Although you should remember to wear sunscreen every time you go outside, sunlight is key for good health. Sunshine provides essential D vitamins, which affect your absorption of calcium, your mood and even hair loss. It’s important to draw a balance between spending too much unprotected time in the sun (such as tanning) and too much time indoors, which can be difficult if you work an indoor job.

Below are some of the biggest health benefits of sunlight. For natural sunscreen and other natural health products in Humble, TX, be sure to visit A Gift of Health!

• Reduces the risk of cancer and multiple sclerosis: Sunbathing can decrease the risk of breast and other cancers, according to studies by Stanford University. Ultraviolet rays have been shown to aid in preventing multiple sclerosis, as well.
• Aids in vitamin D absorption: While you can get vitamin D from food and supplements, it’s difficult for your body to get the right amount unless you actually go outside. Vitamin D deficiencies can affect your risk of cancer, depression, stroke, hypertension, heart disease and birth defects, among other conditions.
• Regulates your sleep schedule: Your body needs natural sunlight to regulate your sleep/wake cycle. If you’ve been feeling sluggish, it could be due to a lack of light in the morning to stimulate your body.
• Regulates your mood: If you’ve heard of SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, you might be familiar with the concept that sunlight can affect your mood. Long nights and short days with weak sunlight are thought to be responsible for the depression that many people feel in the wintertime.

Smart sun protection

Sunlight contains two different kinds of UV rays: UVA, which damages your skin, and UVB, which produces vitamin D. Too much of either kind of ray can lead to skin cancer and melanoma, so it’s important to use smart sun protection every time.

UV rays are more intense during the summer, and during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all year round. The higher your altitude, the more UV rays you’ll encounter. Cloud cover only blocks 20 to 40 percent of the UV rays, and if you’re near a reflective surface like sand, snow or water, you’ll absorb more UV rays.

While sunscreen is formulated to block harmful UV rays, it won’t block enough of them that you’ll lose out on vitamin D production. Other factors, such as age, skin color, environment, weight and air quality, can affect how your body absorbs UV rays.

As you can see, sunlight isn’t just a pleasant weather condition—your body actually needs it to guard against illness, depression and irregular sleep. When you’re feeling a little out of sorts, the first thing you should do is go outside and soak up some sun.

Natural health products in Humble, TX

Since 2004, A Gift of Health has been Humble’s one-stop natural health product store. We sell everything from CBD to essential oils, supplements and more. Our shop also offers services such as hair mineral analysis, iridology and whole-body vibration therapy. Call or stop by today to learn more about our dedication to holistic health.