Sunshine is Medicine

Natural light provides a long list of health benefits. Do you crave more sun? Especially in the winter months if you live in a northern climate.

One of the things I was lucky enough to do for my health after being diagnosed, was living in a climate year-round where I get plenty of natural sunlight. I truly believe the sun gets a bad rap, especially all the noise from the conventional medical world telling us how dangerous it is. So many medications have warning labels to stay out of the sun, why? Side effects from a toxic substance?  Being shut in during the so-called pandemic we were all forced to endure, sure did not help anyone’s health.   

I wanted to keep this simple and easy to understand. Below are just a few benefits of the natural medicine created by God to keep us healthy and heal our illness.

Boosts vitamin D:

When exposed to sunlight, the skin absorbs Vitamin D. The “sunshine vitamin” helps prevent bone loss and reduces the risk of heart disease, weight gain and various cancers, among immune boosting benefits for viruses and chronic illness.  

Helps with seasonal depression:

Seasonal affective disorder is real! Six percent of the population suffers from depression during the “seasonal change”, and fourteen percent actually experience debilitating “winter blues”.

Improves sleep:

Mental health and sleep go hand in hand. Natural light is a large part of both.  A small study from 2014 shows that the more natural light office workers received, the better sleep they experienced.  

Sun exposure lowers blood pressure:

In a study from the University of Edinburgh found nitric oxide helps lower blood pressure. As soon as sunlight touches the skin it is released into the blood vessels.  It was always thought that vitamin D was the only benefit from sunlight, however it turns out sun exposure can not only improve health, but also prolong life!

Improves bone health:

It is well known that vitamin D stimulates the absorption of bone strengthening calcium and phosphorus in the body. Emerging research indicates there is a direct link between bone density and vitamin D3. It is especially important for older adults to get plenty of sun exposure.

Improves brain function:

In a study from England, it showed reduced cognitive function in age 65 and older had lower Vitamin D levels. However, studies also showed sunlight could help spur nerve cell growth in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for forming, organizing, and storing of memories.

Heals many skin disorders:

Sunlight can heal skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, jaundice, and other fungal infections. Sunbathing is a successful therapy! 

Boost the immune system:

Sun exposure can suppress an overactive immune system. Sunlight is used to treat autoimmune disease, since white blood cells increase with sun exposure and play a key role in fighting disease and defending against infection.