MAILBAG: Shining a Light on Sun Exposure Safety
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 11, 2023
“I’ve heard that being in the sun is good for you, but what about skin cancer? How can the sun be both good and bad for you?”
– Pam, Indianapolis, IN
Hi Pam,
That’s exactly right! Sunlight IS both good and bad for you.
And like so many things, the truth about how much you should get is somewhere between the claims of the never-sun people and the sun-doesn’t-hurt-you folks.
Too MUCH sunlight can indeed damage our skin. If you want proof, take a look at your buttocks in a mirror. (Yes, REALLY.)
Most of us have covered up that part of our body for our entire lives, and as a result, it’s soft, smooth, and damage-free.
But our bodies NEED sun exposure. The poster child for this critical connection is vitamin D, created when sunlight strikes our skin.
Vitamin D has bunches of benefits for our bodies, including promoting stronger bones, a healthier heart and brain, and improved sleep.
Melatonin… a VITAL hormone that helps with sleep and your circadian rhythm… is also produced in response to sunlight levels.
It’s only recently in our history that we risked not getting enough sun. These days we spend most of our time indoors. And when we do go outside, we cover our skin in clothing and slather on sunscreen to avoid the sunlight.
The key to healthy sun exposure is the DOSE.
You may have heard that you only need 15 minutes of sun a day. But that guideline doesn’t consider that MOST of us have circumstances that affect how much sunlight we need.
They may include…
- living too far north
- covering your body entirely with clothes
- wearing sunscreen
- having darker skin
- not going outside at the right time
- being a senior
I suggest people step outside for some sun in the early morning or right before sunset. Aim for a minimum of 20 minutes daily. The sun’s rays are not as intense at those times, so your risk of overexposure is far lower.
Embrace the sunlight. Just do it mindfully.
P.S. As unlikely as it sounds, getting MORE sunlight is linked to a LOWER risk of developing breast cancer. CLICK HERE for the explanation.
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
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...
Separating Diet Fact from Fad
We’ve all been there, scrolling through social media, bombarded by images of perfectly arranged açai bowls and bulletproof coffee, wondering if this is the secret to optimal health. In a world of juice cleanses, paleo, gluten-free, and acai-topped everything, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of the latest and greatest diet trends. But...