Sunlight and its role on the human body.

Sunlight and its role on the human body.

 

Sunlight is essential for the human body. Now I will discuss in what way sunlight will help us all. This is my 50th blog on my website.

 

1.Vitamin D: Vitamin D also known as sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D is needed for bones, blood cells  and the immune system. Vitamin D is necessary for regulating calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets in children and chronic body pains and weakness in adults. Adequate exposure of sunlight is needed for vitamin D production.

2.In treatment of neonatal jaundice: In Neonatal jaundice filtered sunlight or early morning sunlight is recommended as a treatment. When sunlight falls on the skin of a baby it converts bilirubin into a non toxic product. In this way sunlight is used for jaundice treatment.

3.Emotional well-being: Sunlight helps boost a chemical in your brain called serotonin, and that can give you more energy and help keep you calm, positive, and focused. In case of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) sunlight or artificial light is used as a treatment.

 

4.Weight loss: Morning light also seems to help people keep the fat off. You need 20 to 30 minutes between 8 a.m to 12Pm to make a difference, but the earlier you get it, the better it seems to work. Scientists think the sun’s rays may shrink fat cells below your skin’s surface. More sunshine means you’re probably getting more exercise too, which is good for weight loss.

5.Eye health: Moderate amounts of sun over your lifetime, especially in your teen and young adult years, might make you less likely to have problems seeing things at a distance. But too much direct sunlight can hurt your eyes. It can lead to blurred vision and raise your chances of cataracts. Always wear Sunglasses with a UV protector when you step out in bright sunlight.

6.Skin care: Researchers think that skin cancer is mostly caused by too much time in the sun. So it’s very important to use sunscreen or cover up if you’re going to be outside longer than 15 minutes or so. But regular, small amounts of ultraviolet light may help ease the symptoms of certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

7.Better Sleep: Your eyes need light to help set your body’s internal clock(circadian rhythm). Early morning sunlight in particular seems to help people get to sleep at night. This may be more important as you age because your eyes are less able to take in light, and you’re more likely to have problems going to sleep. 

8.Natural disinfectant:  Clothes which are dried under sunlight will automatically get disinfected by sunlight. Sunlight contains several rays like UV which helps in disinfection of clothes. All floor mats, carpets, beds, and pillows have to be kept in bright sunlight at least once every 15 days.

 

How much sunlight is enough?

It depends on your skin tone, age, health history, diet, and where you live. In general, scientists 5 to 15 minutes is enough. For dark skinned people film 30minsup to 30 if you’re dark-skinned.

Tips when you step out in sunlight:

1.Try to stay out of the direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest, and take breaks inside. 

2.If you want to go outside in strong sunlight use cloth to cover your exposed areas or use sunscreen lotion with SPF more than 15.

3.Use sunglasses with UV protector while stepping out in sunlight.

 

Caution: Don’t  start any treatment without consulting a doctor.

 

If you like my blog, comment below.

 

Dr Saad athanikar.

MBBS , DNB(ORTHO), MNAMS, FAGE.