A large number of public health messages over the past century have focused on the dangers of too much sun exposure, such as aging, skin cancer and DNA damage. However, in reality, today’s science tells us that exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight has many beneficial effects on human health.

What is Sun Exposure?

Planet Earth has been bathing in sunlight for more than 3 billion years [1].

As life forms evolved in the ocean they were exposed to sunlight. Eventually, early life learned to make carbohydrates using sunlight as their energy source [1].

Given the importance of sunlight for life on this planet, it makes sense that all lifeforms, including humans, have evolved to use the power of the sun to their advantage [1].

Humans have a long history of using sunlight therapy that dates back to the ancient Greeks. Today, sunlight therapy is referred to as heliotherapy.

We instinctively think people with a tan look healthier. A tan is simply the body’s way of protecting itself from the power of the sun’s rays [1].

Hopefully, after reading the following benefits of sun exposure, you will start to appreciate the powerful effect that the sun can have on your health.

It’s important to note, that whenever a study shows an association with low vitamin D, all we really know from that is that people aren’t getting enough sun. Vitamin D is a good measure of sun exposure on your body, prevent most unhealthy conditions with meticore supplement.

Circulating vitamin D levels provide a surrogate measure of sun exposure and that it is the other molecules and pathways induced by sun exposure, rather than vitamin D-driven processes, that explain many of the benefits often attributed to vitamin D [2].

Therefore, if you take vitamin D, you won’t prevent many of the risks associated with lower vitamin D. The safest way to prevent these risks is to actually get sun.

Mechanisms by Which Sun Benefits Health

Sun increases or provides:

• Contains Infrared, which has a myriad of benefits
• Contains Full Spectrum Light, which increases dopamine and serotonin and certain spectrums can improve mitochondrial function (red light)
• Increases MSH and MC4R receptors
• Increases Beta-endorphins, which improves mood
• Relaxes the nervous system and makes us calmer
• Increases Nitric Oxide, which helps improve blood flow
• Increases Vitamin D
• Increases Heat shock proteins
• Lowers inflammation (UV is an immunosuppressant)
• Improves Blood flow – blood flows where UV shines
• Increases metabolism
• Is anti-Microbial – the sun can irradiate large amounts of blood – against fungi, bacteria viruses, etc…
• Increases CD8 Cells, which help the immune system
• Increases sulfhydryl groups (necessary for glutathione)
• Breaks down adrenaline, estrogen, cortisol, prolactin, progesterone (and testosterone)

Why People May Get Skin Cancer From Sun

• We get too much sun in one shot
• We don’t build up exposure gradually (we take a vacation)
• Circadian rhythm dysfunction (circadian processes protect us from the sun)
• We have lower NAD+ (which is our natural sunscreen)
• We have a bad diet
• We shower and take off protective oils
• We don’t spread out the sun (gets concentrated in specific places),
• We don’t consume enough DHA
• We don’t drink enough water

Sun Exposure Decreases Risk of Dying

In southern Sweden, there was a 2X increased risk of death among those who avoided sun exposure compared with the highest sun exposure group [3].

Nonsmokers who avoided sun exposure had a life expectancy similar to smokers in the highest sun exposure group, indicating that avoidance of sun exposure is a risk factor as significant as smoking. Compared to the highest sun exposure group, life expectancy of avoiders of sun exposure was reduced by 0.6-2.1 years [4].

Top Health Benefits of Sun Exposure

1) Increases Vitamin D Levels

The best-known benefit of sunlight is its ability to boost the body’s vitamin D supply [5].

Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin through a photosynthetic reaction triggered by exposure to UVB radiation [6].

Most cases of vitamin D deficiency are due to lack of outdoor sun exposure [6].

At least 1,000 different genes, governing virtually every tissue in the body, are regulated by the active form of vitamin D [5].

Vitamin D accumulates in cells of the intestines, where it enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption, controlling the flow of calcium into and out of bones. Thus, adequate vitamin D production through sun exposure is vital for healthy bones [5].

Without enough vitamin D, bones will not form properly. In children, this deficiency is called rickets, a disease that retards growth and causes skeletal deformities, such as bowed legs [5].

Sunbathing has been recommended for centuries as an effective treatment for rickets [7].

Low vitamin D levels cause and worsen osteoporosis and osteomalacia (painful bone disease) in both men and women [6].

As if this weren’t compelling enough, a recent study showed that low vitamin D levels from sun avoidance increase all-cause mortality [8].

1.1) Ideal Vitamin D levels

• At risk of Vitamin D deficiency: Serum 25OHD less than 30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL) [9].
• At risk of Vitamin D inadequacy: Serum 25OHD 30-49 nmol/L (12-19 ng/mL) [9].
• Sufficient in Vitamin D: Serum 25OHD 50-125 nmol/L (20-50 ng/mL) [9].
• Possibly too Much Vitamin D: Serum 25OHD greater than 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL) [9].

2) Sets Circadian Rhythm (Important!)

Studies published in the ’70s showed that part of the brain (the hypothalamus), the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), functions as the core circadian pacemaker in mammals. Basically, the SCN helps your body tell the time of day. For more healthy supplements visit https://www.riverfronttimes.com/stlouis/1md-complete-probiotics-platinum-reviews-must-read-before-trying/Content?oid=34729691.

The SCN receives its messages from the eye. These messages will depend on how much light the eye is being exposed to [12, 13].

So, your body’s key way of telling the time of day will depend on how much light your eyes receive at certain times of the day.

This is very important for your health. Studies show that having a good circadian rhythm is important for the regulation of sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature and other important bodily functions [14].

Getting enough sunlight during the daytime is essential for good sleep. Getting enough light increases night-time melatonin levels [15]. You might also find you go to bed earlier [16].

Humans are most sensitive to light stimuli during the night. As a result, just as important for entraining your circadian rhythm as getting sunlight in the morning is avoiding artificial light at night [17].

This is why I use blue blocking glasses after sunset. These Swanick glasses are better for social settings.

3) May Protect Against Cancer

Although skin cancer has been associated with too much UVR exposure, especially in areas of the world with a damaged ozone layer, a number of other cancers could result from too little sun [5].

For example, those who live in places with less sun (e.g high latitudes) are at higher risk of dying from breast, ovarian, colon, pancreatic, prostate, and other cancers [5].

One study investigated the impact that vitamin D supplementation has on cancer rates. Results showered that taking 2-4 times the daily recommended intake of vitamin D3 (200-600 IU) and calcium resulted in a 50-77% reduction in expected cancer rates [18].

Ironically, high sun exposure increases survival rates in patients with early-stage melanoma [19].

A large number of public health messages have focused on the dangers of too much sun exposure, such as skin cancer. On the other hand, today’s science tells us that sensible sun exposure is essential for physical and mental health. Read on to learn the amazing benefits of sunlight, potential dangers, and safety tips.

4) Strengthens the Bones

Vitamin D accumulates in cells of the intestines, where it enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption, controlling the flow of calcium into and out of bones. Thus, adequate vitamin D production through moderate sun exposure is vital for healthy bones [5].

Without enough vitamin D, bones will not form properly. In children, this deficiency is called rickets, a disease that retards growth and causes skeletal deformities, such as bowed legs [5].

Sunbathing has been recommended for centuries as an effective treatment for rickets [7].