Benefits of Sun Exposure

Now that the weather is warmer, it is a great time to go outside and get some sunshine. There are many benefits of sun exposure that are being rediscovered. Our parents were right when they sent us outside to play.

The information here is mainly from Dr. Joseph Mercola’s article, How Sun Exposure Improves Your Immune Function, January 26, 2024.

Helps Us Produce Vitamin D
As most of us know, the sun is our greatest source of Vitamin D.  It is manufactured by the body using cholesterol, when stimulated by the UV rays of the sun. This conversion of cholesterol to vitamin D only happens between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Vitamin D is essential for proper growth and bone formation in children, it enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption, it protects from most cancers, it helps with depression, and overall improves mortality.

Boosts the Immune System
Separate from vitamin D production, sunlight can boost our immune system.  A study has shone that light was found to stimulate the production of hydrogen peroxide, which boosted the activity of T lymphocytes.  These are the fighter cells that protect the body from pathogens and cancer.  As little as five to 10 minutes of sun exposure were needed to boost immune cell activity.  The research showed that blue light was in part responsible for this benefit. The healthiest blue light is from the sun, as it is balanced by near-infrared radiation, which has many important biological functions.  Blue light specifically triggers the production of hydrogen peroxide in T cells, which triggers a chemical cascade that results in increased T cell motility. The increased motility or activity, in turn, allows the immune cells to function better. [1]

Helps Lower High Blood Pressure 
According to Dr. Joseph Mercola in this article, research shows that when sunlight strikes our skin, nitric oxide (NO) is released into our bloodstream. NO is a powerful blood pressure lowering compound that helps protect our cardiovascular system, cutting our risk for both heart attacks and stroke. … UVB light lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels specifically the capillaries in your skin. This directs about 60% of our blood flow there. This then allows the sun’s rays to easily penetrate into our blood. [2]

Helps Regulate Our Circadian Rhythm
Spending time in midday sun is important for optimal sleep.  It helps to anchor our circadian rhythm which affects our sleep.  Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to sleep apnea.  This was confirmed by a study that showed that 98% of patients with sleep apnea had vitamin deficiency. [3] 

Boosts Brain Serotonin
This in turn will improve mood and mental health.  Light therapy has long been the go-to treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and other research suggests it can be useful in the treatment of major depression as well. 

Increases Testosterone and Protects Male Fertility
Sunlight helps boost men’s libido by affecting testosterone. Australian research reveals that men’s testosterone levels rise and fall with the seasons, peaking during August, and hitting their lowest levels in March. [4]

I am not able to cover all the benefits that God gives us through the sun in this one article.  The more I study it, the more I am amazed at God’s creation.  Here is some more information:

• The whole article by Dr. Mercola: How Sun Exposure Improves Your Immune Function
• Article on Sun Myths and Danger of Sunscreen: Healthy Fun in the Sun!
• Video:  The Power of Light, Mitochondria and Circadian Rhythms  This is an interview with Dr. Alexis Cowan, molecular biologist and Dr. Mercola.  VERY informative!!!

We’re here to help YOU!

Amy Willis MH, CTN

Sources:
1, 2, 3, 4  how-sun-exposure-improves-immune-function-pdf.pdf