Originally published August 17 2005
Moderate sun exposure can be healthy
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
For years doctors have warned against exposing yourself to the suns rays, but new research says that sun exposure in moderation can actually be healthy for you.
Physicians for years have advised slathering on sunscreen and donning protective clothing to combat the harmful effects of the sun, but recent research suggests the golden rays may actually be good for you.
"I think sensible sun exposure is very important for a person's overall health and well-being," said Dr. Michael Holick, a professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University who has advocated limited sun exposure in his book, The UV Advantage.
Recent articles in science and dermatology journals suggest that vitamin D --- the compound produced by the skin in response to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight --- can be effective in everything from maintaining good blood pressure to preventing cancer.
Health officials long have recommended that vitamin D intake be absorbed through dietary supplements and vitamin D-fortified foods, such as milk and bread.
About 200 international units of vitamin D is recommended for infants and up to 600 units for the elderly.
But Holick believes everyone needs 1,000 units daily, an amount impossible to cull from a diet.
Bread and egg yolk each have 25 to 50 units each," he said in a recent interview.
Holick also said vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer, autoimmune diseases including Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure and heart disease.
But McAllen dermatologist Dr. Richard Newton claims skin cancer risks from sun exposure far outweigh risks of vitamin D deficiency.
More than 1 million cases of skin cancer, or melanoma, are diagnosed annually in the United States.
"I don't know what to believe anymore," said the Harlingen resident, who usually wears long-sleeve shirts and a hat when he cuts the lawn or goes fishing.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml