Here in the Western world, we have been taught for very long to fear the sun.
There are many reasons behind this narrative that I won't overly delve into in this initial blog post, but we must look at why it is that we have been programmed to believe that the single most essential element in ensuring growth and life, is viewed as a potential poison!
Yes, the sun is indeed able to burn our skin and excess in all things can prove to be harmful, but it is possible to get healthy exposure, build melanin and not fear the sun. There isn't a living thing on this planet that doesn't need the sun to survive and thrive daily! Humans are no different. So why are we covering up from the sun?
"The six best doctors anywhere and no one can deny it, are sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise, and diet" - Wayne Fields
Sunbathing has to be one of my favorite ways to spend my down time, especially considering I live in a country that sees more snow than sun! The feeling I get when the sun hits my body is profound, I literally come alive.
Something in my soul awakens, and I know with every ounce of my being that getting enough sun is fundamental for good health. So why is it that as a population we have been made to believe that we should avoid the sun, or use toxic creams to protect against it?
Yes, over exposure to the sun can have its risks, but so does too little exposure! UV rays can be strong for people who have lighter fair skin but this doesn't mean they should avoid the sun altogether or only expose themselves with chemicals on their skin. The reality is melanin can be "built", and all humans require Vitamin D for so many important functions in the body.
Full body exposure for typically 20 to 30 minutes a day and as naked as you can get, is the ideal for adequate Vitamin D synthesis. I personally love nude beaches for this purpose, as it allows ultimate freedom for maximal exposure.
Our bodies literally synthesize this vitamin from the rays of the sun with the use of cholesterol and magnesium from our bodies. This miracle sunshine vitamin is created and utilized, ensuring our bodies function optimally.
Our human bodies are literally designed to work with the sun to sustain and thrive health-wise! If that doesn't prove our connection and need for nature, I don't know what does!
Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients for our immune system, as well as all other organs and cells in the body. Without enough of it we are simply at a deficit health-wise and face countless health issues.
Mental and neurological disorders, cardiovascular problems, mood disorders, and joint, bone and muscle problems can soon develop. We are like all living creatures and plant-life that survive and thrive with the sun. Besides the amazing benefits of Vitamin D, the sun also plays another important role in our health.
The energy emitted by the sun also super charges our mitochondria (the powerhouse of our cells) producing the energy necessary to sustain our cell's function and survival. Sungazing very early at sunrise is an excellent way to ensure we get that energy into the retina of our eyes and charge up our cells for the day.
There are many reasons why this strongly pushed concept of the sun being our enemy has been implemented over time. The amount of profit from pharmaceuticals and beauty products alone is enough to make anyone sell that idea! From sunscreens and sunburn products, to medications and anti-aging skin care etc.
There is a lot of money to be made in convincing an entire population and all future generations to fear something so incredibly vital to our health and well-being. I have always found it convenient that the ones pushing the agenda are the ones with the solutions and reaping the benefits. Create a problem, push the solution. It is a brilliant business plan indeed!
Chemical sunscreens are something I wholeheartedly disagree with. It is my profound belief that they cause more harm than good, and that we have been lied to about their safety (please research the ingredients). There is a negative stigma propagated by faulty information surrounding one of the healthiest and most essential components of nature needed for our ultimate health and vitality.
We all need to be looking at the true reason behind why these "aging" and "skin cancer" concepts were pushed in the first place, and understand that there is much about what we have been taught that is based on faulty information.
Even with pale sensitive skin, melanin can be built. Going very slowly, tanning for short jaunts only and working your way up, is key. These sun blocking creams are laced with toxic ingredients that penetrate straight to our blood stream and cause damage systemically. Never mind the fact that they literally block our ability to synthesize one of the most important nutrients for our health!
*Rule of thumb*: Don't put anything on your skin that you wouldn't eat!
Contrary to popular belief and though very controversial, I wholeheartedly believe it is the use of such toxic products on our skin repeatedly that is one of the major causes of many of the skin cancers we face today. Many of the chemicals in sunscreen are known carcinogens.
What if the products you think are protecting your family are in fact putting them in danger?
It is something I urge everyone to look into! There are increasingly NATURAL sunscreens available on the market, and better yet you can make your own for those lengthy days at the beach if you are worried. But full body exposure, bare skin, and NOT OVER EXPOSING is what is ideal, healthy and necessary. Learn your capacity and do not stay in the sun long enough to burn your skin.
Allowing children to get enough exposure when young does wonders in building enough melanin, removing fear of easy burning in the future. Plus they need Vitamin D as much as we do. Small bouts in the sun when very young is all that is needed. Dress them lightly to prevent overheating and ensure adequate hydration.
Lathering them in cream from birth is exactly why adequate melanin production is never stimulated, creating a lifelong fear of them getting burned every time they are outdoors. Never mind the fact that these children never have a chance to synthesize adequate levels of Vitamin D, something so detrimental to their health long-term.
We should allow our children to be bare skin when only out for small amounts of time, and save the non-toxic sunscreen for long family days outdoors or at the beach!
The way to judge what a good length of time in the sun is, is to always listen to your body and go with how you feel! When you first go in the sun you feel amazing. It's warm and causes almost tingling in your body.
After a certain amount of time you will start to feel slightly agitated or become overheated. This is typically a good time to hit some shade or take a dip in the water. Whatever feels good is what you should be doing. Doesn't matter if it's 10 minute intervals or an hour at a time. Everyone is different and has different skin tones. Listen to your body!
It is time to shed light on the very real purpose and benefit of the sun for health, and to share my passion and belief in taking advantage of nature's beautiful gift as often as you can. We have been convinced that the sun is dangerous and we should avoid it, when in fact if not abused, is one of the most healing things nature has provided.
It is powerfully detoxifying and incredibly essential for healing various health ailments. Please get out in the sun more and try using an organic coconut oil/zinc based sunscreen if you must, instead of chemical ones. Remember, the more skin you expose the better!
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