Originally published May 12 2014
4 major screw ups with your sun exposure and how to correct them
by Derek Henry
(NaturalNews) The sun is a major healing force and is responsible for sustaining life on this planet. However, in recent years it is more recognized for its damaging effects than how it can positively affect someone's health. This is due to an improper relationship with the sun, however, with some slight adjustments that healing power can be recaptured.
Acclimation and exposure
There is a tendency to overdo it when exposing the body to the suns rays, and the result is often a skin damaging sunburn.
When acclimating to the sun, start in the spring and create a protective tan with phased in exposure. Melanin, the tanned skin pigment that is produced in the spring, prevents sunburn in the summer. It is a biological mechanism for photo-protection designed exclusively to maintain human's healthy relationship with the sun.
Melanin in the skin transforms 99.9% of absorbed UV radiation into heat that is easily dissipated, which effectively avoids radiation damage that contributes to cell damage.
The best time of day to tan is early morning to solar noon. Expose at least your arms and legs, and do it without sunblock for at least 15 to 45 minutes. Use the heat and colour of the skin as a guide to get out and cover up.
Misuse of sunscreen
Not only do synthetic sunscreens effectively block the healing benefits of the sun, they also become absorbed and baked into the skin, creating a whole host of potential health problems.
Synthetic sunscreen creates a false sense of security by disabling the skin' early detection system, the sunburn, that gives fair warning of imminent danger. This results in overexposure to UV radiation, which effectively ruins the healing benefits and creates other health problems.
Sunscreens block UVB rays, which are the rays required for proper vitamin D production. The interaction of the suns rays with skin activates the production of vitamin D, which scientists are just beginning to discover how much the body sorely needs.
Consider only non-toxic sunscreens or botanical oils when sun exposure becomes too long and skin protection is necessary.
Sunglasses overkill
Sunglasses have now become mostly a fashion statement and the health consequences are concerning.
The eyes need sunlight too, as it is the most direct path of communication to the brain and peoples health and mood depend on it. When a full spectrum of light rays are received by the retina, it is coded in the brain and sets in motion production of hormones and neurochemicals that keep people happy and healthy.
The lens at the back of the eye, which stimulates the body's master clock in the hypothalamus and pineal gland, absorbs the blue part of the sunlight spectrum. This in turn creates the production and release of melatonin, the circadian rhythm hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. It is also a powerful immune booster and anti-aging antioxidant that protects DNA and delays neuro-degeneration.
Wearing sunglasses or being indoors blocks blue light reception and reduces the immune system benefits and nightly dose of melatonin. For these reasons, use sunglasses more sparingly and in more intense sunlight situations.
Improper food choices
The antioxidant content of food that is eaten on a consistent basis also has a determining effect on the chances of sunburn. The suns rays damage the skin through free radicals, which are responsible for premature ageing and some cancers. Countering these free radicals with antioxidants is important in preventing damage such as sunburn and any related diseases it may promote.
A high antioxidant diet of sun grown produce, herbs and supplements is the best form of internal sunscreen, and should be highly considered as part of a beneficial relationship with the sun.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.livinglibations.com
http://www.healingthebody.ca/the-healing-benefits-of-the-sun/
http://www.naturalnews.com/022961_eye_eyes_health.html
About the author:
Derek Henry took a deadly health challenge that conventional medicine couldn't solve and self-directed a one-in-a-million health journey that found him happier and healthier than he had been in his entire life. As a result of this rewarding journey, he now spends his time writing, coaching, and educating thousands of people each month who want to enjoy similar results under their own direction.
Find out how you can reverse disease and thrive with a holistic approach.
Derek Henry took a deadly health challenge that conventional medicine couldn't solve and self-directed a one-in-a-million health journey that found him happier and healthier than he had been in his entire life. As a result of this rewarding journey, he now spends his time writing, coaching, and educating thousands of people each month who want to enjoy similar results under their own direction.
Find out how you can reverse disease and thrive with a holistic approach.
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