Sunlight for a Better Health

Have you ever noticed a change in your mood with season? There are huge numbers of people suffering from seasonal depression all over the world, just like you probably are. And have you noticed that people who work indoors with very little exposure to sunlight often suffer from mood disorders, and sometimes even go insane. Of course the extreme cases result from high stress being added, but the point still stands. Being exposed to sunlight daily is vital for your health and well being. Why is this? The answer is simple – Vitamin D.

Granted, Vitamin D CAN be obtained from food, but the quantities required for even the minimal dose is more than most people eat in a day. In addition, glass filters out the wavelengths of light that are used to catalyze the formation of vitamin D, so actually being outside is a must. Sitting inside a car or your house simply won’t make the cut. Also, the further you are from the equator, the more the ozone filters the important wavelengths of light. Thusly, in extreme northern and southern locales, more time outside is a must. Another extremely important thing to remember is that skin melatonin levels affect the rate at which the vitamin is catalyzed. That is, the darker your skin is, the slower vitamin D is synthesized. It is part of your body’s natural feedback system, meshing with the tanning process.

Of course this exposure has to be properly balanced. If you spend too much time in the sun, you run the risk of skin cancer. And if you use sunscreen, almost all of the beneficial effects of sunlight will be filtered out along with the harmful components. And a Vitamin D deficiency’s effects aren’t just limited to mood. Vitamin D is linked to calcium absorption, so osteoporosis can be a very valid concern. Deficiency is also linked to several diseases, including cancer. Thankfully you don’t have to worry about an overdose – your body will only produce as much Vitamin D as it needs. Having enough has great benefits too – your chances of getting diabetes or cancer go down!

So what is the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D? Well, you need to get outside for a little while every day. In my case, I try for about an hour a day. It’s enough for a light tan, and a decent time in the sun without going to extremes. I’ll sometimes bask in the sun for about another hour, but only once in a while. Too much of course increases risk for skin cancer, but I think about 1 to 2 hours a day is about perfect for a better and healthier body, mind, and life.