Sunlight and your health

As we venture outdoors, most of us know how important it is to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and protective clothing to shield ourselves from the sun’s damaging rays. Yet many of us do not realize that small amounts of sunshine can provide a major boost to your health and mood and even help prevent some types of health conditions. But how much is just enough? Many medical experts say just 5-10 minutes of sun exposure a couple of times a week is ideal. Here are some of the important benefits of sensible sun exposure:

• It helps your body produce the sunshine vitamin. Many people don’t get enough Vitamin D through their diet. When exposed to the sun, your skin can manufacture its own vitamin D! Ample vitamin D is formed well before you get a tan or sunburn, so don’t overdo it. Vitamin D helps maintain bone density and can increase athletic performance by aiding in muscle fiber recovery. In addition to getting some rays, fish like salmon and tuna pack a punch of vitamin D. Fortified milk and orange juice, egg yolks and supplements also are good sources.
• It provides a serotonin boost: This amazing chemical is responsible for keeping you motivated and in a good mood. It’s a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your mood. Too little of it has been linked to anxiety, insomnia, obesity and other health conditions. The amount of serotonin in the brain has been found to be in direct correlation with light exposure.
• It can help you sleep better: Exposure to sunlight in the morning can help keep your sleep-wake cycles regulated so that you sleep better, wake up easier and have more energy during the day. So soak up some morning sunshine! Studies show that sun exposure later in the day doesn’t seem to have the same effect, so open those shades or take a walk first thing in the morning.
• It can give you more energy. If you find yourself a bit drowsy in the afternoon at work, try to get a few minutes of sunshine, either outside or near a window.

While small amounts of sunshine can have health benefits, too much of course can be deadly. Ask your physician about how much sun is enough for you each week and how to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.