The Sun is Not Toxic, You Are
The fear portrayed about the sun is frightening to me. Every living being is dependent on the sun for energy, nutrients, and overall health. So many humans are sun and light deficient. As a naturopathic doctor, it is well known in our industry that summer months are our slowest when it comes to business because people are out in the sun getting those vital nutrients, getting more light through the skin and eyes, and are happier and healthier. As much as it might not be good for business, I want to express the importance of the sun and ways we can optimize our bodies to prevent sun damage and skin cancer.
When the sun gets demonized, I often question why. The sun synthesizes one of the most important nutrients for our immune system and hormone health, Vitamin D. This nutrient is low in every single one of my clients. Additionally, the sun renews our cells; it has something known as red light rays that actually stimulate the mitochondria and help with cell regeneration. Not only that, it helps with circulation throughout the body, supporting something known as nitric oxide, which vasodilates (widens) our blood vessels and helps to fight pathogens. You know when your skin gets blotchy in the sun? You are not having an allergic reaction; you are experiencing increased blood flow to your skin and smaller vessels throughout your body.
When I say "the sun is not toxic, you are," I mean it is not the sun causing DNA damage and increasing your risk of skin cancer. It is the fact that when we are in the sun, we are often sipping on glyphosate-rich beer, vaping e-cigs, consuming seed-oil chips, and eating nitrate-laden deli meats with enriched toxic bread. All of these things deplete antioxidants, which protect us from excess damage from UV light. We need a healthy balance between oxidative stress (things that cause damage) and antioxidants (things that protect our cells and organs). When we don’t have that balance, we experience DNA damage and increase our risk for all forms of cancer, not just skin cancer. Many of us have antioxidant-depleting diets and lifestyle choices, and on top of all that, we have a chemically toxic environment that doesn’t help.
So, how can we protect ourselves so that the sun is vital and not damaging? We need to increase our antioxidants and reduce our toxic loads. First and foremost, eating whole foods, reducing alcohol consumption, and cleaning up your environment and products is essential. Then, adding in protective foods when you are more exposed to UV light is crucial.
Research has shown that consuming foods rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, can significantly enhance skin health by improving its structural integrity and providing protection against UV-induced damage (Pullar et al., 2017). Chlorella-derived peptide (CDP) helps protect your skin from UVB sun damage by stopping the increase of harmful enzymes and inflammation in skin cells. This means chlorella can help prevent early skin aging and boost collagen production (Chen et al., 2011).
So, before going out into the sun, eating dark-pigmented veggies and fresh fruit can help protect the body. Examples include berries, grapefruit, papaya, lemons, chlorella powder, seaweed, spirulina, and matcha. Another important step is using a zinc-oxide sunscreen with vitamin E and other moisturizing oils, free of chemicals, because the skin layer is very absorptive. It wouldn’t make sense for us to put chemicals on our skin, adding more oxidative stress to the body.
Melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of our skin, hair, and eyes, plays a crucial role in protecting the body from the harmful effects of UV radiation. It acts as a natural sunscreen by absorbing and dissipating UV rays, thereby preventing DNA damage in skin cells. Higher levels of melanin provide more protection against the sun's harmful effects, reducing the risk of skin cancer and other skin-related issues.
Melanin also has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. This further protects the skin from oxidative stress and reduces the risk of premature aging. Additionally, melanin helps in the repair of damaged DNA by facilitating the removal of UV-induced DNA lesions. This protective mechanism is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing mutations that can lead to cancer.
Exposing your eyes to the sun throughout the day without sunglasses helps your body produce melanin. The sunlight reflex into the eyes signals to the brain to produce melanin, so when we are wearing sunglasses all day, we may be missing some of those protective effects. Also, allowing your body to slowly build up a base with short bursts of sun from 10 am to 3 pm is essential. You want to start low and slow to build that extra protection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sun is not the enemy; our lifestyle choices and environmental factors are. By understanding the crucial role the sun plays in our overall health and well-being, we can take proactive steps to protect ourselves while still reaping its benefits. Increasing our intake of antioxidants through a balanced diet, minimizing exposure to harmful substances, and using natural sun protection can help us enjoy the sun safely. Remember, the key is balance and mindful living. The sun is essential for our health, and with the right approach, we can harness its power without the fear of damage.
References:
Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017 Aug 12;9(8):866. doi: 10.3390/nu9080866. PMID: 28805671; PMCID: PMC5579659.
Chen CL, Liou SF, Chen SJ, Shih MF. Protective effects of Chlorella-derived peptide on UVB-induced production of MMP-1 and degradation of procollagen genes in human skin fibroblasts. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2011 Jun;60(1):112-9. doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2011.03.001. Epub 2011 Mar 21. PMID: 21397653.
