Benefits of sunshine

Benefits of sunshine

The positive effects of sunshine have been documented since the 1800’s. Doctors prescribed some time in the rural outdoors as a cure for rickets and tuberculosis, with surprising results. As people moved from the countryside to crowded cities, disease rates skyrocketed, but researchers found that with a little bit of time outside, one could reduce the risk of certain diseases caused by Vitamin D deficiency. Aside from preventing rickets and tuberculosis, Vitamin D plays a role in healthy bone formation and strengthening and regulating the immune system and cell defenses. Researches are now taking a closer look at this “miracle cure” called sunshine.

It was previously thought that Vitamin D could only be obtained from certain foods, including fish oils, mushrooms, and egg yolk. But recently, researchers have discovered that human skin manufactures Vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet B rays of sunlight. When ultraviolet B light hits the skin, it acts on a product of cholesterol to produce Vitamin D3. Keratinocyte cells in the skin contain enzymes that convert D3 into 25D in a process called hydroxylation, and then later into 1,25 D, which can be used by the body. When vitamin D is obtained through foods instead of sunlight, it must first filter through the liver and kidneys before it can be used by the body. Skin is a unique organ, as it is capable of manufacturing usable vitamin D from sunlight without interruption.

Sunlight is the greatest source of Vitamin D for most people. So what happens if you live somewhere with seasonal changes that affect sunlight? Aside from getting outdoors as often as possible, it is important to keep a healthy, balanced diet to gain all the nutrients and vitamins possible. Vitamin D supplements can be taken if a deficiency develops. Full spectrum light bulbs are advertised to help deliver the benefits of unfiltered sunshine, although the positive effects of these light bulbs have not been explicitly demonstrated. Ultimately, when dark and gloomy weather prevails, it may be time for a relaxing vacation to somewhere sunnier, where Vitamin D can easily be produced to benefit the rest of the body.