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Sun, vitamin D and health
Sun, vitamin D and health. A very healthy combination indeed! We present you the latest scientific data about the amazing importance the sun -our Sun- has. Its all about our health and the prevention of many diseases of the nervous system. Yes, you read correctly! We will focus on a very important process in the human body. An for all who live in Greece, and especially in Crete, this process may occur almost year-round. And this very important process, is the production in our own skin of the vitamin–hormone with the amazing properties, vitamin D. Of course vitamin D, can be absorbed by diet and supplements. This is a must for all those not benefiting from sunbathing.
No doubt, modern lifestyle makes skin exposure to the sun rather difficult. Whats more, we very often notice a phobia towards the sun, that is promoted in a systematic way by doctors and the associated cosmetics companies (e.g. sunscreen pharma). And this phobia–urban legend, may have some basis in terms of photosensitivity reactions or overexposure. However, rational skin exposure to the sun –based on personalized instructions the doctor gives to the patient, of specific skin areas– can only be of benefit. The advantages of this approach, relate both to human health as a whole and in particular to the development, prevention, prognosis and treatment of major neurological diseases.
On each of these diseases, we will comment, in more detail, in future posts. Today, we will offer some hints, about the vast array of diseases, for which there is strong scientific evidence, that adequate levels of vitamin D protect us from disease onset. These include the common cold and flu, colon cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Also neurological diseases like dementia, Parkinson’s, autism spectrum disorders and multiple sclerosis.
Of course, in any case, the instructions, concerning the desired levels of the vitamin, differ and are personalized. Nevertheless, it seems, according to the most recent studies, that they have been reviewed and that we need to seek higher levels for better health. However, there is always the danger of overdoing, since there is scientific data, indicating that excessive levels of vitamin D, in the elderly, may be associated with lower life expectancy.