We have just encountered the summer months, and we’ve bathed in the heat of the sun. Though many of us would prefer the cooler months, and would rather stay indoors in an air conditioned room, studies show that a little sun can really do the body some good.

According to experts, the right amount of sunshine can have healing and cleansing effects on the body. Having too much or too little sunlight exposure can have its negative health effects, too.

In the late 1800’s, it was discovered that sunlight can destroy harmful bacteria. Today, sunlight is still used to treat bacterial infections. It disinfects and destroys bacterial viruses and molds, and helps increase the body’s immune system. It has been observed that sunlight therapy can help cure most of the fungal infections of the skin, because moderate exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight can increase antibody levels, while neutrophils are stimulated to engulf bacteria more rapidly.

Mothers know all too well the benefit of sunlight for their newly born babies. With the help of the early morning sun, jaundice (yellow skin) is often reduced in children and in adults as well. It is believed that repeated short exposure to the sun could also help lower cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Many skin diseases, including acne and psoriasis, are also said to improve with mild exposure to the sun.

Some researchers even attest that moderate exposure to sunlight can help lower the risk of breast cancer by 30 to 40%. It has also been found that because of light’s influence on the body’s various physiological and psychological functions, moderate sunlight may significantly influence the mood and fertility and women. Even PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is believed to respond positively to light treatment. It appears that sunlight affects the serotonin levels in the brain, a hormone that can elevate or improve a person’s mood. Women who are exposed to ample amounts of sunlight are said to experience less depression, fewer mood swings, better sleep, more energy, increased concentration and greater mental alertness. Sunlight is also said to benefit those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, insomnia and bulimia as well.

Moreover, it has been found that fifteen minutes of sunlight every day could prevent most osteoporosis cases. Because sunlight stimulates the skin to promote Vitamin D which is crucial for calcium absorption and utilization, it is obvious that sunlight is necessary for good bone heath. However, as people age, their ability to produce vitamins sufficiently through the skin also diminishes. That is why most of the elderly and bedridden are likely to develop osteoporosis more than the others.

However, skin experts also agree that people should sunbathe with caution. Although darker skinned people (like most Filipinos) can tolerate more sun than lighter-skinned people, it is nonetheless wiser to get your dose of sunlight during the earlier or later hours of the day (before 11am or after 3pm).



Filed under: Health

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