Shedding Light on Sunlight: Why Your Body Needs More Than Just Vitamin D

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Michelle Chalfant on The Adult Chair podcast about a topic that's close to my heart (and our skin!) - sunlight. As a conscious oncologist, I've learned some fascinating things about how the sun impacts our health, and I'm excited to share them with you.

"Sunlight exposure is essential for vitamin D production, but its benefits go beyond just vitamin D." - Dr. Katie Deming

We've all heard it before: "Don't forget your sunscreen!" But the relationship between our bodies and the sun is far more complex than we've been led to believe. While protection from harmful UV rays is important, completely shielding ourselves from the sun might be robbing us of crucial health benefits.

Sunlight doesn't just help our bodies produce vitamin D; it plays a role in regulating our circadian rhythms, boosting our mood, and even supporting our immune system. Recent research has shown that sunlight exposure can help lower blood pressure, improve bone health, and may even reduce the risk of certain cancers. It's a delicate balance, but understanding how sunlight affects our bodies can help us make informed decisions about our sun exposure.

Melanin in Your Skin

"People who have more melanin in their skin actually need more sun because you were living in a place like your ancestors were living in a place where they were getting more sun." - Dr. Katie Deming

Melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color, acts as a natural sunscreen. While it offers protection against UV damage, it also reduces the skin's ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight. This means that people with darker skin may need to spend more time in the sun to get the same vitamin D benefits as those with lighter skin.

It's a beautiful example of how our bodies have adapted to our ancestral environments. But in our modern world, where many of us spend most of our time indoors, it's important to be mindful of these differences and adjust our sun exposure accordingly.

We're basically walking, talking water balloons

"We are 99.9 percent water by molecule." - Dr. Katie Deming

When we think about our bodies, we often focus on solid structures like bones and muscles. This fact becomes even more significant when we consider how sunlight interacts with the water in our bodies.

And the idea of "structured water" is a relatively new concept in mainstream science, but it's gaining traction. Essentially, when water molecules are exposed to infrared light (which is a component of sunlight), they organize themselves in a way that's more beneficial for our cells.

This structured water is believed to improve cellular hydration, enhance nutrient absorption, and even support detoxification processes in the body. It's like giving our cells a tune-up, helping them function more efficiently.

"A diet high in carbohydrates and inflammatory foods makes us more susceptible to sunburn." - Dr. Katie Deming

This connection between diet and sun sensitivity is fascinating. While we often think of sunburn as purely a result of UV exposure, our internal environment plays a significant role too. A diet high in processed carbohydrates and inflammatory foods can increase oxidative stress in the body, making our skin more vulnerable to UV damage.

A diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats can help protect our skin from the inside out. Foods like berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish can boost our skin's natural defenses against sun damage. It's another reminder of how interconnected all aspects of our health are.

What Should You Do?

Instead of avoiding the sun altogether, we can learn to work with it. Start with short periods of sun exposure and gradually increase the time. Pay attention to how your skin responds, and always err on the side of caution.

For those who want a more precise approach, I mentioned the "D Minder" app on the podcast. This app considers factors like your location, time of day, and skin type to recommend optimal sun exposure times. It's a great tool for those who want to maximize their vitamin D production while minimizing the risk of sunburn.

"The conventional medical advice to always wear sunscreen may not be optimal for overall health." - Dr. Katie Deming

While protecting our skin from excessive UV exposure is important, completely blocking out the sun at all times may not be the best approach for overall health. Instead, we might consider a more nuanced approach.

This could involve short periods of unprotected sun exposure (being careful not to burn), followed by the application of sunscreen for longer periods outdoors. Or using clothing as sun protection instead of relying solely on sunscreen.

In conclusion, our relationship with the sun is complex and deeply intertwined with our health. By understanding how sunlight affects our bodies - from vitamin D production to cellular water structuring - we can make more informed decisions about our sun exposure.

So the next time you step outside, take a moment to appreciate the sunlight. Your body - right down to its cellular water - will thank you!

Listen to the Born to Heal podcast to dive deeper into this topic.?