Friday, December 01, 2006

Get out in the sunshine



When the days get shorter and the nights get longer, the absence of the sun makes me sad. No, I don't deal "officially" with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but I do get tired. I asked my doctor about it and he said that the sun has a huge part to play in the function of our bodies. His perscription to me? Get out in the sun about 10 minutes each day!! Hey, that's easy!!!

I found this article online and found it very interesting. I figured y'all might find it interesting as well.

Happy sunning!! :)

Get out in the sunshine

The importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for good health that comes in its largest quantities from the sun. Some foods have been fortified with the vitamin, such as milk, but a US study proved that only 30 per cent of the samples tested contained a sufficient recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin D.

Diseases such as rickets, osteoporosis and osteomalacia are kept at bay with a healthy dose of sunshine-induced vitamin D. However, with a lifespan of only one week, vitamin D must be topped up regularly. But even when using sunscreen has been found to hinder vitamin D production, it must still be safely maintained.

The low light levels of winter can cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a prolonged psychological state much like depression. Symptoms are often a poor appetite, considerable weight loss or vice versa, insomnia, agitation or inertia or feelings of worthlessness, guilt and indecisiveness.

SAD can only be relieved by sunlight (via vitamin D) as the sun can raise serotonin levels– the body’s natural happiness chemical. Regular indoor light does not produce the same effect as it does not supply vitamin D.

Vitamin D from the sun’s rays is also essential in building strong bones and teeth. Research also suggests that low vitamin D levels could potentially increase type 1 diabetes, muscle and bone pain.

Women may find that sunshine can relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which include stomach bloating and cramping, breast tenderness, fluid retention, headaches, mood swings and appetite shifts.

Read the entire article here...

7 comments:

Cherish the Home said...

I believe it! Thanks for posting this. (o:

Blessings,
~Mrs.B

Julieann said...

That was very interesting Mrs.U--I hope the sun makes you feel better too:)

P.S. You would never know you were tired from your posts, they are always full of energy:)))

Julieann:)

Amy said...

I find sunshine, or lack of it, really affects my mood and energy levels. Up here, the days are quite short in the winter months and with the extreme cold we are often cooped up in the house for days, or weeks on end. My children needed vitamin D drops as babies, to prevent rickets, because they were at higher risk due to where we live.

Mimi said...

I'm trying to remember to get outside more, now that the weather doesn't naturally take me out there. Thanks for the information and the reminder.

theups said...

Hi Julieann!! I don't get tired all the time- just when it's cloudy!! :) It's bright and sunny here today. YIPPEE!!!

Amy- that is SOOO interesting about the vitamin D drops!! I had no idea that rickets would even show up here in the US!! WOW!!!

Elizabeth and Mrs. B- enjoy the sun!!! I'm so very thankful the Lord made it! :)

His,
Mrs. U

willfulmina said...

What good advice! I'll keep it in mind. I've since finished _Pride and Prejudice_, which made me wish it were longer! Are you as much a fan of the miniseries as I am?

theups said...

Hi Katharine!!
Oh, yes, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the miniseries!!! There is only ONE Mr. Darcy and that's Colin Firth!!! I didn't even bother seeing the newer versions that came out in the theatre. A&E got it right so why should I bother with "imitations"? :)

His,
Mrs. U

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