. So I hope it is now sunny and that you like me have dared to venture out to give your body the chance to produce some needed vitamin D. Or have you listened to the scare mongers amongst us who threaten us with skin cancer if we dare enjoy the environment we have evolved in? The following is some food for thought about our need for vitamin D and comes from an article called 'Sunlight Robbery' by Oliver Gillie, a freelance medical researcher and writer. To download a free copy of the article go to www.healthresearchforum.org.uk/oliver.html

The body's need for vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that acts like a hormone. It helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, the formation of bones, it is important in cell development and growth, has a modulating affect on the immune system and can improve the mood.

The possible affects of a deficiency.

Accumulating evidence now suggests that a lack of sunlight could be linked to many chronic illnesses such as depression, cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

How much exposure is healthy?

People enjoy sunbathing. It is the natural, healthy way to obtain vitamin D. Sunlight costs nothing and has many very great health benefits but sadly in the UK we get too little of it, or are unaware of what constitutes a good, healthy level of exposure.
There have been lots of studies worldwide about the levels of exposure needed for the body to produce sufficient vitamin D for good health.
According to Oliver Gillie's findings, in England in midsummer a white skinned person may obtain all the vitamin D he needs in three 20 minute sessions of sunbathing on three separate days around midday over the period of a week. But a person with dark skin would have to spend up to six one hour sessions over a week to achieve the same result. In April and September, at the beginning and end of the English summer, longer exposures are needed to obtain an optimum level of vitamin D. For most efficient results, sunbathing sessions should be conducted in the two hours around solar noon - that is between 11.00am and 3.00pm. At other times of day the ultra-violet component of sunlight is weaker and so a longer period must be spent in the sun. The idea is that we "season" our bodies by starting this process in April and don't just decide to have a mega sunbathing session on our summer holidays. It is all about moderate exposure whenever we can during the months April to September.

Once you have had sufficient exposure, before you begin to burn, cover up and if you cannot avoid the sun i.e. you are playing a sport use a sunscreen.

Which Sunscreen?

Most sun creams are chemically based and contain powerful chemicals to absorb the suns rays. Unfortunately they mainly stop the UVB rays, which are the rays that stimulate vitamin D production, and do little to stop the UVA rays penetrating the skin. It is the UVA rays that have been linked to skin cancers. Whereas physical sunscreens or blocks (seen as white or coloured bands on the lips and faces of sportsmen) contain inert minerals such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or talc and work by reflecting the ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays away from the skin. Whilst this isn't good for the vitamin D levels in the body it does prevent the cancer causing rays from penetrating and damaging the cells, overall it is better protection.
Suncream

Points to consider when getting a tan:-

DO build up a tan slowly over, say, a week. Aim for no more than a slight pinkness each day. You should never tan so much that your skin peels off.
DO remember that sunlight is strongly reflected from sand, snow, ice, and concrete and can increase your direct sunlight exposure by 10 to 50%.
DO see your doctor if you spot any unusual moles or growth on your skin, particularly if they are irregular in shape, bleed, itch, or appear to be changing. Most skin cancers can be cured if caught in time.
Do use a sunscreen if exposure is to be extended, preferably a physical sunscreen.
DO NOT shower in the morning before going out to sunbathe. The oils naturally produced by your body during the night are a good protection.
DO NOT shower for at least an hour after you have sunbathed. Vitamin D formed by the action of the sun on oils on the skin need time to be absorbed.
Children need different levels, dependent on their skin and age, but still require regular exposure, seek individual advice about children if you are unsure.