Have you enjoyed the sun this summer? Our distant ancestors spent a lot of time in the sun. As hunter-gatherers, their survival depended on it. They didn't even have a comfy air-conditioned place to come home to after a long hot day. It sure is nice to have the option of a cool place on those hot days, but we might be outside more if we didn't have that option. 

Modern research shows that spending extended periods outdoors has many physical and mental health benefits. We know that sunshine can make you feel lighter, move more, sleep better, and have more energy. But healthy sun exposure may actually impact our longevity! 

One study found that sunshine could “reduce blood pressure, cut the risk of heart attack and stroke - and even prolong life.” The study noted that the benefits of sun exposure may outweigh the risks. This is because heart disease and strokes linked to high blood pressure cause about 80 times more deaths than those from skin cancer. 

Even more compelling is that according to Dr. Ruscio, sun exposure leads to the formation of the active form of vitamin D, which improves DNA repair and may PROTECT the skin from cancer. Other studies suggest that sun exposure demonstrates a significant REDUCTION in all causes of mortality. 

Let's look at how to get the health benefits of the sun safely.

 

Guidelines for Exposure 

It is crucial to understand the nuance involved here. Please don't start spending all day at the pool without proper precautions. Chris Kresser suggests the following guidelines.

• Notice how long it takes for your skin to turn pink outside without sunscreen.
• Get out in the sun 2-3 times a week for half the time it takes for your skin to turn pink
• Use shade, light clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat if you will be outside longer.
• Remember that the time of day, latitude, and season impact the sun’s intensity (tropics vs. the Midwest).
• Establish a baseline tan in the spring or early summer. 
• Use wisdom on vacation (consider the sun's intensity and if you have that baseline tan).
• Important Note: Babies under 6 months don’t have much melanin (opt for limited sun exposure in the morning and late afternoon rather than at noon, and take other precautions to keep them safe).

 

Easy Ways to Get Sun

Getting sun can become a part of your daily routine; it doesn't need to take extra time or effort. 

• Eat breakfast outside on the deck.
• Have a picnic for lunch or dinner.
• Move outside in nature rather than at the gym.
• Go to the park instead of the coffee shop when meeting with friends.
• Take calls outside (you can even walk while talking).

 

What About Sunscreen

Kresser believes that most sunscreens on the market are not safe. They contain chemical ingredients such as fragrances, parabens, alcohol, chemical solvents, and petroleum oils that break down when exposed to sunlight. Babies are especially susceptible to the toxic effects of many common sunscreen ingredients, so consider using light clothes and shade instead. 

My family uses a locally made natural sunscreen from “A Dirty Hoe.” It is a natural mineral-based product that does not contain the chemicals and preservatives found in most commercial sunscreens.

 

Let me know if you would like to discuss this the next time you come in. I love talking about the lessons we can learn from our ancestors' ways of life.

Dr. Jamie 

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