Many people I know have been diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency. I feel that more people will end up with such, if a greater awareness is not met.
For the last few decades we have been bombarded about the harmful effects of direct contact with UV rays and have taken measures to protect ourselves. We have set a trend to avoid any UV rays by wearing high factor lotions or staying out of the sun altogether. Limiting the amount of sun exposure to our skin can have negative effects on our health, that you may not be aware of.
Vitamin D is integral to our development, cognitive wellbeing and growth. It can produce an uplifting feeling, when waking up on a sunny day, to instantaneously improving the mood of a person. Vitamin D from natural sunlight is so important at combating depression and easing general aches without the need for supplements.
To benefit and get your daily dose of vitamin D you have to do it with care, in order to gain the correct dose of vitamin D whilst avoiding the damaging effects of the sun. Our colouring is our natural protection, but remember that if you are fair skinned you need far less time in the sun to absorb vitamin D. The darker your skin, the more natural protection against UV rays you will have.
Everyone should avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early morning and late afternoons are the safest times to expose oneself to sunlight. Adding to this, by choosing to eat ‘superfoods’ such as blueberries, acai and pomegranate can boost your body’s ability to protect it from harmful UV rays.
Sun worshippers please reconsider your position. Spending hours in the sun trying to get that perfect tan is not good for you. However, getting outside sun exposure during the times when it is safe to do so, is good for you, and can benefit both your physical and psychological wellbeing.
