We really never think that vitamin D that sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” is so essential for us especially for our immune system. Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, help seniors live longer, protects against heart attacks and strokes, prevents brain and memory decline, eases multiple sclerosis symptoms, and much more. Now people are becoming more concerned about their vitamin D levels.
On the one hand, the sun exposure gives us tremendous health benefits and very useful for vitamin D synthesis. Sunshine helps to create vitamin D in your body. Sun exposure increases your brain’s production of serotonin, helps to regulate your sleep-wake cycle, can help treat several skin conditions, and provides many cancer-preventing perks.
On the other hand, sun can burn your skin and cause cancer, eye problems, and a variety of health issues. UV radiation destroys collagen and damages skin cells. But our goal is not to avoid sun exposure. The goal is to be smart, moderate sun exposure, minimize damage, and minimize excess exposure. When necessary it's also useful to have an approved sunscreen available.
Who is at Risk of Vitamin Deficiency?
· People with limited sun exposure
· Infants – human breast milk contains a low level of vitamin D
· Elder people – as you age, your skin loses the ability to generate vitamin D
· Overweight people – vitamin D is oil soluble and hides in fat
· Dark-skinned people – the pigmentation of darker-skinned people blocks UVB radiation
· Pregnant women – those with pregnancy-related high blood pressure or preeclampsia, have lower blood levels of D
Benefits of Sun Exposure
· Helps your skin produce vitamin D for longevity, bone, immune, and brain health
· Anchors your body’s internal clock which regulates healthy appetite and metabolism
· Improves sleep quality by promoting optimal melatonin secretion at night
· Reduces stress and boosts mood and cognitive function with no negative side effects
· Promotes healthy eye function
· May improve libido and balance sex hormones
Sun Safety Tips
· Apply water-resistant sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays
· Put on a hat
· Early morning, until 10 am or after 5 pm, is the best time for sun exposure
· Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes
· Cover up with clothes
· Spend some time in the shade and use umbrellas
Schedule your consultation with one of our doctors in Lynn, MA, to check your vitamin D level and to know more how to reduce sun damage (781) 581-6181.
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