Why is it worth taking advantage of the sun?

The production of "sunshine vitamins
18 March 2023 by
Why is it worth taking advantage of the sun?
ImunoBran Luxembourg et France
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June is here, and with it comes the long-awaited sunshine! It's high time to get your bike out of the garage, prepare your picnic tablecloth and make the most of the sunshine. Although the situation in which we find ourselves limits our scope for action, it's worth making the most of the fine weather and taking a look beyond the door of your house or flat. Sunbathing is extremely important for your body. It has an effect not only on your physical health, but also on your mental health. All it takes is a short walk in the woods or park. But it's important not to forget the most important protective measures (mask, appropriate distance).

Heliotherapy, treatment by the sun

Heliotherapy is proof that it's worth taking advantage of the sun. It's a special method used to treat many illnesses using sunlight. Natural ultraviolet radiation is used primarily to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, lichen planus, lupus tuberculosis, atopic dermatitis and chronic allergic diseases. Light therapy is also used to treat bone growth disorders in children, known as rickets - a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency. Heliotherapy is a method that has been used for over 100 years. The Danish doctor responsible for its discovery, Niels Ryberg, was awarded the Nobel Prize for it.

Producing the «sunshine vitamin»

The effect of the sun's rays on the skin is also associated with the production of vitamin D, which is essential for the body to function properly. Even 15 minutes' exposure to the sun is enough for our skin to produce the right dose of this "sunshine vitamin". Why is vitamin D so important? Because it is responsible for the condition of bone tissue and for regulating the metabolism of calcium and phosphates. Deficiency can therefore lead to rickets and other diseases of the bone system. It also strengthens the immune system, providing a protective shield against bacteria and viruses. This solar vitamin has also been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.

A natural aid to weight loss

Walking or doing other physical activities on sunny days also has a positive effect on your appearance. And it's not just the beauty of the tan that's at stake, but above all the figure. The sun's rays affect the body's physiology, allowing it to purify itself of toxins more effectively. The metabolism is also accelerated, making it easier to shed unwanted pounds. When playing outdoor sports in the sunshine, however, it's important not to forget to keep your body properly hydrated.

A healthy heart and strong bones

Sunbathing is also worthwhile for heart health and strong bones. It has been proven that the sun has a beneficial effect on blood pressure, lowering it. It also normalises the resting heart rate, reducing the risk of heart attack. All this is thanks to the nitrates that, when exposed to the sun's rays, are transformed into nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. The sun also has a beneficial effect on bones, improving their blood supply and strengthening their structure.

A guarantee of smiles and good humour

The sun's rays have a beneficial effect not only on physical fitness, but also on the psyche. Scientists have proved that the production of serotonin, or the happiness hormone, is increased by the action of the sun.

By going outside or relaxing on the balcony, you can prevent yourself from feeling down, or even depressed. Sunbathing also helps to reduce stress and relax. So it's well worth taking advantage of the sun to feel good, especially at a time when many people are feeling fearful and anxious about the coronavirus pandemic.

Common sense above all!

Sunlight is extremely necessary for life on Earth, both for us and for plants and animals. However, excessive exposure to the sun can be dangerous for your health and have many undesirable effects, such as skin damage, accelerated ageing and even the risk of developing skin cancer. To avoid this, remember to use products containing UV filters, wear a hat and moisturise properly. The sun has many therapeutic properties and is not harmful if you know how to be sensible.

Sources: Skórska E., Impact of solar ultraviolet radiation on the human body (Effets du rayonnement ultraviolet solaire sur le corps humain), Cosmos. Problems of the biological sciences (Problèmes des sciences de la vie), Tome 65 n° 4 (2016) : Human ecology (Écologie de l'homme). Kolek Z., Effects of optical radiation on humans: beneficial effects and risks (Effets des rayonnements optiques sur l'homme : bénéfices et risques), Prace Instytutu Elektrotechniki (Travaux de l'Institut électrotechnique), Cahier 228, 2006. Przybyło M., Janik M., Szajda S., Minarowski Ł., Waszkiewicz N., Hoja-Łukowicz D., Ultraviolet radiation: what's all the fuss about? (Le rayonnement ultraviolet : pourquoi tant de bruit ?), Prevention of cancer (La prévention des cancers), 2016, p. 40-64. Gruber BM., The vitamin D phenomenon, Proceedings of Hygiene and Experimental Medicine (Progrès en matière d'hygiène et de médecine expérimentale) 2015 (69), p. 127-139. Wasiluk M., Sunshine for health (Le Soleil pour la santé), https://www.marekwasiluk.pl/slonce-dla-zdrowia/

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