The Benefits of Healthy Sun

Arizona has enough sun to go around! While too much sun can hurt you, just the right amounts each day has benefits that most don't think of.

1. Vitamin D

Receiving the sun's rays is beneficial for us as it provides vitamin D, which strengthens bones and boosts the immune system. A deficiency in this vitamin can be a serious health issue. Vitamin D is produced by our skin when exposed to ultraviolet B rays from the sun. How much vitamin D our bodies make depends on factors like time of day, season, latitude and skin pigmentation.

Fortunately, most people can obtain sufficient amounts of vitamin D from sunlight through sensible exposure. Most adults only need 15 minutes daily in direct sun with short intervals on their face and arms to produce adequate levels of this vital nutrient.

Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential for reducing your risk of illness, infections, and other problems. Your immune system works together with other body regulatory systems like your nervous systems, as well as being involved in tissue repair and regeneration.

2. Better Mood

Sunlight is not only beneficial for getting more Vitamin D, but it can also lift your spirits and promotes better sleep. In particular, its rays trigger serotonin production in the brain, known for improving moods and sharpening focus. Researchers believe serotonin helps reduce stress and enhance sleep quality. It has been suggested that the sun's effects may be due to its ability to increase nitric oxide, dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Even if you don't like the summer heat, it's nice to get outside for just a few minutes and collect the benefits of the sun. You may be more productive in the day when you do.

3. Stronger Bones

Parents with young children or those who simply enjoy spending time outdoors should know that exposure to sunlight can actually be beneficial for your bones. Vitamin D from sunlight helps keep bones strong and helps prevent osteoporosis (bony weakness) later in life.

Calcium is essential for optimal bone health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium as you take it in. While many people get their calcium from healthy sources each day, if you're not getting any sun exposure, you're not actually getting all the calcium that you may think you are.

4. Lower Blood Pressure

Hypertension, one of the leading causes of premature death and disease worldwide, can be contributed to by lifestyle factors like eating fatty or salty foods, not exercising regularly and abstaining from alcohol and nicotine use. Thankfully, exposure to sunlight can help lower blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. Studies have even demonstrated that just 20 minutes of UVA sunlight can significantly lower one's blood pressure levels. UV light stimulates the body to produce nitric oxide, a chemical which dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. When this takes place, you can experience significant reductions in your blood pressure as well as reduced risk for cardiovascular diseases like heart attack or stroke.

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As with everything in life, too much of anything can be a bad thing. Make sure your exposure to the sun is within a healthy limit. Always remember to wear sunscreen, especially during the summers in Arizona.