We all know sunlight is good for us, but just how beneficial is it for our health and well-being? Science has a lot to say about it and the research available showing the wide range of benefits just might AMAZE you!
See also our NEW page about the health risks of some common sunscreen products (coming soon)
Top 10 reasons being in the sun is good for you!
(supported by peer-reviewed scientific studies)
1. Vitamin D Synthesis
Sun exposure stimulates the production of vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
Study: Holick, M. F. (2004). "Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 80(6), 1678S-1688S.
2. Improved Mood
Sunlight exposure increases the release of serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and help a person feel calm and focused.
Study: Lambert, G. W., Reid, C., Kaye, D. M., Jennings, G. L., & Esler, M. D. (2002). "Effect of sunlight and season on serotonin turnover in the brain." The Lancet, 360(9348), 1840-1842.
3. Enhanced Sleep Quality
Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which improves sleep patterns and overall sleep quality.
Study: Wright, K. P., McHill, A. W., Birks, B. R., Griffin, B. R., Rusterholz, T., & Chinoy, E. D. (2013). "Entrainment of the human circadian clock to the natural light-dark cycle." Current Biology, 23(16), 1554-1558.
4. Boosted Immune System
Vitamin D produced by sunlight exposure plays a critical role in enhancing the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages, white blood cells that are crucial for immune defense.
Study: Aranow, C. (2011). "Vitamin D and the immune system." Journal of Investigative Medicine, 59(6), 881-886.
5. Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers
Adequate sunlight exposure has been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, including breast, prostate, and colon cancers.
Study: Giovannucci, E. (2005). "The epidemiology of vitamin D and cancer incidence and mortality: a review (United States)." Cancer Causes & Control, 16(2), 83-95.
6. Lower Blood Pressure
Exposure to sunlight can lower blood pressure by triggering the release of nitric oxide in the blood, which helps dilate blood vessels.
Study: Liu, D., Fernandez, B. O., Hamilton, A., Lang, N. N., Gallagher, J. M., Newby, D. E., ... & Weller, R. B. (2014). "UV radiation suppresses obesity and symptoms of metabolic syndrome independently of vitamin D in mice fed a high-fat diet." Diabetes, 63(11), 3759-3769.
7. Improved Skin Conditions
Sunlight can help treat several skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and jaundice, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Study: Krutmann, J., & Morita, A. (1999). "Mechanisms of ultraviolet (UV) B and UVA phototherapy." Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, 4(1), 70-72.
8. Enhanced Cognitive Function
Exposure to sunlight has been associated with improved cognitive function and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Study: Llewellyn, D. J., Lang, I. A., Langa, K. M., Melzer, D., & Muniz-Terrera, G. (2009). "Vitamin D and cognitive impairment in the elderly U.S. population." The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 64(10), 1227-1232.
9. Reduction in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Sunlight exposure is a common treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, usually in the winter.
Study: Partonen, T., & Lönnqvist, J. (1998). "Bright light improves vitality and alleviates distress in healthy people." Journal of Affective Disorders, 46(2), 141-146.
10. Support for Eye Health*
Moderate sunlight exposure can help prevent nearsightedness (myopia) in children and young adults.
Study: Rose, K. A., Morgan, I. G., Ip, J., Kifley, A., Huynh, S., Smith, W., & Mitchell, P. (2008). "Outdoor activity reduces the prevalence of myopia in children." Ophthalmology, 115(8), 1279-1285.
These studies provide a robust foundation for the health and wellness benefits of sunlight exposure!
Books that discuss the benefits of sunlight from a natural health perspective
1. "The Healing Sun: Sunlight and Health in the 21st Century" by Richard Hobday
This book explores the vital role of sunlight in maintaining health and preventing disease. It covers the history of sun therapy and provides practical advice on how to safely obtain the benefits of sunlight.
2. The Vitamin D Solution: A 3-Step Strategy to Cure Our Most Common Health Problems by Dr. Michael F. Holick
Dr. Holick is a leading authority on vitamin D and discusses how sunlight exposure can improve health. The book includes practical advice on getting enough sunlight and overcoming the fear of skin cancer.
3. Embrace the Sun by Marc B. Sorenson and William B. Grant, Adiel Tel-Oren, Editor
This book delves into the importance of sunlight for overall health, challenging the conventional wisdom that sun exposure is dangerous. It provides a balanced view on how to enjoy the sun safely.
* Sun avoidance may be as dangerous to your health as cigarette smoking.
* In the early 1900s the sun was used to cure many ailments. Nurses would roll beds outside so patients could get a healthful dose of sunlight. Why did we stop? (see the background of this discovery below*)
4. Sunlight: The Healing Power of Nature's Rays by Zane R. Kime
Zane Kime explores the therapeutic effects of sunlight and presents evidence supporting the use of sun therapy in treating various diseases. The book includes historical perspectives and modern scientific research.
5. Sunshine and Vitamin D: Secrets to Optimal Health by Ian Wishart
This book provides an in-depth look at the benefits of vitamin D and sunlight, offering practical tips on how to maximize your exposure safely. It also addresses common myths and misconceptions about sun exposure.
6. The Optimal Dose: Restore Your Health With the Power of Vitamin D3 (kindle edition)
by Judson Somerville MD (Author)
Are you, a loved one or a friend still suffering from a health issue or concerned about one after exhausting traditional healthcare options? Do you or they constantly feel fatigued or unhealthy, but cannot figure out why? Do you wake up multiple times at night, have sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome? Are you overweight and yet always hungry, and wondered why? Are you concerned your immune system is not strong enough to protect you?
You might be surprised to learn that all these issues are typically the result of a deficiency of vitamin D3.
7. The UV Advantage - Audible Audiobook – Unabridged by Michael Holick (Author), iBooks (Publisher), Mark Jenkins (Author)
Dr. Holick, a pioneer in vitamin D research, explains how controlled sun exposure can help prevent a wide range of health issues. The book includes guidelines for safe sun exposure and the benefits of vitamin D.
Can vitamin D derived from sunlight be replaced by supplementation?
There is research indicating that the body synthesizes vitamin D from sunlight in a way that is not completely replicable through dietary supplements or food sources alone. This synthesis occurs when ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun strike the skin, converting 7-dehydrocholesterol into pre-vitamin D3, which is then transformed into active vitamin D3 (calcitriol) in the liver and kidneys.
Key Points from Research:
Superior Bioavailability: Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure is often more effective at raising and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in the blood compared to supplements and food sources.
Study: Holick, M. F. (2004). "Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 80(6), 1678S-1688S.
Key Findings: Sunlight exposure increases blood levels of vitamin D more effectively than dietary intake alone.
Holistic Health Benefits: Sunlight exposure has additional health benefits beyond vitamin D production, such as improved mood and sleep, which are not derived from supplements.
Study: Wacker, M., & Holick, M. F. (2013). "Sunlight and Vitamin D: A global perspective for health." Dermato-Endocrinology, 5(1), 51-108.
Key Findings: Sun exposure leads to the production of several health-promoting compounds in the skin, beyond vitamin D.
Efficacy in Bone Health: Research has shown that vitamin D from sunlight is more effective in maintaining bone health compared to vitamin D from supplements.
Study: Heaney, R. P., et al. (2003). "Human serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol response to extended oral dosing with cholecalciferol." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 77(1), 204-210.
Key Findings: Vitamin D synthesized from sun exposure has a more sustained and significant impact on calcium metabolism and bone health.
Conclusion
While vitamin D supplements can help prevent deficiency, sunlight exposure provides a more effective and holistic approach to maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and overall health. The body's ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight cannot be entirely replicated by supplementation or dietary intake alone.
For further reading, you might explore the following articles:
* Sunlight and Vitamin D: A global perspective for health by Wacker and Holick.
* Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease by Holick.
* How did modern medicine discover the benefits of sun and fresh air?
Influenza patients getting sunlight at the Camp Brooks emergency open-air hospital in Boston. Medical staff were not supposed to remove their masks. (National Archives)
During the 1918 flu pandemic, also known as the Spanish flu, fresh air and sunlight were found to have significant healing benefits for patients. This practice, often referred to as the "open-air treatment," was notably used in the treatment of soldiers and other patients suffering from the flu.
One notable example is from Camp Devens, an Army training base near Boston, where physicians observed that patients who were treated outdoors recovered better than those in crowded indoor wards. The fresh air helped to dilute and disperse the virus, while sunlight acted as a natural disinfectant, killing bacteria and viruses on surfaces and in the air (Smithsonian Magazine) (National Archives).
Dr. Roy Grist, a physician at Camp Devens, documented the rapid onset of severe pneumonia in flu patients and the overwhelming conditions at the hospital. The outdoor treatment was part of a broader effort to improve patient outcomes when indoor facilities were insufficient and overcrowded (Smithsonian Magazine).
These observations from the 1918 pandemic have had a lasting impact on public health policies and the understanding of disease prevention and treatment, highlighting the importance of fresh air and sunlight in medical care (National WWII Museum) (CDC Blogs).
For further reading on this topic, you might find "The Great Influenza" by John M. Barry to be an informative source, as it covers many historical aspects of the 1918 pandemic and the medical innovations that followed.
Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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