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Healthy Fun in the Summer Sun!
By admin | August 21, 2008
By Dr. Mark William Cochran
Oh no! A sunbeam! RUN!!!
Unfortunately, that is how many people react to a beautiful, sunny summer day. Despite what we have been led to believe in recent years, there is no need to fear sunshine. Human skin is designed to be exposed to the sun. It is safe, healthy and necessary! Our primary source of vitamin D is through sun exposure. Some foods contain vitamin D and of course there are vitamin D supplements available, but exposure to the sun is the primary means Nature gave us to get the vitamin D we need. The skin also contains a built in sunscreen called melanin. As we are exposed to the sun, our melanin builds up, gives us a nice tan, and provides us protection from the rays of the sun. Many people already know that the more tan we are, the less easily we will burn.
Of course, as with anything else, we do not want to overdo it. Sunburn, like any other burn, is an injury best avoided. Although moderate sun exposure is necessary, overexposure can lead to premature aging of the skin, and basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
Sunscreen facts
- Most sunscreens do not filter out UVA, the wavelengths that cause Melanoma
- Sunscreen does block UVB which is necessary for Vitamin D synthesis.
- Sunscreen contains toxic chemicals—lots of ‘em. The skin is an absorptive organ. (You are probably familiar with the patches that are used as a mechanism for delivering medications for weight loss, birth control and nicotine addiction.) What goes on, gets in!
Cancer Facts
- Evidence that sun causes melanoma is weak and inconclusive, at best, according to Skin Cancer Breakthrough Program by Kurt Greenberg.
- Melanoma tends to occur on areas of the body where sunscreen is used the most. (Greenberg)
- A recent Russian study showed that Melanoma rates are highest among those who avoid the sun and who work indoors.
- Melanoma rates are two times higher in people who work under fluorescent lights. (British Medical Journal)
- Tanned skin from sun exposure is less susceptible to the potentially harmful effects of fluorescent lights.
- Since the introduction of sunscreens, skin cancer rates have increased not decreased. The melanoma rate has doubled since 1973.
- Skin cancer is closely related to a dietary deficiency common in the United States—too few omega 3 compared to omega 6 fatty acids in the diet.
- People who have greater UVB exposure have lower cancer mortality rates, especially from breast, colon and ovarian cancers.
- People with higher Vitamin D levels have lower rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, infertility and PMS, fatigue and depression, autoimmune disorders, and obesity.
Toxins in Sunscreen
Some of the sunscreen you apply to your skin enters the bloodstream, and the longer it is on your skin, the more is absorbed. Chemicals found in sunscreen have been known to produce the following toxic effects.
- Generate free radicals
- Liver and kidney tumors in lab mice
- Damage to DNA
Estrogen surrogates, aka “gender benders” cause reproductive disorders in humans including deformed or stunted genetalia. They may also be contributing to the rise in prostate, breast, testicular and uterine cancers.
Estrogen mimickers may lead to reproductive problems and increased risk of cancer. In women they may lead to increased uterine and breast cancer, endometriosis, and disruption of the menstrual cycle. In men they may lead to testicular cancer, lower sperm counts, breast enlargement, and loss of sex drive.
Sunscreen chemicals found in fish in Germany have turned some of them into hermaphrodites.
So, what do we do!?
Remember first and foremost that Nature designed you to be a perfect, beautiful and healthy being. Nature’s design is the best. So enjoy a moderate amount of sun exposure every day. This is important for vitamin D synthesis and to build up your body’s own natural sunscreen. Don’t burn! A burn is an injury. Minimize the use of sunscreen, especially on kids. Be most careful during hours when sun rays are most direct (early afternoon). When you want to block the sun’s rays, use clothing, hats and sunglasses. Enjoy a balanced diet of fresh, whole foods including plenty of omega 3 fatty acids from veggies and fish. The omega 9’s in olive oil are also beneficial.
Have fun in the sun!
Dr. Mark Cochran is a Chiropractor with a unique and powerful approach to healing, health and life. His practice, The Café of Life, is located at 410 Sherman Avenue, Suite 209 in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. You can reach him at 208-664-6359 or by email at TurnOnLife@juno.com.
Topics: General Content | 4 Comments »
June 16th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
free radicals are dangerous because they can cause cancer.”`,
June 17th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Bob Marley died of Melanoma right ?’,,
June 20th, 2010 at 1:18 am
Sunblocks can also reduce the incidence of skin cancer by preventing UV to harm your skin.:~.
July 29th, 2010 at 10:16 am
you can reduce the risk of skin cancer buy using sunblocks if you are going to get prolonged exposure to the sun .’-