My early morning sun definitely looked different in Mauritius than it does here in the UK! But rest assured that you are still getting loads of benefits even if you don’t live at the beach.
The relationship between our bodies and the sun is far more complex than the majority of us realize. And you need to know that when we shield ourselves from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen, we are actually robbing ourselves of many health benefits. You just need to start with short periods of sun and build up. We didn’t wear sunscreen living in Mauritius close to the equator, except maybe for a long day on a catamaran 😉.
You may think that it’s only the sun than gives you sunburn but your internal environment plays a significant role. A diet high in ultra processed foods and pesticides from non organic food can increase oxidative stress in the body, making your skin more vulnerable to damage.
A diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats can help protect your skin from the inside out. Foods like berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish can boost the skin’s natural defense against sun damage.
Now here’s a quick list of benefits we get from direct sunlight:
Gut Health
Sunlight increases microbiome diversity, provides healing support for leaky gut, and stimulates gut motility (goodbye constipation).
Vitamin D
UVB light from summer sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in your body which is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and immune function. Adequate vitamin D also helps reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Note: New research indicates we don’t need vitamin D supplements in the winter because the same receptors for vitamin D in the summer are melatonin receptors in the winter to take advantage of the darkness when the summer UVB goes away and the days are shorter. Therefore, better adaptation to the seasons.
Sleep
Natural sunlight regulates your body’s circadian rhythm which promotes better sleep at night.
Blood Pressure
Sunlight triggers the release of nitric oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. This can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Mental Health
Sunlight stimulates serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that boosts mood and promotes feelings of well-being. More exposure to sunlight can help alleviate symptoms of depression, especially in those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Immune Function
Vitamin D from sunlight plays a key role in modulating immune responses, making your body better equipped to fight off infections and inflammation. Regular exposure can strengthen your immune system.
Cell Health
You are a liquid crystalline battery, made out of water, and charged by sunlight. This water, when exposed to infrared light (a component of sunlight), becomes highly beneficial structured water. It improves cellular hydration, enhances nutrient absorption, and supports detoxification.
This is just another powerful reminder of our deep connection to nature and how it works so powerfully with us to support our health. Don’t ignore it. Embrace it, be grateful for it, and feel amazing.
