What Are The Health Benefits Of Sunlight And Vitamin D?

Everyone seems to be talking about the negative effects of sun exposure these days

. You are encouraged to use sunscreen any time you are planning to spend time outside, even for brief periods of time. Although it is true that too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer in some people, it is also true that not enough sun exposure can lead to a Vitamin D deficiency.

The Benefits Of Vitamin D

Because the most effective means of getting Vitamin D into a person's body is simple exposure to the sun's rays, its importance is often taken for granted. Most people are aware that it helps the body to absorb calcium, that is why it is added to most of the milk that you can buy in a supermarket. If your body's level of Vitamin D are too low you may suffer from weakened bones, even if you are getting enough calcium.

A lack of Vitamin D has also been associated with certain types of heart disease, especially in the elderly. Some studies show, that long term deficiency of this vitamin raises the chances of getting some types of cancer. It is unclear whether these illnesses are directly linked to a lack of Vitamin D or the improper absorption of calcium, but either way, making sure you have enough Vitamin D is important.

Getting Enough Vitamin D

It used to be that the only people who were at significant risk for a Vitamin D deficiency were those who lived in climates where the weather prevented much time in the sun. These days, with everyone coating themselves with powerful sunblocks, many people, including children, are not getting enough. To combat this, some doctors recommend that you do not put sunblock on until after you have been outside for over 15 minutes and that you get at least that much exposure on a daily basis.

If that is not possible or if you just want to be sure that you are getting enough, there are daily vitamins available that contain Vitamin D. This form is not absorbed as readily by the body as the sun, but it can help to bridge the gap of what you need and what your exposure to the sun has given to you.

Natural sunlight offers other advantages for your body. It has been shown that regular exposure to it can help a person fight depression. Seasonal depression is common, especially in the cooler climates where winter lasts longer and colder temperatures prevent any exposure. Treatment often involves laying under a sun lamp for a period of time everyday until the weather improves.

When it comes to sunlight, everything in moderation is a good attitude to adopt. Too much sun exposure, especially for those that have fair skin and very little natural protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays and you may age your skin prematurely and raise your risk of developing skin cancer. Too little and you may suffer from illness related to poor calcium absorption and depression. Talk to your doctor and find out what an appropriate amount of exposure for your skin type and age may be.

by: Ryan Round

POST COMMENT

Good Quality Multivitamin Can Protect You Importance Of Omega 3 In Fetal Brain Development Panic Heart Attack Symptoms-health Care. Brazil Butt Lift: Surgery Or Work Out? Beachbody Unleashes The Means To Getting Ripped Abs Getting It All In One Glass Dining Out Can Be Healthy Wisdom Teeth And Its Problem Wrinkles And Cosmetic-closest Friends 20 Pain Relieving Tips For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Burke Dentist Magnetic Jewellery Magnetic Therapy