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
Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell
I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...
7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills
On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...
Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions
“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...
New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High
A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....