Sunlight has had a lot of
bad press lately.
Too much can definitely
be hazardous. Those who bathe in it for long hours without sunscreen
protection increase their chances of developing
skin cancer. Those who spend much time outdoors in blazing hot countries are
at increased risk for cataracts (especially if they are also consuming a low
protein diet). But there is another side to sunlight - one we often forget. Every life form on this planet
needs sunlight to survive. Man is no exception. Sunlight hitting the skin is
converted (with the aid of cholesterol) into vitamin D. This vitamin is
required to mineralize bones and teeth, to form certain enzymes, and to
produce specific forms of ribonucleic acid (RNA). Vitamin D supplements are
available for those who do not get enough exposure to sunlight. But sunlight
does more for us than just produce vitamin D. We have a very important
gland that requires light in order to function properly. That gland is the
pineal, a tiny pea-shaped structure within the brain. Its secretions are
greatly influenced by light that fall, on the forehead and eyes. There is no
dietary supplement. However that can substitute for this response to light. The pineal gland is
incredibly important. It influences sex organs and bodily development. It
inhibits the excess production of hormones by other endocrine glands and can
retard the growth of both malignant and benign tumours. The pineal secretes
melatonin, seratonin, pinealin, lysine vasopressin, norepinephrine,
acetylcholine, and histamine. These substances have many, many functions -
including helping to regulate blood sugar levels, influencing adrenal
hormones, protecting the pancreas from oxidative damage, and helping to
control fluid retention. Scientists have not yet discovered all there is to
know about the pineal. Canadians are deprived of
sun- light for much of the year. 1n some areas smog and pollution reduce
available sunlight. Many of us are too busy working indoors to enjoy those
rare sunny days. On the whole, Canadians probably err on the side of too
little sunlight rather than too much. Somehow we need to find a balance. If the pineal gland does
not have adequate sunlight, it will try to make do with whatever it can get.
Artificial, indoor lighting provides only a small portion of the wavelengths
of light that the sun does. The missing wavelengths make a difference to our
health. Many Canadians, starting
in October, suffer from the winter “blues" also known as Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD). Possible symptoms may include some of the
following: low energy, fatigue, low sexual desire, lethargy, sadness,
irritability, anxiety, increased sleep or poor sleep, daytime drowsiness,
carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, feelings of worthlessness or guilt,
diminished ability to concentrate, physical agitation, arthritic-like pains
and difficulty in getting along with others. These symptoms disappear in the
spring, upon adequate continuing exposure to sunlight. It is now possible to
bring sunlight indoors, so to speak. Full spectrum indoor lighting is
available. These special fluorescent lamps approximate the total wavelengths
of sunlight. Exposure to them for two or more hours per day can often reverse
the symptoms of SAD within a few days. Even
if you are not affected by winter depression, your health may benefit in
other ways from full spectrum lighting. Such lighting has been found to
reduce hyperactivity- in children, to improve productivity and reduce absenteeism
in the workplace, and to improve calcium absorption. It can also reduce eye
strain, especially from television and computer screens. People who use full
spectrum lighting report that they feel more alert, more energetic and
healthier. The ideal way to obtain
the health benefits of sunlight is directly from the source. Each day, spend
at least 20 minutes outdoors (preferably before 10 AM or after 4 PM), without
eyeglasses or sunglasses. With your eyes closed. aim your forehead and eyes
toward the sun. If this kind of access to the Sun is not possible, then
indoor full spectrum lighting is your next best alternative. SUN THERAPY Every day from sun rise
to 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. to sun set go outside and lay in the sun. Let the
sun shine on your bare skin, also, open your eyes and look at the sun for a
second. Close your eyes and let the sun shine through your eyelids. You will
see all different colors and when the colors fade open your eyes again, look
at the sun, close your eyes and let the sun shine through your eyelids again.
Repeat the above 40 – 50 times. Remove your glasses or contact lenses. If it
is too cold and you can not lay in the sun just look at the sun. When the sun
shines through your eyelids and shines on your body you will absorb all the
minerals. You do not sunburn or tan before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. this is
when the sun has a perfect color spectrum. It is only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
when the ultra violet rays are to high, that is when it is harmful to the
body. SCHAFER’S HEALTH CENTRE
LTD. Box 251 Unity,
Sask. SOK 4L0 Telephone: (306) 228-2512 |