Holistic Health 101: What Does Sunshine Have To Do with Body and Mind Wellness

Sunshine Isn’t Evil, It’s Good for Mental Health

Spring is ushering in some beautiful, sunny days here in the PNW, and most everyone seems to be wanting to soak in the warmth. That’s not surprising since it’s hardwired into our DNA to want to enjoy the sun. Yep, basking in sunlight literally makes us happier!

We’ve all been taught the importance of slathering on sunscreen and covering up if going out in the sun to protect our skin and avoid skin cancer. This is a fear mongering extreme. As I tell patients at Thriving Family Chiropractic, don’t spend long periods of time in the sun without protection. Or if you have genetic polymorphisms or a family history that makes you more likely to have issues with excess sun exposure, make sure to be cautious when enjoying time outside in the beautiful Rogue Valley.

But slathering on sunscreen by the gallons isn’t the safe option we’ve been told either. For instance, did you know that some commercial sunscreens contain benzene which is a known carcinogen? If you’re going to be out in the sunshine for several hours, choose a natural sunscreen with zinc oxide, and use physical barriers to cover your limbs, like long sleeves and a hat.

Overall, it’s important that we enjoy short stints (20-30 minutes especially between the hours of 8am-noon) of uncovered sun exposure for better health. Here are some reasons why.

How Sunshine Impacts Whole Body Health

A Natural Source of Vitamin D

If we can have better health through something we eat or something we do, it is way better than just taking a supplement. Your body naturally makes the vitamin D it needs by your uncovered skin being exposed to sunlight. Truly amazing!

The basics of how this works is UVB rays hit the skin interacting with cholesterol (see cholesterol isn’t all bad either) to synthesize vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to some serious health issues ranging from osteoporosis, high blood pressure, depression, muscle aches and weakness, Crohn’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

If you have something called VDR polymorphism, which is genetically inherited, you may not be able to make enough of your own vitamin D and still need to supplement. In the winter or less sunny times of year or if you live in a less sunny climate you may need to supplement as well. But overall, many of us should be able to synthesize our own vitamin D by getting the proper amount of exposure to sunlight.

Sunshine Helps You Have Better Sleep

We are meant to get sunlight in the morning. Uncover your eyes (meaning no sunglasses or hat) and allow the morning sun in (just don’t stare directly into the sun). Sunlight exposure in the eyes stimulates part of our brain called the pineal gland, which has the job of establishing a normal circadian rhythm and releasing melatonin at the appropriate time and amount to help you sleep.

Here at Thriving Family Chiropractic, we help our bodies and minds keep to a healthy sleep schedule with a regular practice of greeting the sun in the morning and enjoying our morning coffee/tea before heading out for the rest of the day. Adding something as simple as sipping your morning beverage outside really can help you sleep better. One small note-it is very important to sleep in as dark of a room as you can to keep your circadian rhythm normal too. 

For a Better Mood Try Sunshine

Did you know that sun exposure stimulates your brain to produce serotonin? Serotonin is a neurotransmitter often referred to as the happiness hormone. It can help combat depression and anxiety (which is why many medications for depression and anxiety focus on keeping more serotonin in circulation) and also helps regulate your digestion.

Getting ten or fifteen minutes of sun a day can help clear out cobwebs and improve your mood.

Sunshine in Moderation Improves Health

Sun exposure is all about balance, and taking into consideration your genetics and predispositions to make the best choices for your health. Hopefully this brief overview of a few of the reasons we need to get some sun will bring out your inner heliophile, and combat fear mongering ideas that all sun exposure is a bad thing.

Just like anything in our lives, moderation is best. If you find you’re still needing some support for your mood, sleep patterns, or concerned about a deficiency affecting your health, I’m here to help at Thriving Family Chiropractic. As your local family chiropractor, my goal is to support your whole family’s whole body health.

Be in good health.

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine-and shadows will fall behind you.”

Walt Whitman

-Doctor Hannah

*This article is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your physician before changing your routine or daily habits.