The Sun is Not Your Enemy
Whether it is because they are too concerned with getting wrinkles, developing skin cancer, or simply because they don’t want an “ugly” tan, there are always people that are trying to hide from the sun at all costs.
If you are one of those people, I am not here to judge you or your reasons. However, I am here to tell you: The sun is not your enemy!
Over the past decade, the narrative around the sun has become quite negative, and I believe it deserves better. In this article, I want to give you a different perspective on sun exposure and its many beneficial effects on people.
BENEFITS OF SUN EXPOSURE
Apart from its essential role in the optimal functioning of our planet, the sun has a greater impact on our health than we give it credit.
This beautiful star is one of the main sources of Vitamin D, which plays a very important role in disease prevention and maintaining proper body functions.
According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, having the optimal Vitamin D levels can help lower the risk of cancer by as much as 60%. Specifically, it lowers the risk of at least 16 types including pancreatic, lung, ovarian, prostate, and skin cancer.
Sun exposure also boosts our mood. According to Tri-City Medical Center, sunshine has an even greater impact on our mood than rainfall, temperature, or other environmental phenomena. It also improves our sleep quality and helps lower our blood pressure.
MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
We’ve all heard or read this line at least once in our lives: “The sun causes melanoma.” But actually, the truth is more complex than that and not as black and white as you’d think.
Contrary to what we’ve all heard or read about the dangers of sunlight and cancer, Dr. William Campbell suggests that sunlight might positively impact people who suffer from different types of cancer.
He mentions two specific studies to support his point. The first one sought to prove that UV radiation increased the risk of developing lymphoma. But after studying close to 7,000 participants, they learned that the opposite happened: Increased sun exposure actually reduced the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This type of cancer forms when white blood cells, called lymphocytes, grow abnormally and can form tumors throughout the body.
The second study evaluated the link between sun exposure and the chances of surviving melanoma. The research found that increased sun exposure actually increases the survival rate from melanoma.
A famous dentist and researcher named Dr. Weston A. Price traveled the world for almost 10 years to find out the ultimate “secret” to a healthy life. He found that people who lived in the most remote areas of the world, where people would eat foods native to their regions, had perfect dental arches, high immunity to tuberculosis, and overall excellent health.
In contrast, those same populations that lived in more “developed or modern” areas, where people would eat white sugar, white flour, refined vegetable oils, and canned products, had crooked teeth, dental caries, arthritis, and reduced immunity to tuberculosis, among other diseases. As he dug deeper he started realizing that sun exposure is not causing cancer. What causes cancer is the toxic food that we consume and that stays in our bodies in conjunction with the sun.
IS SUNSCREEN GOOD FOR YOU?
The use of sunscreen has been increasingly promoted during the past two decades. However, data shows that melanoma has been increasing along with sunscreen use. If more people are wearing sunscreen than ever, why is this happening?
According to Dr. Elizabeth Plourde, apart from not contributing to the decrease in melanoma, there is evidence that proves some of the most commercial sunscreens have chemicals that are harmful to the body. These chemicals contribute to many health issues. For example, some chemical filters are hormone disruptors, which block the ability of our hormones to sit in their receptors and prevent them from performing their normal functions. Moreover, the endocrine-disrupting chemicals can contribute to breast cancer cells multiplying and metastasizing.
Sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide can also cause harm to the heart, including heartbeat irregularities. This chemical can also affect the liver, thyroid, and immune function.
These are just some possible effects of wearing sunscreen, but the list doesn’t end here. It takes 28 seconds for your skin to absorb whatever you put on it. I encourage you to start being more mindful of what you absorb and the products that you decide to use.
ENJOY THE SUN WORRY-FREE!
“It is estimated that up to 85 percent of people have insufficient levels of vitamin D and are unaware of their deficient state,” says Dr. Mercola.
This data is alarming, but sadly, not surprising. I am not here telling you to be out in the sun all day until your skin hurts. But I want you to know that there are ways in which you can enjoy sunlight and its benefits while taking care of your skin. Here are some things you can do to enjoy the sun in a healthy way:
Avoid products that contain titanium dioxide.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants.
If you choose to wear sunscreen, make sure to read the ingredients first.
I get my sunscreen from Pure Haven. All of their products are FREE of toxins and 100% effective.
Dr. Mercola says that the best time to expose yourself to the sun for a short period of time (10-20 minutes) is between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM.
The benefits of sun exposure are endless, and the best part is that it’s free!
I want to encourage you to start enjoying its wonders TODAY.