The Sun is your Friend

http://www.flickr.com/, photo by Zitona

Being a redhead with fair skin, I understand the effects of sunburn. I've burned and peeled more times than I can count, and I don't enjoy sore, hot skin. I've learned to take the sun very seriously because I burn so easily.

I do understand the importance of being careful not to expose ourselves to too much sunlight--been there, done that. Don't want to do it again. However, slathering ourselves with 50 and 60 SPF sunblock every time we leave the house is a little over the top! Yes, too much time unprotected in the sun will leave you with a painful sunburn and make you more susceptible to things like skin cancer later on, but making sure you give yourself some exposure to the sun, sans sunblock, each day, if possible, can give you great health benefits.

We need the sun. Our bodies need to absorb its rays for better health, and we need it far more than most "experts" will tell you.

We need to experience the sun's rays on our uncovered faces, arms, shoulders, and legs because God created our bodies to naturally make Vitamin D from the sunlight. When we constantly cover ourselves with sunblock, not only do we keep out excessive rays which can burn us (which is a good thing), we also keep our bodies from soaking in the rays which help us make Vitamin D.

Why is Vitamin D important?

Let's list just a few reasons:

Low Vitamin D has been associated with increased allergies in children.

Vitamin D has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

Low Vitamin D levels have been associated with higher fat levels.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and strengthens your bones.

Vitamin D strengthens your immune system against illness and disease.

So, we know that we need Vitamin D, but how much do we need, and don't we get enough just by drinking Vitamin D fortified milk? Why should we submit ourselves to the sun's harmful rays?

For starters, you get the deepest penetrating and most effective Vitamin D (D3) from the sun. Simply put, it's free, it's in your backyard, and it's the quickest, most effective way to get enough Vitamin D. Just 20-30 minutes of sunlight exposure per day (without sunblock) will generate 10,000 IU's of Vitamin D3 in your body. Even I, red hair and all, can sit out in my backyard for 20 minutes without getting a sunburn.

You can also supplement your Vitamin D levels by taking Vitamin D supplements and eating foods rich in Vitamin D, like salmon, mushrooms, and eggs. If you choose to take a Vitamin D supplement, make sure it is D3. Taking Vitamin D2 supplements will not give you nearly as much of what you need.

Now, the big, controversial question: How much Vitamin D do you need?
The government will tell you that 60o IU's of Vitamin D a day is enough. Well, it is, if you're simply aiming to avoid Ricketts!

According to research, you need far more Vitamin D than that to sufficiently fight off illness and strengthen your body.  5,000 IU's of Vitamin D per day seems to be a closer number, according to Maximized Living. Remember, just 20-30 minutes of sunlight exposure (to about 40% of your body) will generate much more than that.

If you want to read more about Vitamin D, how much you need, and why it's vital to your health, check out these articles:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D Basics
Sunshine, Allergies, and Weight Loss?
How Important is Vitamin D?