Soakin’ up the Vitamin D: Why I Love the Sun

Summer is almost here, and you know what that means – it’s time to grab your shades, sunscreen (and possibly some aloe vera) and head outside. For many people, summer is synonymous with spending long hours at the beach or lounging by the pool. But have you ever stopped to think about why you love soaking up those rays so much?

In this article, we’re going to explore all of the amazing benefits of getting out in the sun.

The Science Behind It

It might surprise you to learn just how important sunshine is for our health. Our bodies need sunlight in order to produce vitamin D (aka “the sunshine vitamin”), which plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions such as:

• Maintaining healthy bones
• Boosting our immune system
• Reducing inflammation
• Aiding in calcium absorption
• Regulating blood pressure
• Potentially preventing cancer

Pretty impressive list right? So if someone tells you that skipping out on wearing sunscreen means more skin damage but also produces more vitamin D – tell them where they can put their opinion (and then remind them of this paragraph).

And don’t forget about chlorophyll! You may recall from high school biology class that chlorophyll is what gives plants its green colour. It’s role there is well-known, but did ya know it can benefit us too? Yep! Chlorophyll has antioxidant properties which help fight against harmful free radicals within our body by taking advantage of UV radiation coming from UV light.

The Mood Booster

Going outside and stepping into rays gives us an instant mood boost due to triggering endorphins aka happy hormones (try not falling asleep after playing music full blast!) Let’s be honest; we’ve all had low moments throughout quarantine/the past year – so getting some sun and sparking joy isn’t too difficult to understand. Being out in nature with the sun shining down upon us makes for a perfect mood stabilizer and it’s something all of us crave – especially throughout winter!

Chronic Condition Support

If you’re someone that suffers from chronic pain or certain conditions, sunshine is something that can help support you! Take psoriasis, for example; studies show people living with this condition generally take longer (by an average of 20%) to clear without getting any sunlight exposure.

Not just that, but vitamin D has been shown (wait ’til you hear this) anti-inflammatory effects which means it potentially helps alleviate symptoms related to:

• Diabetes
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis To name a few!

But before jumping into ditching medication if you are taking some form of medicine for any mentioned above; pop in at your nearest GP and have a chat.

Natural Sleep Support

Did ya know? Melatonin production relies on daylight and darkness within our body. This might explain why some people find their sleep schedule regulated easier when going camping or spending more time outdoors (cue tent blowing away) If you’re really struggling with deep sleep at night try following along these lines;

1. Morning walk(s) under sunlight: In order to reset circadian rhythms so head outside early during AM hours.
2. Dimming lights & screens leading up until bed
   (blue light filters literally exist as phone settings now)

The best thing about natural remedies right? No prescriptions needed!

## Skin Benefits

Ok let me tell y’all – sunscreen should be used every day regardless if your plan is outdoor activities/sitting inside sipping lemonade enjoying witty articles like mine). But here’s another great reason not only wear it but yearn towards time spent soaking up rays. Studies show moderate sun exposure can benefit skin by providing benefits such as:

• Evening out skin tone
• Lowering blood pressure (which helps with inflammation reduction)
• Blood flow improvement
• Helping in the recovery of eczema and acne.

Keep that SPF on but make sure to take your breaks away from screens/life at least once a day to get fresh air into those lungs!

So there’s no better time than summer for us to soak up some Vitamin D! With health benefits ranging from mood support, chronic condition maintenance/possible relief, providing natural sleep remedies & even improving our skin – head outside and enjoy the sunny weather while it lasts! If you’re one though that doesn’t tolerate heat well good news: beach umbrellas exist.

Stay cool, have fun and most importantly don’t forget SUNSCREEN.

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!