Why is it worthwhile to enjoy the sun?

June is here and with it the long awaited sunshine! It's time to get your bike out of the garage, prepare your picnic tablecloth and enjoy the sunshine. Although the situation we are in limits our scope of action, it is worthwhile to take advantage of the good weather and 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. Even a short walk in the forest or park is enough. But it is important not to forget the most important protective measures (mask, appropriate distance).

Heliotherapy, treatment with the sun

Heliotherapy is proof that it is worthwhile to enjoy the sun. It is a special method that is used to treat many diseases with sunlight. Natural ultraviolet radiation is used especially in the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis, lichen planus, lupus tuberculosis, atopic dermatitis or chronic allergic diseases. Light therapy is also used for the treatment of a bone growth disorder in children, called rickets - a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency. Light therapy has been used for over 100 years. The Danish doctor Niels Ryberg, who was responsible for its discovery, was awarded the Nobel Prize for it.

The production of 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 proper functioning of the body. Even 15 minutes in the sun is enough for our skin to produce the right amount of this "sunshine element". Why is vitamin D so important? Because it is responsible for the condition of bone tissue and the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Deficiency can therefore lead to rickets and other diseases of the bone system. It also strengthens the immune system, which provides 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 and other physical activities on sunny days also have a positive effect on your appearance. And it's not just about the beauty of the tan, but especially the figure. The sun's rays affect the body's physiology, allowing it to purify itself of toxins more efficiently. The metabolism is also accelerated, which makes it easier to lose excess weight. When playing outdoor sports in the sun, however, it is important to remember to keep your body well 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, which reduces the risk of a heart attack. All this is due to the nitrates which, when exposed to the sun's rays, are converted into nitric oxide which dilates the blood vessels. The sun also has a beneficial effect on the bones, improving their blood supply and strengthening their structure.

A guarantee for a smile and a good mood

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

By going outside or resting on the balcony, you can prevent yourself from becoming depressed or even depressed. Sunbathing also helps to reduce stress and relax. So it is worthwhile to enjoy the sun to feel good, especially at this time, when many people are feeling fear and anxiety about the coronavirus pandemic.

Common sense first!

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

Sources: Skórska E., Oddziaływanie słonecznego promieniowania ultrafioletowego na organizm człowieka (Effets du rayonnement ultraviolet solaire sur le corps humain), Kosmos. Problems of biological sciences (Problèmes des sciences de la vie), Tome 65 n° 4 (2016) : Human ecology (Écologie de l'homme). Kolek Z., Impact 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 phenomenon of vitamin D., 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/