Sun exposure to the skin is the human race’s natural, intended, most effective and most neglected source of vitamin D.
Vitamin D sufficiency, along with diet and exercise, has emerged as one of the most important preventive factors in human health. Hundreds of studies now link vitamin D deficiency with significantly higher rates of many forms of cancer‚ as well as heart disease‚ osteoporosis‚ multiple sclerosis and many other conditions and diseases.
Because sunshine is a free commodity with no publicist or lobbyist, the Sunshine Vitamin Alliance is established as a coalition of right-minded physicians, individuals and organizations who advocate natural vitamin D production through regular, non-burning sun exposure.
- Humans make 90 percent of our vitamin D naturally from sunlight exposure to our skin – specifically, from ultraviolet B exposure to the skin, which naturally initiates the conversion of cholesterol in the skin to vitamin D3.
- Few foods naturally contain or are fortified with supplemental vitamin D. For example, an 8-ounce glass of whole milk is fortified with 100 IU (international units) of vitamin D – just 10 percent of what the most conservative vitamin D researchers now say we need daily. In contrast, sun exposure to the skin makes thousands of units of vitamin D naturally in a relatively short period of time.
- While vitamin D supplements are an alternative means of producing vitamin D when regular, non-burning sun exposure is not possible, oral supplementation of vitamin D is not nature’s intended means of producing this vitamin.
- While overexposure to sunlight carries risks, the cosmetic skin care industry has misled the public into believing that any UV exposure is harmful. No research has shown that regular, non-burning exposure to UV light poses a significant risk of skin damage.
- Humans spend less time in the sun today than at any point in human history – which is why more than 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient.
Vitamin D Comes From the Sun
Sunlight is the best and only natural source of vitamin D. Unlike dietary or supplementary vitamin D, when you get your ‘D’ from sunshine your body takes what it needs, and de-metabolizes any extra. That’s critical – as vitamin D experts and many health groups now advocate 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily – five to ten times the old recommendations. Because too much ‘D’ from dietary supplements may cause the body to over-process calcium, nobody really knows for sure how much supplementary vitamin D is safe. On the other hand, sunlight-induced vitamin D doesn’t have that problem – it’s the way your body is intended to make it!
Sunlight Exposure (full body exposure)*
3,000 – 20,000 IU
Salmon (3.5 oz. of fresh, wild salmon)
600 – 1,000 IU
Salmon (3.5 oz. of fresh, farmed salmon)
100 – 250 IU
Fortified Whole Milk, 8-oz. glass**
100 IU
Fortified Multi-vitamin
400 IU
Source: Holick, MF. Vitamin D Deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, July 2007
* Sun exposure to the arms and legs for 10-15 minutes. The amount of vitamin D produced depends on the intensity of the UVB in the sun and many other factors. Darker-skinned individuals may need 5-10 times more exposure than a fair-skinned person to make the same amount of vitamin D. In northern climates sunlight is too weak in parts of the year to make any vitamin D – a period referred to as ‘Vitamin D Winter’.
** Vitamin D is supplemented into milk. It doesn’t occur naturally in milk.
Think the sun and tanning are bad? Well, think again. Tanning and sun exposure have been frowned upon for some time. Never do we hear anything positive about this matter, until now! Below are many of the wonderful services the sun and tanning have to offer, other than making you look GREAT.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT MODERATE SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE HAS NEVER BEEN LINKED TO SKIN CANCER. ONLY BURNING AND OVER EXPOSURE HAVE BEEN LINKED TO SKIN CANCER. PROPER EXPOSURE TIMES ARE VITAL FOR YOUR HEALTH AND CAN ALLOW YOU TO ENJOY THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF THE SUN WITHOUT RISKING YOUR HEALTH.
Vitamin D comes from the sun. Sunlight is the best and only natural source of Vitamin D, which assist in the absorption of calcium. This in turn helps form and maintain bone structure. Many studies now link Vitamin D deficiencies with significantly higher rates of many forms of cancer as well as heart disease, osteoporosis, and other conditions. Indoor tanner have a Vitamin D level about 90% higher than the general population.
Blood Pressure can be improved. Studies indicate that exposure to ultra-violet light is an effective tool for lowering elevated blood pressure. According to a recent study conducted at Tulane University, the heart became stronger and pumped more blood when the subjects were exposed to UV light.
Cholesterol levels can be reduced. Sunlight has been scientifically proven in numerous studies to reduce serum cholesterol levels. In a study conducted by The American Society for the study of Arteriosclerosis, 97% of the subjects had a 13% decrease in the level of cholesterol within two hours after the first exposure.
Heliotherapy is the treatment of disease by exposing the body to sunlight. Dermatologists use heliotherapy for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and other skin disorders. It is a chiropractic treatment used for muscle stimulation and relaxation. Heliotherapy is the only known cure for Seasonal Affective Disorder, a cyclic mood disorder caused by sunlight deprivation during the fall and winter months, also known as “winter blues”. Psoriasis treatment. Exposure to UV-light is commonly prescribed by the doctors to alleviate the unsightly appearance and discomfort of psoriasis. Some drugs have been developed to work in conjunction with the UV-light treatments. Those with psoriasis should consult their doctor before proceeding with any treatment.
With anything, tanning should be done in moderation. Over exposure could result in burning, but when done properly has many benefits. UV not only make you look great, but feel great too!!
