Mailbag! What’s the RIGHT Amount of Sunshine?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 1, 2023
“How can I get vitamin D from the sun without raising my risk of skin cancer?”
– Rose from Rochester, NY
Hi Rose,
Far too many doctors insist that we must stay out of the sun to avoid skin cancer.
That’s TERRIBLE advice. It ignores the fact that sun exposure is VITAL for optimal health.
Sunlight enables your body to make vitamin D—which regulates your immune system. Plus, sun exposure supports bone health, lowers blood pressure, heals skin issues, improves mental health, REDUCES cancer risk, and more.
The key is to get the RIGHT amount of sunshine instead.
How? Let’s take a closer look.
The most common advice you see is that you get all the vitamin D you need from 15 minutes of sun exposure. If you ask me, that’s bunk.
You see, how much you need depends on your skin tone, your location, and the time of year. That means it’s different for everyone and a shifting number.
Your general goal is to be outside in the sun for 15 to 60 minutes on most days of the week WITHOUT burning. While sunshine is good for your skin, repeated burning raises your risk for skin cancer.
And with the extreme temperatures that many parts of the country are experiencing this summer, remember to practice heat safety. Stay hydrated, and don’t overdo it!
I suggest downloading an app like “dminder” for your smartphone. You personalize the app with details like your location, skin tone, and age, and it will tell you the optimal time to be outside and for how long to meet your vitamin D needs.
Following are a few more sun-safety suggestions…
Dr. Scott’s Sun Survival Tips
- Go outside in the morning or evening, not in the middle of the day.
- Use sun-blocking strategies: a tent, umbrella, or sun-blocking clothing are great options.
- Don’t ever burn. A light tan is great for everyone, but don’t stay outside long enough to burn.
- Choose a natural mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens use zinc or magnesium to block the rays. They do tend to look white on the skin, but when sunscreen is needed, they’re the best way to avoid burns without exposing yourself to cancer-linked chemicals.
Don’t avoid the sun (and its priceless gift of vitamin D). Embrace it WISELY.
P.S. Just because the sun produces an essential nutrient doesn’t mean you can’t OVERDO it. So what’s the difference between too much and just enough? CLICK HERE for the scoop.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Sneaky Microplastic Invaders Cross the Gut Barrier
We’re under attack, invaded by an invisible enemy worming its way into every nook and cranny of our lives… and bodies. I’m talking about microplastics, those tiny, insidious plastic particles contaminating our water, food, and even the air we breathe. It’s a full-blown crisis, and it’s happening right under our noses! Scientists have sounded the...
Humble Gut Bugs are Heart Disease Superheroes
Unless you’ve been living on a remote island, you likely have an idea of how vital good gut health is for your overall well-being. After all, what we’ve learned about the microbiome’s relationship to our health in the last few years is nothing short of mind-blowing. A well-balanced microbiome has been linked to a lower...
Forget Fasting and Try THIS Instead
Thirty years ago, one of my hippie cousins gave me a jar filled with liquid and a mysterious white blob floating in it. Puzzled, I asked them what it was. They called it a “kombucha tea starter.” I was curious enough to give it a shot and make some of the tea. The process was...
Five Game-Changing “Hacks” for Optimal Health
The other day, a patient told me she was doing “everything” she could for her health. When I asked her what she meant, much to my surprise, she told me she stopped using the microwave. I assure you that’s NOT everything. Sure, microwaving food has some downsides. But let’s be realistic; avoiding them won’t significantly...
The Vitamin NO Diabetic Can Afford to Ignore
The fact that so many Americans STILL have low vitamin D is puzzling. After all, the research showing how VITAL the vitamin is to our health is overwhelming. For example, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels reduces the risk of osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disease, respiratory infections, depression, and more. But new research...
Mailbag: Holistic Hacks to Manage Parkinson’s Symptoms
“My husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and I’ve noticed that his tremors and stiffness seem to be getting worse. Is there anything that can slow the disease? I’m worried about the side effects of his medications.” -Barb Hi Barb, A holistic approach focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and brain health is essential to...
One Ingredient Diet Hack TRANSFORMS Your Health
Trust me, I get it. You TRULY want to improve your health and feel and look better. However, just thinking about dieting makes you feel frustrated, exhausted, and ready to give up before you even get started. Because, let’s be honest, change is hard. But what if I told you that improving your health doesn’t...
Microplastic Mayhem Threatens Your Heart [ALERT]
As a regular Living Well Daily reader, you likely already know quite a bit about microplastics. After all, I’ve often written about the dangers they pose to our health. More research is needed to determine the precise damage ingesting microplastics causes, but we’ve already learned a thing or two. For example, studies have linked them...
Eyes Unlock Dementia Secrets a DECADE Early
The eyes are the window to the soul. We all know the old saying, of course. Its precise origins are unclear (it’s been attributed to the Bible, William Shakespeare, and Leonardo Da Vinci), but we know it’s true. After all, our eyes DO have a way of exposing our feelings. However, it’s not just emotions...
End the Afternoon Slump with THIS Evening Trick
We often joke about the afternoon slump and drifting off in our easy chairs. But the reality is when that fatigue keeps you from doing the things you love (or need) to do, your quality of life takes a serious hit. Take napping, for example. A daytime nap can be a refreshing luxury when you...