Safe Sun Exposure for Vitamin D!

I am a huge fan of Dr. Mercola.  I believe if you are going to get health advice from someone, make sure they are a pillar of health themselves.  He is in his 60's, in phenomenal shape and lives a very vibrant life.  He wrote the informative book, "Dark Deception, discover the truth about the benefits of sunlight exposure."  You can also subscribe to his newsletter at www.mercola.com for the most up to date health advice. 

In this article:  http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/03/26/maximizing-vitamin-d-exposure.aspx
he shows you a website to reference to make sure you are getting safe sun exposure and optimizing your vitamin D levels.  Vitamin D3 is a steroid hormone that forms when your skin is exposed to UVB radiation.  This video will explain from where you are located how to calculate when the suns UVB rays will be at its strongest. UVB rays will only penetrate the atmosphere when the sun is above an angle of 50 degrees from the horizon.  You want to know when that time is so you can maximize these rays. 

Vitamin D is important for cellular growth, healthy bones and teeth, prevention of certain cancers, increased fertility, immune, brain and nervous system support, regulates insulin levels, and treatment of depression, just to name a few.  Dr. Michael Holick, a leading vitamin D researcher and author of the the book, "The Vitamin D Solution,"  believes that appropriate sun exposure is the best way to optimize vitamin D levels. One reason for this is that vitamin D produced in your skin will last 2-3 times longer in your body than it does if you take it as a supplement. In addition, your body has an innate intelligence that regulates vitamin D, so your levels do not become toxic.  When your vitamin D levels are too high, this can cause high levels of calcium in your blood.  High blood calcium is a condition called hypercalcemia.  The time will vary for every individual on how much sun during these times is enough.  Older individuals will need more time than younger ones and the fairer your skin is the less you need.  A rough estimate is 20 minutes without sunscreen and on at least 70% of your body.  However, if you have fair skin 10 minutes may be all you need.   You do not want to burn and since your body only produces a certain amount of vitamin D everyday, there is no need to stay outside for hours to obtain this. If you are going to be outside for hours you will want to apply an organic sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection.  

Another tool you can use is a great app for smartphones called: Dminder  This app tracks your vitamin D, finds the optimal time of day for UVB rays, helps prevent burns and has forecasts in your specific area for the best time to get vitamin D.  If you don't have access to this, Mercola's article is very helpful.  

Supplementation will be necessary if you cannot get enough sun at these times. You will want to talk to your healthcare provider about the appropriate amount for you.  There are so many other health benefits from the sun,  so when you get the chance go enjoy it!!


Blessings,
Jennifer

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